Oakham Finance Committee Holds Cemetery Budget at $9,900, Gap Stays at $131,000

OAKHAM — April 1, 2026 — Oakham Finance Committee leaves $131,000 budget shortfall unresolved after April 1 meeting. Finance Committee Chair Corey Packard and members Claire, Vinny, and remote member Dondra approved level funding of $9,900 for the Cemetery Commission after Cemetery Commission Chair Matt Brunel warned that cutting the budget would leave no margin for emergency tree work or headstone repairs — and that a single fallen tree could cost $40,000 to $60,000 to remediate. The committee also zeroed out Parks and Recreation and held the Conservation Commission at $500 total. Packard pushed back on community speculation that $250,000 in outstanding unpaid taxes could close the deficit, estimating realistic collections at 10 to 20 percent after legal costs: "I think it's hilarious that people think that is going to save our budget." The committee meets jointly with the Select Board on April 7, with the school budget — not yet finalized — expected to be the largest remaining variable in closing the gap.