West Brookfield Select Board Places Prop 2.5 Override on May Ballot

Select Board · Meeting of February 17, 2026

West Brookfield Select Board votes to put a Proposition 2.5 override on the May 2026 ballot amid a $720,000 budget gap. The board voted unanimously Tuesday after debating whether to seek voter approval in May or through a special election following the annual town meeting, with members citing the cost of a special election, estimated at a few thousand dollars, and the need to present a fundable budget at town meeting. Town Administrator Teresa reported the gap had grown from an earlier estimate of roughly $600,000, that certified free cash stands at only $281,000 and cannot be relied upon, and that budget reviews have so far identified $170,000 in cuts across departments.

With the town and the Quaboag Regional school district splitting the gap evenly, each side faces roughly $360,000 in reductions, leaving approximately $190,000 still unresolved on the municipal side. The board also agreed to facilitate a joint meeting with the Board of Health and Conservation Commission after the Lake Wickaboag Preservation Association requested a shift in oversight of the town's lake weed-management program, and heard from attorney Michael Terry that a dangerous-dog hearing is now set for April 10.

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Source: the Select Board meeting of February 17, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.