by Frank Schroth

The Warrant Committee report contained in the 2014 Town Warrant states:

Looking ahead to FY16 it is clear that the Town has reached the end point of being able to fund department budgets without an operational override.

For FY15, the increase in revenue as allowed by Proposition 2 ½ is $1,606,649 (based on 2.5% of the FY14 levy of $64,265,958). For FY16 the increase would be $1,654,315, based on the FY15 levy of $66,172,607. This sum is manifestly insufficient (in both FY15 and certainly in FY16) to cover even the contractual salary and wage increases for the Town and School departments .  .  .  As the Warrant Committee looks ahead to the FY16 budget process, we expect to face steep cuts in services without a contingent budget and a successful override in its support. We expect to have early discussions with the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee to determine the amount of a potential override.  (page 27 of 2014 Annual Town Warrant)