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Belchertown’s preliminary FY27 budget shows a projected $414,000 deficit, requiring about $215,000 in school reductions and $199,000 in municipal department reductions to balance spending. The budget also anticipates a 15%–16% health insurance increase and a proposed 50/50 split of available free cash between operations and long-term financial needs.
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The town has not finalized the FY27 budget. Officials are reviewing reductions while preserving restricted override funds for firefighters, an ambulance lease, and a grant writer position. The school budget would increase 2.4%, or $786,000, while declining enrollment and growing special education and English-language support needs continue to affect costs.
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