10/24/2026
Today the Town Board moved the Tentative Budget to “Preliminary” meaning that it will be available for final passage on November 9th after a public hearing. Let’s talk about a few great things in this budget:
- There are NO changes to the tax levy. No version of the budget EVER included a need or request for more taxes!
- Not only that but the current budget calls for hundreds of thousands LESS in appropriations. Don’t listen to anyone wanting to tell you there is more spending here: there is much less.
- Even with less spending required, the budget includes allocations for our two 2027 grant priorities: upgrading the Scenic Overlook and revising the Comprehensive Plan
- How did our town Budget Officer (Lisa Moore) do this? The same way she created budgets for dozens of years in corporate: by examining every expense, and asking all department heads what they really needed, and finding ways to compromise.
Ultimately, compromises were made with folks across the board as well. That is what positive leadership looks like. Lisa Listens—and then she gets the job done.
No changes in South Bristol taxes for 2027. At the special budget workshop reconvened from October 10 on October 24, the town board moved to accept the preliminary 2027 budget. A public hearing on the final budget will be scheduled for November 9, 6pm, followed by the regular board meeting. At today’s meeting, the board looked at various options in preparation for a long range plan to pay off our large bond debt. Over 2027, the town hopes to have a number of community workshops to get input. Thank you particularly to Al Carvill and Bruce Capron of the Finance Committee for the hours of research and their time with each Councilmember on this topic. More information on today’s meeting can be found on the town’s website under Important Information>Presenting 2027 Preliminary Budget 10.24.26.