BERLIN — Town officials will present the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget to the Board of Finance Monday at 7 p.m. and they encourage residents to participate.
Town Manager Ryan Curley said the town follows a structured and transparent process outlined in the Town Charter each year to guide financial planning and public input.
“Public participation is an important part of this process. Following the Board of Finance review, the proposed budgets will advance to an annual Budget Hearing, Town Council consideration and ultimately to a town-wide referendum on April 28,” Curley stated.
Under the charter, all town departments must submit their budget requests to the town manager by mid-January. Curley said he has spent the past several weeks working with department heads to review those requests, evaluate expected revenues and assess operating needs and capital projects across town government.
At the same time, the Board of Education conducted its own review process with Superintendent Dr. Brian Benigni to develop a proposed education budget.
Both the proposed town budget and the Board of Education budget will now be formally presented to the Board of Finance. The board will begin its review, hold public discussions and receive input from residents and town staff.
Budget documents for fiscal year 2027 are available for residents to review, including the town manager’s General Fund budget submission to the Board of Finance.
Curley encouraged residents to review the proposed budgets, attend upcoming meetings and share feedback, helping the budget reflect local priorities while remaining fiscally responsible.