submitted by Matt Coogan
Town Administrator/CPO
Town of Boxford
FY27 Budget Highlights Transparency, Stability, and
No Override
BOXFORD − The Boxford Select Board has finalized and closed the warrant for the Annual Town Meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at Masconomet Regional High School. The warrant includes 21 articles covering the FY27 operating budget, capital investments, and community priorities.
The full warrant is available on the town website: boxfordma.gov/TownMeeting2026. Supporting materials for each article will be available on the website.
At the center of the warrant is Article 4, the Town’s proposed $47.1 million FY27 operating budget, an increase of 4.7% over FY26. Approximately 67% of spending is dedicated to education, while the remainder supports core municipal services, infrastructure, and public safety.
For the second consecutive year, the Town is presenting the budget through an interactive ClearGov digital platform, continuing its commitment to transparency and accessibility. Boxford’s inaugural use of ClearGov last year earned the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, recognizing excellence in communicating complex financial information.
The FY27 budget:
- Maintains overall level general government services
- Reflects public safety savings from the transition to the North Shore Regional 911 Center
- Supports ongoing infrastructure investments
- Remains balanced within Proposition 2½, with no overrides required
“This is a strong, disciplined budget,” said Select Board Chair Chuck Costello. “By making reductions in spending and limiting new operating costs, we were able to produce a budget that holds property taxes below the Proposition 2 ½ levy limit without impacting essential services.”
“We worked closely with our partners to stay within Proposition 2½,” said Finance Committee Chair Michael White. “We appreciate the collaboration of the School Committee, Masconomet Regional School Committee, and Town departments in delivering a balanced budget.”
Residents can now explore the FY27 Proposed Budget through the Town’s digital budget book: https://lnkd.in/ee6zug5Z. The link provides access to an interactive, user-friendly platform, offering a deeper look into how Town resources are allocated across departments and services.
In addition to the operating budget, the warrant includes:
- Masconomet MSBA Feasibility Study (Article 6): Funding design work for potential roof and HVAC upgrades, with anticipated state reimbursement
- Capital and Financial Planning Articles: Including capital purchases, stabilization funding, and targeted use of Free Cash
- Community Preservation (CPC) Projects: Investments in recreation, open space, and historic preservation
- Stiles Pond Beach Operations: Establishing a revolving fund and user fee structure to support Town-run operations
To help residents prepare for Town Meeting, a Moderator’s Forum will be held on Tuesday, May 5 at 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall, where all warrant articles will be presented and explained.
“Town Meeting is where these decisions come to life,” said Town Administrator Matt Coogan. “I encourage all residents to review the materials, attend the Moderator’s Forum, and most importantly — vote.”
More information will be available at www.boxfordma.gov/
TownMeeting2026. ♦
