Great Barrington Approves $16.3 Million FY27 Operating Budget, Backs Debt Exclusion Ballot Measure

LENOX — April 8, 2026 — Great Barrington Finance Committee and Select Board approve $16.3 million FY27 operating budget and split on debt exclusion versus override. Meeting jointly on April 8, the Finance Committee voted 3 to 1 to recommend a debt exclusion ballot measure while the Select Board voted 4 to 1 for a Proposition 2½ permanent override — with the debt exclusion carrying as the operative recommendation. Town Manager Liz presented the operating budget of $16,345,834, reduced from roughly $17.2 million after the boards ordered approximately $1 million in cuts; the capital budget was cut from $5.4 million to $2.3 million, with the $1.6 million Shaw Bridge project removed entirely. Both bodies approved department group budgets unanimously across five categories — General Government, Public Safety, Department of Public Works, Cultural Recreation and Human Services, and Miscellaneous — with parking enforcement's $20,000 line item moved to a special warrant article. A Finance Committee member noted the estimated tax impact of either a $2 million override or debt exclusion is $518 per year for the average household. The annual town meeting is set for Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Berkshire Hills Regional School District's high school, where voters will act on the full budget and warrant articles including skate park staffing, lifeguards, and a co-responder program.