Charlton Finance Committee Receives Fire, Library, Building, and Sewer Budget Requests for Fiscal 2027

CHARLTON — February 25, 2026 — Charlton Finance Committee hears sweeping FY27 budget requests, defers building fee vote. The committee received budget presentations from the Fire, Library, Water/Sewer, and Building departments at its February 25 session, with the Fire Department consuming most of the evening as Chief Rob outlined a plan to hire five firefighters — bringing the roster to 28 — raise the minimum staffing floor to six, activate a third ALS-licensed ambulance, and launch a per diem staffing program ahead of the department's first-ever dual-station operation, targeted for October 2026. Building Inspector Kurt Meskis presented a draft fee schedule that would more than double the single-family home permit fee from $1,300 to $3,000, arguing the department costs roughly $419,000 to run while collecting only about $220,000 per year; the committee asked for a projected revenue analysis before voting, with a joint Finance Committee and Select Board session in April as the likely action date. Town Administrator Andrew reported the Dudley-Charlton Regional School District's draft FY27 budget came in at approximately 7.45 percent — well below an initial 11 percent projection — while a health insurance shift to Mass Strategic Health Group could yield a zero percent rate increase for employees willing to accept a $500 individual/$1,000 family deductible. The committee voted unanimously to approve its January 21 minutes and recognized Andrew and Finance Director Ashley for receiving the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for fiscal year 2024.