Kingston Faces Budget Crunch, Considers Override for FY2026
Public safety departments brace for potential cuts as town grapples with tight finances
KINGSTON - January 14 - Kingston officials are wrestling with a challenging budget for fiscal year 2026, proposing a 4.12% increase that may require a Proposition 2 1/2 override to maintain current service levels. The town's public safety departments face potential cuts that could impact response times and staffing levels.
Town Administrator Keith Hickey presented the proposed budget to the Board of Selectmen on Jan. 14, emphasizing the difficult financial position the town faces.
"This budget meets the goal that was established by the Budget Advisory Committee back in October of no more than, well let me back up. I think ultimately the goal was to have presented an initial budget to the Board of Selectmen that does not need a proposition two and a half override," Hickey said.
The proposed budget aims to stay within the town's levy limit, but at a cost. Fire Chief Mark Douglass warned that reduced funding could lead to longer response times for emergency calls.
"Without a lot of drama, very simple increased call response times. It's that simple. It's going to take you longer to get a fire truck or an ambulance," Douglass said.
He added that the department has seen a significant increase in call volume, with ambulance revenue reaching $1,698,000 this year. Reducing staff could impact both response times and revenue.
Police Chief Brian Holmes highlighted the need for additional officers and training to meet the department's growing demands. The police department has seen a 23.88% increase in calls from 2023 to 2024.
"You're looking at an increase of about 22% or $6.246 million," Holmes said, referring to the department's request for additional staffing and resources.
The budget constraints come as Kingston faces increased demands on its services, including impacts from a nearby emergency shelter housing program.
Board member Tyler Bouchard expressed frustration with the situation, calling it "an absolute disgrace from mismanagement from the up high" and criticizing unfunded mandates from state and federal governments.
The town is also grappling with uncertainty around school budgets. The Kingston School Committee and Silver Lake Regional School District have yet to finalize their budgets, which could significantly impact the town's overall financial picture.
Hickey emphasized the importance of making a decision on a potential override soon. "The earlier that a decision is made on whether a proposition two-and-a-half override is going to move forward or not, the earlier it's made public and the more information you can provide the public as to why that proposition two and a half override is being requested very closely correlates with the approval from the community of an override," he said.
The Board of Selectmen scheduled additional meetings to review the budget in detail, including a session on Jan. 21 to hear from department heads about their needs and potential impacts of cuts.
Board Chair Eric Crone stressed the need for careful consideration of the town's options. "I think we're gonna have to put some pressure on everybody involved. I know it's tough. I mean the increases last year and this year in the schools are incredibly tough," he said.
The town meeting, where voters will have the say on the budget and any potential override, is scheduled for April 26. An override would also need to pass at the ballot box, presumably during the annual town election May 17.