Town Officials Anticipate a $1.2 Million Deficit

Town officials are finalizing a budget for the upcoming fiscal year, taking into account a $1.2 million deficit -- and expected increase in revenues.

The next fiscal year doesn't begin until July 1, 2012, but department heads are already meeting with selectmen to discuss spending plans, according to a story posted on Boston.com. The Fiscal Year 2013 budget has a projected 1.66 percent increase overall.

Though officials are working around a $1.2 deficit, they are counting on an additional $2.33 million in revenue, mostly due to an increase of the tax levy, plus $850,000 in new growth, the story reports. 

Boston.com reported the following budget projections for town departments: 

• A 2.81 percent increase for the Police Department, including the cost of hiring an additional officer.
• A 1.97 percent increase for Public Works, which includes road improvements.
• A 2.28 percent increase for human services, which includes more cash for food service inspections. 
• A 0.87 percent increase in the culture and recreation department, plus a 3.98 percent for employee benefits. 

For more information about the budget process, read the full story.