 Dalton Finance to Discuss Budget Freeze, CBRSD WednesdayThe Finance Committee will be reviewing whether a budget freeze is necessary, considering ongoing financial concerns. Dalton Budget 'Worse-Case Scenario' Could Mean Staffing CutsIn the worst-case scenario, the town could be forced to reduce staff if projected increases in the school budget, health insurance, and other uncontrollable costs occur. Dalton Prepares for Challenging Budget SeasonAs the town embarks on a challenging budget season, the new town manager has already put forth cost mitigation options. Dalton Finance Anticipates Challenges Budget SeasonThe Finance Committee will soon embark on its budget planning process, which comes with a notable challenge. Dalton to Decide Budget Changes, CBRSD AgreementFour articles are to authorize funding for specific projects and address budget changes and the fifth will revisit the Central Berkshire Regional School District's regional agreement.  Dalton Police Budget Passes on Second TryVoters approved all six articles on the special town meeting warrant on Thursday, including a contentious police budget. Dalton Finance Committee Split on Police BudgetThe Police Department budget continues to prove contentious, as the Finance Committee narrowly approved a budget of $1,644,378.  Dalton Chief: Budget Cuts Would Affect Staffing, Response TimesPolice Chief Deanna Strout warned Monday night that significant cuts to her budget would mean losing officers, K-9s and community policing programs.  Dalton Nixes Police Budget, High School Site Change; Suspends Town MeetingWith another dozen articles still left, voters elected just before 11 p.m. to suspend the annual town meeting and reconvene on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Budget, Election Recall, High School Site on Dalton Meeting WarrantVoters at the annual town meeting on Monday, May 5, will decide on 31 articles, a few of which have sparked debate within the town. Dalton Finance Approves Amended Police BudgetThe amended budget of $1,664,924 is $14,564 less than what was originally requested. This is still an increase of $129,668 increase from this year. Dalton Police Department Budget Fails at FinanceThe department proposed a budget of $1,679,488, a $144,232 or 9.39 percent, increase mainly caused by salary increases. Dalton Finance Chipping Away at Department BudgetsThe Finance Committee voted to decrease several budget lines during its meeting last week. Dalton Day In Need of SponsorshipsThis year, the town will not receive ARPA funds because it was a response to aid towns during the pandemic. Dalton Officials Begin FY2026 Budget ReviewFiscal 2026 will be mixed — slight increases because of the end ARPA but offsets using the last of the funds for supplies.  Dalton OKs $22M Budget; Tables Concrete Sidewalk ArticleVoters approved all but one of the 22 articles on the warrant at the annual town meeting on Monday night at Wahconah Regional High School. Dalton Plans for Technology ChangesTown meeting will be asked to approve the use of $20,040 in free cash toward the purchase of 15 new computers. Dalton Sees Budget Increases for SoftwareThe Finance Committee last week discussed increases in next year's budget from software updates and changes that improve security. |
