Whitman Faces $1.3M Budget Deficit as Town Moves to Protect Taxpayers

Whitman officials are warning of a challenging financial road ahead, as the Select Board and Finance Committee reviewed a projected $1.3 million operating deficit for Fiscal Year 2027. The shortfall is driven by rising costs, including a 7.28% increase in county pension assessments and an expected 10–11% jump in health insurance expenses, while state aid and local revenue growth remain flat. Despite roughly $1 million in new revenue, only about $640,000 is available to offset these pressures, raising concerns that budget cuts or another override vote may be unavoidable.

At the same time, the town is preparing to assume borrowing for the Whitman Middle School project on behalf of the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District, which currently lacks a credit rating. Town officials say this move could save taxpayers millions by securing lower interest rates. Voters will decide on this issue, along with emergency public safety funding measures, at a Special Town Meeting on January 12, 2026.