Finance Panel Recommends Dual Override Amounts
Reading's Finance Committee voted to recommend two Proposition 2½ override options, $7 million and $9.8 million, to the Select Board.
Finance Committee · Meeting of July 15, 2026
Reading's Finance Committee voted to recommend two Proposition 2½ override options, $7 million and $9.8 million, to the Select Board. Town Manager Jane Wellman told the panel the town faces a structural deficit of $9.8 million in fiscal 2028, growing to $11.4 million by 2032, and said a failed override would force cuts of roughly 67 municipal and school positions along with reduced library hours that could jeopardize state certification. CFO Sharon Angstrom said a $6.5 million override would add about $736 to the average tax bill, on top of $568 already added by debt service on the Killam Elementary and RMHS projects.
The committee also approved a $47,000 reserve transfer to make the town's animal control officer position full-time. "Reading stands at a critical junction," Wellman said. The Select Board was expected to vote July 22 on ballot timing.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,250 words
Source: the Finance Committee meeting of July 15, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
Members read the rest of this story and every Reading meeting we cover, in full.
Become a memberAlready a member? Sign inA 30-day free trial needs a payment method. After it, your membership renews at the price shown at checkout until you cancel, which you can do anytime from your account. Subscription terms
Share this story
Know someone in Reading who follows town government? Share Townbrief Reading: they can sign up free.