Southampton Select Board Orders Three-Budget Plan Ahead of Override Vote

Select Board · Meeting of March 17, 2026

Southampton Select Board votes to present three budget options to voters as FY27 override debate sharpens. The board voted unanimously Tuesday to hold a dedicated budget session March 26 at 6 p.m., directing Town Administrator Scott to produce a full level-service budget, a mid-range proposal near $1.7 million to $1.8 million, and a catastrophic no-override scenario, ahead of the May 2 annual town meeting. Override figures in play range from roughly $1.7 million to $2.16 million, depending on how much of Norris Elementary's $845,855 funding request is restored and whether Hampshire Regional's fixed $6,281,651 assessment is separated into its own standalone article.

Board member John argued the regional assessment must stand alone under state law since the town cannot amend it — only approve it, reject it, or take no action. More than a dozen residents spoke against splitting the override question by department, while former school committee member Austin Rogers was the lone public voice supporting a split, arguing that an all-or-nothing question "doesn't trust" voters who have defeated overrides before. The warrant for the annual town meeting was opened with an April 1 article deadline.

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Source: the Select Board meeting of March 17, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.