Southampton Select Board sets three FY27 budget figures, puts two override amounts on May ballot

Select Board · Meeting of March 26, 2026

Southampton Select Board votes 3-1 to place two override amounts before voters in May. Meeting jointly with the Finance Committee on March 26, the board approved a full requested budget of $24,684,897 — representing an override ask of $2,529,535 and a projected average tax increase of about $950 per household — alongside a middle override figure of $1,938,947, estimated at $768 per household annually, as recommended by the Budget Task Force after six meetings. Board member John Lumbra, who made the motion for dual override questions, argued the board should not limit residents' choices: "We're removing that choice from voters." The board also directed Town Administrator Scott Sebeck and Chair Christine Fowles to find $275,000 in additional municipal cuts to finalize a bare-bones base budget that takes effect automatically if both override questions fail at the May 19 ballot — a scenario officials warned would end library certification, eliminate a filled paramedic position, and leave police with one officer on overnight shifts.

The annual town meeting is set for May 2, with the override vote on May 19; the warrant closes April 1.

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Source: the Select Board meeting of March 26, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.