Politics & Government

Burlington Selectmen Approve 3.5% Increase Budget Guideline

The guideline number goes into the budget that will go before annual town meeting voters.

The 3.5 percent blended operating budget guideline matches the 2019 number.
The 3.5 percent blended operating budget guideline matches the 2019 number. (Shutterstock)

BURLINGTON, MA — The Burlington Selectmen approved a 3.5 percent blended operating budget guideline for the town and schools, at their Jan. 13 meeting. The guideline is the result of meetings between town officials, the School Committee and school administration, and members of the Ways and Means Committee and Selectmen. The guideline will go into the budget presented to the annual town meeting in the spring.

"We continue to be in a strong economic condition, but we're cautious about the local economic conditions moving into the future," said Town Administrator Paul Sagarino.

Town officials were looking for a slightly lower number but agreed to 3.5 percent based on the meetings; among other issues, the schools have upcoming contract negotiations. The town used a 3.5 percent budget guideline last year, as well.

Find out what's happening in Burlingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"We feel an operating budget guideline of 3 percent is the most sustainable for the town," Sagarino said. "After we received input from all the parties, we settled on a 3.5 percent operating budget guideline."

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.

Find out what's happening in Burlingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here