Andover Select Board Reviews $252 Million Proposed Budget

ANDOVER, MA — The Select Board has recommended approval of the town’s fiscal year 2027 budget, advancing a $252.6 million spending plan to Annual Town Meeting, according to a statement from the town.

The proposal, which will appear as Article 4 on the warrant, reflects what officials described as a balance between fiscal discipline and targeted investments. The spending plan totals $258.7 million, offset by roughly $6 million in revenues and adjustments, resulting in a net budget of $252.6 million.

Town Manager Andrew Flanagan first introduced the budget in early February. It was later reviewed across multiple Select Board meetings and a daylong joint workshop with the Finance Committee, where department heads outlined priorities and progress.

The plan was built within the limits of Proposition 2½ and uses conservative revenue assumptions, including modest state aid increases and reduced new growth projections. Department budgets would rise by 2.75%, while the school district would see a 3.74% increase.

Officials identified a 12% spike in health insurance costs as the primary financial pressure.

The budget also proposes several staffing additions, including two firefighters and an assistant fire chief as part of a multi-year effort to expand ambulance service capacity. Other additions include a transportation program manager, a capital projects manager in public works, and a part-time assistant town counsel.

Despite the new positions, officials said adjustments and alternative funding sources limit the net increase to about one full-time position within the general fund.

Town Meeting, which begins April 28, will have the final say on the budget. More information is available at the town's website.