Tisbury Recommends School Budget Reduction, Open Position Freeze

TISBURY, MA — Tisbury could be facing a $230,000 reduction in the school budget, freezing of open positions and no action on 14 town meeting articles that would add up to $500,000, as the town looks to deal with lost resources from the coronavirus health emergency.

Tisbury Finance Director Jonathan Snyder said on Thursday that the cuts are being recommended despite the fact that he is "pleased to announce that Tisbury is in better shape than many communities."

Snyder said that 90 percent of the town's revenue comes from property taxes, the cash flow remains solid, there is $3 million in stabilization funds in the town reserves and low rates of positive infections meant that the town had minimal extra expense this spring due to COVID-19.

However, Snyder said that savings were recommended, which included savings of $500,000 from the 14 town meeting articles being tabled, and $180,000 savings from not filling currently vacant town positions, in addition to the $230,000 cut in the school budget.

"These steps allow us to conserve free cash, reduce the budget, and preserve a cushion below our levy limit," Snyder said. "By this time next year, we hope to have a more normal economy. As fiscal year 2021 progresses, we will be keeping a close eye on revenues and expenses, and we will proactively manage the budget if we seen any worrisome trends."