Wilmington FinCom To Move For Single Town Meeting Vote On Budget

WILMINGTON, MA — Wilmington town meeting will vote on the town budget differently this year, the Finance Committee and moderator said Friday. Rather than voting by department, the finance committee will move to pass the entire budget in one vote.

The goal is to streamline the town meeting, which is taking place in unusual conditions — outside — due to the coronavirus. Town meeting will take place Saturday at 9 a.m., at the Wilmington High School Softball Field.

The Finance Committee is recommending the town pass a $110.5 million Fiscal Year 2021 budget, slightly below the Town Manager's $110.6 million recommendation.

Town Moderator Rob Peterson said that the goal of the budget procedure change is to "streamline"the meeting, not to "thwart or disrupt discussion or motions." Discussion and debate of the budget, and individual line items, will still be permitted.

Town officials are expecting to $1.5 million shortfall in state aid due to the coronavirus and have planned budget cuts to compensate.

The full budget is available here and the finance PSA is available here.

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