Winchester Select Board Votes For $10 Million Override

WINCHESTER - The Winchester Select Board voted, 5-0, Thursday morning in support of a $10 million override. The figure includes $8 million for operating costs, $2 million for capital. The question now goes before voters on March 26.

"We reached a consensus on our override amounts needed to sustain Winchester's town services, and especially the schools and public safety services over the next 2-3 years," said chair Lance Grenzebeck. "We'll make every effort in coming weeks to explain those budget decisions."

In the past month town leaders have made the rounds explaining the need for an override, with a request for $12 million a fixture in the PowerPoint presentations at the high school and the Jenks Center. But on Thursday the need to get an override passed was greater than the need to have a full $12 million and the reduced figure was approved.

By reducing the amount the board also reduced the years the increase would cover budget shortfalls. Should the override pass, it would cover the FY20 and FY21 budgets. And in 2022 another Select Board could be debating another override.