Residents weigh in on proposed town budget options in Norton

NORTON, Mass. (WLNE) — There was a packed house at Tuesday night’s town meeting in Norton.

Concerned residents voiced their opinions on the proposed budget options for fiscal year 2025.

There were three budget options at the meeting, and many people attended because of the negative effect some of those options would have on the town’s police and fire departments, as well as Norton schools.

The first option is a base budget that would increase the current budget by one percent, raising property taxes by 2.5% for residents.

The second option is a $4 million override budget, which would raise the current budget by $4 million.

Lastly, a $6.5 million override budget that would raise the current budget by $6.5 million.

The last two options would increase taxes by more than 2.5%.

All of those proposed budget options passed during Tuesday night’s meeting, which puts into perspective how split the town is on the issue.

Town Manager Michael Yunits said without an override budget, there could be layoffs and cuts to service at the schools, as well as possible layoffs to the police department.

Superintendent Dr. Jennifer O’Neill said during the meeting that she supports the highest budget and is asking residents to do the same.

“The 6.5 million dollar override, this would restore all of the cuts that I just mentioned to you,” O’Neil said. “The only remaining cuts would be a guidance counselor at the high school, as well as one of our preschool teachers.”

“The next step would be for the next select board meeting,” Yunits said. “To have a discussion on scheduling a special town election and putting the ballot questions on.”

There is no word yet on when the next select board meeting will be.