Budgetary concerns dominated the recent Hubbardston Select Board and Finance Committee meeting, with officials grappling with a significant $80,000 shortfall in the town's budget. The issue arose after a spreadsheet error was identified, prompting urgent revisions to the financial figures presented to the board.

Town officials revealed that the budget is heavily reliant on free cash, with approximately $144,000 allocated from last year's surplus. This reliance raises alarms about the sustainability of funding, especially as the education budget continues to rise by 8-10% annually, outpacing the town's revenue growth of just 2.5%. The discussion highlighted the challenges faced by rural municipalities in balancing educational needs with limited financial resources.

The town administrator emphasized the importance of diversifying revenue sources, particularly through commercial development, to alleviate the tax burden on residents. Current revenue streams include a tax levy, local receipts, and state aid, with the latter being uncertain as the state budget is still under discussion.

Concerns were raised about the school budget's trajectory, with projections indicating that if the current trend continues, the school system could financially strain the town within the next five years. The committee acknowledged the need for better communication and collaboration with the school district to ensure transparency and accountability in budgeting.

As the meeting concluded, officials urged community members to attend the upcoming school budget meeting, where initial figures will be presented. The urgency of the situation was clear, with the town's financial health hanging in the balance as they navigate these pressing budgetary challenges.