Town of Charlton officials reviewed the FY26 municipal budget draft and discussed public‑safety staffing, capital items, and reserve planning during a meeting that followed a school‑budget presentation earlier in the session.

Town staff reported that the proposed fiscal‑year budget fits a number of requested public‑safety positions: an administrative sergeant and an emergency telecommunicator on the police side, plus an EMS officer on the fire side. The draft also includes a part‑time building inspector requested by the finance committee; the town said library and a deputy position requests were not included in the current version because of prioritization and fillability concerns for part‑time roles.

Officials reported that ambulance accounts receivable totaled roughly $153,000; the town is working with Comstar (the collection vendor) to reconcile and pursue collectible balances. Town staff said some accounts are uncollectible (for example, Medicare patients) and those will be adjusted during the reconciliation process.

The board discussed Old Home Day funding and policing of special events. Finance staff proposed moving to a $10,000 total allocation for Old Home Day with the recommendation that $8,000 go directly to the Old Home Day Committee and $2,000 be allocated to the police department to cover detail costs for the event. Officials said the race associated with Old Home Day extends farther into town than other activities and often requires more coverage; the vote to set the $10,000 allocation was discussed as part of the budget conversation.

Capital and supplemental items under review include an authorization for debt related to replacing Fire Engine 2, a revised health‑department cleanup and MCP services supplemental lowered to $313,386, and a supplemental request tied to a schoolhouse rehabilitation project where construction bids exceeded earlier engineering estimates (presenters cited a construction cost near $290,000 against an earlier $220,000 estimate plus contingency). Officials told the board they would seek the necessary supplemental borrowing language or warrant articles as required.

Officials said the town is keeping a conservative approach to budgeting for local receipts (per DOR guidance and historically variable funds such as building permits, detail revenues and meals/cannabis taxes). They reported a general fund reserve (free cash/stabilization) above the town policy target: current free‑cash percentage was discussed as approximately 12% against a 10% target. The town also reported it retained a double‑A plus bond rating from S&P in a recent call ahead of planned borrowing.

Votes taken during the meeting that were recorded on the transcript were procedural approvals of minutes and adjournment: the board approved the minutes of the February 26 meeting and of the March 17 meeting (both approvals recorded as unanimous), and the meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to adjourn.

Why this matters: staffing and capital decisions will determine municipal services and taxpayer obligations for the coming fiscal year; the town’s management of ambulance receivables and reserves affects long‑term fiscal stability.

Town staff said the budget draft may be adjusted if union contracts settle before final warrant drafting; the town will present a balanced warrant number and carry some asks to the October town meeting if needed. The next joint meeting with the board of selectmen and school officials was scheduled for April 16.