Andover is facing budget deficits beginning in the fiscal year that starts July 1, 2027, officials told a joint meeting of the select board and school and finance committees Monday.
“The current version of the plan indicates that based on today’s assumptions, and today’s assumptions alone, that we will begin to see a deficit in [fiscal years] 28, 29 and 30,” Town Manager Andrew Flanagan said. “That’s the reality that we’re facing.”
The tri-board met to review budgets for fiscal year 2026, which includes projections for future years. Flanagan stressed the deficit projections are based on current and conservative estimates of the Town’s future spending and revenue. He noted the current year’s budget was originally projected to carry an $11 million deficit.
“We didn’t have any deficit, but things have to go your way,” Flanagan said. “New growth has to remain strong. Health insurance has to remain manageable. And I often say it takes one bad year to have a cascading effect.”
Massachusetts law requires municipalities to present a balanced budget. If the current projections hold, the Town would need to raise taxes, cut spending, or both. The current projections are based on several assumptions and factors, including:
- New growth that mirrors the ten-year average.
- A conservative annual increase of 2 percent in state aid.
- Growth in operating budgets for the Town and Andover Public Schools.
- How the Town uses free cash.
- The impact of capital spending.
Flanagan suggested officials review the current fixed increases for school and Town operating budgets and review long-term capital spending. He also said the Town would continue to review and fine-tune revenue assumptions.