Rochester Select Board reviews proposed cuts to budget

ROCHESTER — Struggling with balancing their budget, Rochester reviewed the areas where possible budget cuts could take place. 

Rochester Town Administrator Cameron Durant presented a proposal of cuts to balance the 2027 budget plan for Rochester at a Select Board meeting on Monday, March 30. 

He explained there is a $1.4 million gap in the budget since costs to operate the town are constantly increasing. Some rising costs include education, pensions, healthcare and solid waste services. 

Durant said aid and resources that usually assist the town budget are not keeping up with the costs. 

“Educational costs are outpacing our revenue,” Durant said.

There were a few areas and department Durant recommended the Select Board and Finance Committee review before finalizing a draft of proposed budget cuts with the Select Board on April 6.

Before April 6, Durant wants the Select Board and Finance Committee to meet with department heads about cutting costs. 

Select Board Chair Adam Murphy was concerned about the costs Rochester has to deal with before the fiscal year ends. 

“Everybody needs to understand that we have $900,000 of revenue and millions of dollars worth of increases and requests,” Murphy said. 

Select Board member Paul Ciaburri said that new commercial business need to come to Rochester to increase town revenue. 

“I know everybody wants to keep the rural character of Rochester but this is the reality of it,” Ciaburri said. “We need businesses that don’t have children that just pay taxes.”

The town must have a final balanced budget that will be voted on at Rochester Town Meeting.