Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Facing shortfalls, town departments to meet with Select Board for FY 26 budget reviews

FILE PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

As the budget process for fiscal year 2026 marches on, town departments have begun making their formal budget requests to the Select Board.

Public safety officials met with the Select Board on Feb. 4 to go over their requests, which include critical upgrades to the town’s radio infrastructure, repair work to the Fire Station and equipment purchases. The bulk of the police and fire budget requests is comprised of salary expenditures.

Hearings will continue on Feb. 18, Feb. 25 and March 4. All town departments are set to defend their budgets to the Select Board, which will then vote to adopt those budgets and forward them to the Appropriation Committee for review and public hearing.

In her most recent newsletter to residents, Town Manager Elaine Lazarus noted that the FY 26 budget is not yet balanced. “This is a challenging and uncertain time as we seek to close the gap between revenue and expenditures,” she stated in the email.

In December, Kyla LaPierre, the town’s chief financial officer, said there was an estimated budget shortfall of $4.7 million. As of Jan. 22, new estimates had shrunk the gap between revenue and expenses to around $1.8 million. To achieve a balanced budget without having to dip into free cash or enacting an override, the town directed all departments to cut the growth of their budgets to a maximum 1.3% increase from fiscal year 2025.

At a joint meeting with the School Committee on Jan. 10, Select Board chair Brian Herr attempted to allay fears of budget cuts, although some departments already have begun to feel the pressure.

Continued budget discussions will remain open to the public. The town also encourages residents who have thoughts on the FY 26 budget to submit their feedback via the online budget listening form.

Latest News

The Trails Committee on Wednesday outlined goals to incorporate into its master plan, which include public outreach, trail development and accessibility.

Hopkinton resident Nina Ciri plans to continue her education and soccer career at the University of New Hampshire this fall.

This week’s Baypath Adoptable Animal is Timon, an energetic young dog who loves going for walks and would make a great companion for an active home.

The latest Professional Insights from Elyssa DeWolfe, LICSW of The Counseling Corner discusses warning signs teenagers and adolescents may be struggling with mental health issues.

Kathleen Doran, 91, passed away on Feb. 11. She lived her last eight years at Golden Pond Assisted Living in Hopkinton in close proximity to her daughter.

The Hopkinton Trails club has postponed its upcoming tour of Pratt Farm from this Saturday to Feb. 22. The walk will start at the Fruit Street fields parking lot and head northeast toward Pratt Farm.

Photo of the Day

Jackson Canales and his Hopkinton High School basketball teammates pass through a tunnel of youth basketball players on their way to the court during halftime of Tuesday’s game against Westwood.

PHOTO/HENRY DIUNE