Town Manager Jane Wilson and CFO Sharon Angstrom told a public forum the select board placed a $6.5 million override on the Nov. 3 ballot to address a projected $9.8 million structural deficit; officials said the measure would still require $3 million of reserves to balance and would cost the average Reading home about $736 a year.

Town Manager Jane Wellman and finance staff told the select board that a drop in new-growth receipts and volatile investment income have increased budget risk; officials said failing the $6.5 million override could mean eliminating several DPW positions and cutting capital and services.

Town Manager Jane Wellman and CFO Sharon Angstrom said the Select Board placed a $6.5 million override on the Nov. 3 ballot to cover persistent inflation, rising benefit and pension costs, and constrained state aid; officials point residents to an Override Hub and tax calculator for details.

Town Manager Jane Wellman and CFO Sharon Engstrom said the override request is $6.5 million; FY27 used about $6 million of free cash and the FY28 structural deficit is estimated at about $9.8 million, meaning the override plus about $3 million in free cash would be needed to close the gap.