Whitman Assessors Release $225,000 in Overlay Surplus to Shore Up Town Budget

WHITMAN — September 2, 2025 — Whitman assessors release $225,000 in excess overlay funds as town scrambles to close fiscal year 2026 budget gap. The Board of Assessors voted unanimously at its September 2 meeting to transfer the surplus to the town's overlay account, where town meeting will decide its allocation. The board entered fiscal year 2026 carrying $285,716 in the overlay after spending only $30,392 of a $316,038 appropriation, prompting Chair Heidi to declare the account over-funded. Select Board member Justin told the board the funds are needed to cover $75,000 each for fire and police staffing, after ambulance revenue came in roughly $200,000 below the $1.4 million projection used to justify keeping those positions in June. Finance Committee Chair Kathleen O'Tina, of 344 Washington Street, applauded the release but said her committee was blindsided when the $150,000 public safety commitment was announced at town meeting without prior discussion, and warned that other departments that absorbed cuts deserve equal consideration. Fire Chief Tim Clancy confirmed the shortfall puts the second ambulance at risk of being offline half the time, reducing the very revenue the town is counting on.