The budgeting process began with a presentation of two drafts to the Select Board (SB) and will culminate with a vote at Town Meeting. To follow the entire review and finalization process, watch for nance Committee and Select Board meetings which can be attended in person or via Zoom

Town Administrator Michael Canales presented the draft of the two fiscal 2027 budgets an operating and a capital budget. The draft increases the budget by approximately 2.6%.
It does not include the cost of building the proposed firehouse and does not include Stockbridge’s financial obligation to Berkshire Hills Regional School District’s (BHRSD’s) budget.
Canales identified it as a continuation budget not an expansion budget which simply means this draft typically reflects the previous year’s budget with minor adjustments for inflation or fixed costs and does not contemplate that new initiatives are planned.

The draft of the operating budget anticipates an approximate increase to $13, 425,000 over last year $12,312,000.The specifics of the increase are for: hiring six new employees in the Fire/EMS Department in order to bring it to recommended service levels by 2028, and adding two other positions: Town Accountant and a full-time, combined Senior Center, and Recreation Director with benefits. Benefits for employee health and dental insurance, an increase of $241,000. Finally, Canales mentioned that there may be rate increases for sewer and water. The Approximately $4million collected will be almost equal to the expenses, and Canales said, fees collected should be at least 20% over expenses. He added the rate increase is “in the neighborhood of $30.”

Canales described all of these costs as necessary and “outside of the town’s control.” 

Capital Balance
The Capital balance comes, from the Stabilization fund, Free Cash, and reserves in various accounts including The Cemetery Fund, the Affordable Housing Trust, Overlay, Water Surplus, Sewer Surplus and more. It totals approximately $11,000,000. The draft of Capital Budget expenditures will be presented at the February 12, 2026, SB meeting. 
Editors Note: The February 12th, 2026 SB meeting was called to order and the Public Hearing immediately continued until March 12th, 2026.