The Town of Winchester’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget was approved by voters at referendum on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. The final vote count was 642 in favor and 634 opposed, passing 50.3% Yes to 49.7% No. The approved budget, totaling $41,017,139, also includes the allocation of $725,000 from the Town’s fund balance for one-time capital improvement projects.
The referendum was held at Pearson School from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and asked eligible voters:
"SHALL THE TOWN OF WINCHESTER ADOPT THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2025 AS PRESENTED BY THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN IN THE AMOUNT OF $41,017,139 AND ALLOCATE $725,000 FROM THE TOWN'S FUND BALANCE FOR ONE-TIME CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS?"
The passage of the FY 2026 budget allows the Town to proceed with planned municipal operations and capital improvements as scheduled. The FY 2026 mill rate shall be set at 29.17 at the June 2 Board of Selectmen meeting. The referendum approved FY 2026 budget document is available here: Referendum Adopted FY26 Budget on May 27, 2025.pdf
For accurate and detailed information regarding the FY 2026 budget, please contact the Office of the Town Manager at 860-738-6962.
