WINCHENDON – When voters go to the polls for The Annual Town Election, they’ll be faced with making a choice between two Proposition 2 ½ override questions.

While the wording for neither ballot question has been finalized, voters are being asked to approve an override of either $1.9 million or $2.9 million. Voters can say “no” to either proposal which, according to Town Manager Bill McKinney, could lead to significant cuts in town services and personnel.

McKinney said he had asked municipal department heads what they would need to provide level services for FY26, which begins July 1. He said that all told—including the schools—the budgets resulted in an approximate $4 million increase over last fiscal year.

“The problem is, we don’t have the revenue to match that,” he said.

McKinney proceeded to construct a budget to show what would happen if it was made up solely of the revenues the town currently expects to collect in FY26.

“With only the revenue we’re expecting,” he said, “we would see the closing of the library and the senior center, and level funding in other departments, which would lead to a cut in service because we’d have to cut expenses in some areas in order to cover fixed costs which are getting more expensive. There are a lot of forces outside of out control, and they’re hitting every town.”

The town manager, in correspondence to the Selectboard, Finance Committee, and School Committee, said health insurance and pension costs account for much of the increase in expenses. Health insurance, which is increasing by 16%, coupled with an increase in pension costs of 6%, would result in a nearly $600,000 increase. He also said the payment on debts incurred by the town in recent years adds another $300,000 in spending.

“The problem is, we’re going to keep having these problems the year after because these costs, health and dental, will probably continue to grow by about 15% or more a year, while pensions will probably increase by closer to 10% a year,” said McKinney. “There are other costs, like our liability insurance and other things – while the numbers aren’t as large, they’re still growing.”

McKinney pointed out that state aid to Winchendon is expected to increase less than 2% in the next fiscal year, and property taxes will increase by the limit of 2.5% – unless an override is passed.

In addition to the closure of Beals Memorial Library and the Old Murdock Senior Center, McKinney said recreational opportunities would be limited, and “there will be potential layoffs and program cuts at the schools. There is the potential for longer wait times for public safety as police and fire will have some shifts with less-than-normal coverage. There will be less plowing in the winter and fewer projects being done around town.”

Capital expenditures would likely be delayed, he added.

Animal control services are shared with Templeton, and residents of that town also may use Winchendon’s transfer station. The prospect of regionalizing with other nearby communities will be explored, said McKinney.

According to a rough draft of the wording of the question, the proposed $1.9 million override would allow the library and senior center to stay open, while also funding Winchendon Parks & Recreation, provide supplies for the fire and public works departments, school athletics, staffing and program for Winchendon Public Schools, and revenues for the general operating budget.

In addition to those items, a $2.9 million override would enhance staffing and programming in the schools, and provide cost of living increases for all school department employees.

Placement of the questions on the ballot was approved at a Selectboard meeting held Thursday morning, March 27.

“I know overrides are a touch sell in this town – in most towns,” said McKinney, “but the people have to decide what they do and don’t want to pay for. We’ll see what happens.”

Winchendon’s annual town election is scheduled for Monday, May 5. Balloting will take place at the Old Murdock Senior Center from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.