Halifax eyes budget override to avert police, fire, school cuts
Halifax budget workshop reveals deep cuts across departments without override. The Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee jointly examined budget cuts March 9 to address revenue shortfalls in police, fire, schools, and elder services. Police Chief Chaves proposed $143,000 in cuts, including
Board of Selectmen · Meeting of March 9, 2026
Halifax budget workshop reveals deep cuts across departments without override. The Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee jointly examined budget cuts March 9 to address revenue shortfalls in police, fire, schools, and elder services. Police Chief Chaves proposed $143,000 in cuts, including $75,000 from eliminating one full-time officer and $40,000 from ending the middle school resource officer position.
Fire Chief Witham's $140,000 package would limit operations to either a fire truck or an ambulance, forcing increased reliance on mutual aid from neighboring towns. School Committee Chair Lauren Laws stated an $800,000 school cut would eliminate 12 teachers, leaving classrooms with 26 to 40 students. The MBTA noncompliance cost Halifax $400,000 in lost grants.
The Board votes on final budget and override March 10.
In the full story:
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Source: the Board of Selectmen meeting of March 9, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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