At the Wednesday, February 11, 2026 meeting of the Berkley Board of Selectmen, the following presentation was shared with the Board, residents in attendance, and those participating virtually via Zoom. View the presentation [link]
The discussion addressed the current state of taxation in Berkley, including both the tax rate and the impact on the average single-family homeowner, as well as the effects of recent debt exclusions on both current and projected tax bills. The presentation also included a brief overview of Berkley’s override history.
Further discussion focused on the proposed scope of the override, including the restoration of service capacity and the goal of long-term fiscal stability.
Several slides examined the underlying factors contributing to the Town’s fiscal challenges, including Berkley’s outsized reliance on residential taxpayers, tepid growth in state aid, and the effects of historically high inflation.
Collectively, these factors have resulted in a growing structural deficit that must be addressed either through substantial service reductions to achieve a balanced budget or through an investment in the future of municipal services in Berkley.
A lengthy and productive question-and-answer session followed the presentation. The complete program may be viewed at the following [link]
The next meeting of the Berkley Board of Selectmen is tenatively scheduled for Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 at 6PM and can be viewed via the Board of Selectmen’s standing Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83552849745