Burlington Approves $197M Budget, Rejects School Assessment

Burlington Town Meeting Members approved a $197 million operating budget and rejected a regional school assessment over three nights earlier this month.

Members backed the Burlington Public Schools budget, including local and special education funding. They voted down the Shawsheen Tech regional school district assessment, citing concerns about accounting and financial management practices.

The second night included debate over a $200,000 design study for improvements at Simonds Park. Supporters said the project would guide upgrades to athletic fields and recreation spaces. Town Meeting Members approved the town operating budget that evening.

On the final night, Members approved school-related capital projects: HVAC improvements, security upgrades, technology replacements, a facilities master plan, and a study for bathroom facilities near Marshall Simonds athletic fields. They also voted to fund the return of Burlington's Fourth of July Parade.

Members passed a bylaw banning cryptocurrency ATMs in Burlington. Police Chief Tom Browne described scams involving crypto ATMs, including cases targeting older residents. He noted the difficulty of recovering funds after transactions complete.

Residents can watch all three nights on BCAT's Government YouTube Channel.