LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — The Select Board and Finance Committee had a detailed look last week at the needs for the fiscal 2027 budget from the Parks Commission, ambulance, Council on Aging, and the Department of Public Works.

 

All were asked what it would mean if they were asked to level fund their budgets.

 

The Council on Aging Director Lorna Gayle said she had room to reduce her budget and her hours. Her spending plan budgets $54,187 and $38,000 for transportation.

 

She could cut $300 in office supplies but did request an increase to add a chair tai chi class, adding $3,500 for the instructor. 

 

Gayle she believed she take transportation driver line down to the 2024 level of $30,000; the current projection is a little over $35,000. When others were nervous about losing a driver, Gayle assured them he would not leave as he loves his job.

 

When asked about participation rates she said it varies but the COA has a good turn out and the yoga class is so full it's capped.

 

"The participation rates in the classes vary, but we've had sometimes three people because it's snowing, but then we have 22 people, and we're cramped in here," she said. "The line dancing class one started out there were like five of us tap dancing away."