The budget hearing in Barrington has been moved to the high school auditorium. The hearing will be held on Wednesday, May 10 at 7 p.m. 

Most years, the budget hearing is held inside the middle school auditorium, while the financial town meeting is held in the high school. Barrington Town Manager Jim Cunha said the hearing was moved because officials are expecting a larger crowd to attend. Mr. Cunha also suggested people stop by the budget hearing so that they can gather information on what is being recommended.

Schools' $1.2M budget increase eliminated by appropriations. 

"This will be a good chance to hear what the committee on appropriations has to say," he said. "I am hoping for there to be a dialogue between the committee on appropriations and the public that leads to better understanding."

The public will have time to ask questions during the budget hearing. 

On Wednesday, May 24, the financial town meeting will take place. That is when residents will vote on the proposed budgets and set the tax rate for the upcoming year. 

Amendment filed

At least one amendment to the town's budget has already been filed at the town clerk's office. On Friday, April 27, resident Barbara Flanders filed an amendment calling for the new middle school to be built within the original budget. "If there are any other expenses including the proposed debt service, these should be taken out of the town budget and any surpluses including left over monies at the end of the school year in the amount of $800,000 instead raising the tax cap."

Ms. Flanders added: "Also, it would be more practical, considering the wet land problem that destroyed the old middle school, to build on a dryer piece of land."