Annual Town Meeting

The Town of South Berwick's Annual Town Meeting is right around the corner. If you’ve never attended before, or just want to be prepared, here’s everything you need to know to cast your vote on May 19, 2026. Annual Town Meeting - Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Marshwood High SchoolOn Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 6:00 PM, residents will gather at Marshwood High School Gymnasium (260 Dow Highway) to vote on the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Municipal Budget.  Doors open at 5:00 PM and the meeting will begin at 6:00 PM.This is your opportunity to have a direct say in how South Berwick allocates resources, maintains essential services, and plans for the future. Every vote matters, and we encourage all eligible voters to attend. Please note: The Town Clerk’s Office will close early (4:00 PM) on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 to assist with Town Meeting operations. What to Expect at Town Meeting South Berwick's Annual Town Meeting follows Maine's traditional open meeting format. Here's how it works: The meeting is opened by the Town Clerk who will take a nomination and vote from the Council on Article 1. Mark Lawrence will serve as Moderator, guiding the meeting through each warrant article.  Public discussion and voting begin with Articles 2–15. Each of the warrant articles will be presented, along with recommendations from the Town Council. Residents will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss each article before voting. Votes are conducted in accordance with Town Meeting procedures under the direction of the Moderator. The Moderator will count the votes and announce the results for each article. This format ensures transparency and allows for thoughtful community discussion on the issues that matter most to South Berwick. What's on the Ballot?The FY27 Budget represents a collection of priorities, values, and goals that reflect what matters most to our community. Through months of workshops, public input, and careful deliberation, Town Staff and the Town Council have worked to develop a budget that balances the needs of our residents with responsible fiscal stewardship. The warrant articles before voters address the full range of municipal operations; from public safety and infrastructure to essential services and community programs. Together, these articles represent our shared commitment to maintaining South Berwick as a safe, vibrant, and fiscally sound place to call home. To review the complete details of what you'll be voting on, please see the budget materials and resources below: FY27 Proposed Budget Overview – A high-level guide explaining the major drivers of this year's budget FY27 Proposed Budget Detail – A line-by-line breakdown of departmental spending FY27 Town Warrant Articles – The formal list of articles residents will vote on, including all 14 specific warrant articles approved by the Town Council These documents provide the information you need to ask informed questions and make thoughtful decisions about South Berwick's future. How We Got Here The FY27 Budget is the result of months of careful planning, collaboration, and public input: January 2026 – The Town Council held its first budget workshop, reviewing early planning considerations and setting priorities with Town Staff. February 2026 – The Council formally approved the FY27 Budget Schedule, launching a series of public workshops to review department requests and evaluate funding priorities. March 2026 – The Town Council conducted multiple budget workshops throughout the month, carefully examining departmental spending and making adjustments to balance community needs with fiscal responsibility. All workshops were open to the public for viewing; however, public participation was not permitted during the sessions. Residents were encouraged to share comments, questions, and feedback directly with Council via email. April 2026 – On April 14, the Town Council held a Public Hearing on the FY27 Budget, providing residents with an opportunity to ask questions and offer input before the budget was finalized. Following the hearing, the approved warrant articles were prepared for publication in the Annual Town Report.Recorded workshop and meeting videos are available to stream anytime on YouTube by visiting: https://www.youtube.com/@townofsouthberwick8288 Throughout this process, residents have been encouraged to stay engaged, review materials, and share their thoughts with Town Councilors. Now, it's time for the final and most important step: your vote. Your Voice, Your CommunityA municipal budget is more than just a financial document. It's a reflection of what we value as a community and how we choose to invest in our shared future. The decisions made at Town Meeting will impact public safety, infrastructure, municipal services, and the overall quality of life in South Berwick. By attending the Annual Town Meeting and casting your vote, you help ensure that South Berwick remains a safe, vibrant, and fiscally sound place to call home. Questions? Contact the Town Manager's office at (207) 384-3015 or email your Town Councilors at councilors@sbmaine.us. We look forward to seeing you there!