Wicked Local With the pandemic’s economic implications still unfolding, Brookline is facing a projected budget shortfall of about $11.3 million in fiscal 2022. The majority of that projected deficit — nearly $9.6 million — comes from the schools, according to a report on the town’s Long Range Financial Plan from 2022 to 2026. The remaining $1.7 million deficit projected for FY22 comes from the town's operations. According to the report, Brookline's deficits are projected to rise to approximately $34.9 million by fiscal 2026, with about $30 million of the projected FY26 deficit coming from the schools. The projections serve as an early glimpse into Brookline’s financial situation as it heads into the new year, Town Administrator Mel Kleckner explained at the Dec. 22 Select Board meeting. He noted the projections are not budget recommendations and are based on multiple assumptions about how Brookline will make and spend its money.