The Finance Committee met on Feb. 10 to review the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 operating and capital budgets, address ongoing infrastructure concerns, and evaluate financial articles for Town Meeting.
The committee discussed updates on the capital budget, including anticipated funding for the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) connection. A $2 million allocation is set aside for the design phase, but uncertainty remains regarding the total project cost, which could range from $22 million to $45 million. The Board of Public Works has yet to determine whether the town will pursue a dual-source water supply or rely fully on the MWRA. Concerns were raised about potential cost increases related to addressing PFAS contamination at the Happy Hollow wells and at 195 Main St.
Committee members discussed PFAS contamination affecting groundwater at 195 Main St., which may have originated from the former town dump. The contamination impacts the Happy Hollow wells, and efforts are underway to determine whether the town can be released from its obligation to use these wells. If the state deems clean-up to be infeasible, the town could shift entirely to MWRA water. However, the process could take years, and the town is required to maintain PFAS treatment facilities in the meantime.
Concerns were raised about the classification of stormwater management expenses. The town manager’s proposed budget shifts stormwater-related costs from the operating budget to the capital budget. Some committee members argued that these costs should remain in the operating budget, as they represent ongoing compliance with environmental regulations rather than capital expenditures. A motion may be introduced to reclassify the expense.
The committee debated a proposal to allocate $250,000 for engineering studies related to Route 20 corridor development. Some members questioned the timing and process, as similar proposals were postponed in previous years due to prioritization concerns. The Economic Development Committee has pushed for advancing the project, but the town manager has maintained that it should remain in the long-term capital plan.
A $500,000 allocation to the Special Education Reserve Fund was discussed, with committee members noting that past appropriations have been fully expended each year. While some members supported increasing the allocation to build a true reserve, others questioned whether the fund is functioning as intended or merely serving as an extension of the operating budget.
The budget includes $58,000 for a study on curbside trash collection, as the town evaluates the long-term viability of the transfer station. The study aims to analyze costs and feasibility, with some committee members questioning whether similar evaluations have been conducted in prior years.
A request for $75,000 to further study the feasibility of constructing a natural grass athletic field at 195 Main St. was debated. While a prior $50,000 study confirmed a field could be built, additional funds would determine specific costs and requirements. However, concerns were raised about multiple competing proposals for the site, including an indoor sports facility. Some members suggested delaying the study until there is clarity on the site’s future use.
The committee reviewed an article allowing the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) to rescind appropriated but unused funds after 36 months without requiring Town Meeting approval. The measure is intended to improve financial flexibility by reabsorbing funds from stalled projects.
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