The Finance Committee’s recent meetings in February 2025 provided a comprehensive overview of the town’s fiscal strategy, capital planning, and procedural updates in preparation for FY26 and beyond. The discussions, spanning sessions on February 24 and February 27, addressed operating and capital budget details, infrastructure projects, zoning amendments, and warrant article clarifications aimed at ensuring fiscal stability and long-term planning.
Budget projections – At the February 24 meeting, the committee reviewed budget projections for FY26 and FY27. Key elements included school and town department efficiencies, health insurance costs, and the impacts of collective bargaining on expenditures. The general fund budget of $107,561,661 was approved, with funding primarily derived from taxation and other revenue sources. Brian Keveny confirmed that projected expenses and revenue remained stable since the last meeting, noting an estimated unused tax levy of approximately $1.5 million. Staffing changes were also discussed, including a net decrease of 6.2 positions in the school budget—offset by new personnel on the town side, such as a nurse and custodial staff. These budgetary adjustments underscore the committee’s focus on streamlining operations while maintaining essential services.
Capital planning – The committee reviewed the five-year capital plan, which encompasses both town and school projects along with enterprise fund expenditures. A significant area of discussion was the MWRA dual-source water project. Members debated whether to implement the full dual-source system immediately or to phase in the project incrementally. Concerns were raised regarding the availability of detailed cost data and future financial obligations, prompting some members to abstain from voting on certain capital allocations. In addition, the high school wastewater treatment facility was addressed—originally slated for FY26 capital planning but removed pending final DEP approvals, with a potential cost of $5.5 million factored into future discussions.
Zoning and procedural updates – The committee examined a proposed zoning bylaw amendment concerning accessory dwelling units (ADUs), intended to align local regulations with a Massachusetts statute that mandates ADUs be allowed by right. Two motions were debated: one to update the bylaw for state compliance and another to introduce deed-restricted affordable ADUs, with the latter requiring a two-thirds town meeting vote. Despite concerns about potential traffic and parking issues and the preservation of the town’s rural character, members acknowledged that regulatory alignment was essential.
Town Meeting – Committee discussion on petition articles and town meeting procedures led to extensive debate over whether a new capital planning requirement should be imposed on petitioner-submitted projects. Many feared that such a mandate might conflict with state law and hinder residents’ ability to propose capital projects. Emphasis was placed on the importance of allowing standard procedures to continue without unnecessary restrictions.
Budget Amendments – During the February 27 session, the committee reviewed minor amendments to both the operating and capital budgets. An update on financial forecasting was provided highlighting that the town’s debt service is projected to rise due to increased borrowing for capital projects such as the MWRA connection and school HVAC replacements. FinCom member Phil Giudice noted that the Select Board revised the Article establishing the Energy Projects Revolving Fund by narrowing revenue sources solely to rebates or incentives from energy capital projects funded by free cash—thus avoiding potential debt restrictions.
Capital Improvement Planning Committee – Clarification was given regarding the establishment of a Capital Improvement Planning Committee, ensuring that residents retain the right to submit warrant articles related to capital projects. A non-binding resolution for an indoor sports facility at 195 Main Street was also discussed, with vote interpretations scrutinized due to ambiguities concerning abstentions.
Finalized Report Timeline – Frustrations were expressed over compressed timelines for finalizing the report and last-minute data adjustments. Nonetheless, the Finance Committee’s finalized report, complete with updated budget tables and clarified capital expenditure details, reinforces a commitment to early planning, strategic forecasting, and transparent public communication as essential tools for managing future fiscal constraints.
