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“We took all the budgets as they came in to us and submitted them into [a town budget projection] that came to the $90 million,” said Mearn. “Our revenue is nowhere near that.”
Mearn estimated the town’s revenue will increase from $82.8 to $84.6 million, based on higher property tax and water/sewer rates.
But he said the town should expect a 10 percent cut in state aid, which would shave nearly $1 million from the budget.
He said his budget projection is “very conservative” and anticipates “no new programs and no significant big jumps” in department budgets.
“We’re being as realistic as possible. We’re not anticipating any new growth,” said Mearn.
He said the town should reasonably look at
spending $3.7 million more to roll over salaries
and services.
The department requests include additional increases in the police, fire and school budgets, as well as the Department of Public Works.
The School Committee has asked for a budget of $34.2 million – a 7 percent increase – to roll over salaries and hire new teachers. The committee voted the budget early in December based on what are projected to be increased enrollment and utility costs, and student achievement gaps. School officials want to hire four teachers.
The police department is requesting a $6.1 million budget – 7 percent higher than its current $5.7 million. The budget would include funding for two currently unfunded positions, which would bring the department to a full staff of 55. It also would include $148,000 for new equipment, including replacement of four police cruisers.
Mearn’s budget projection cuts the police budget less than 1 percent.
The fire department is requesting a $4.3 million budget – less than 2 percent higher than its current $4.2 million budget. The department wants around $70,000 to repair and maintain fire vehicles,
and $60,000 for new equipment, including nozzles, hoses and portable radios. A new jaws-of-life device costing $26,000 is needed for one of
the engines.
Mearn’s projection cuts the fire budget by nearly $100,000.
The DPW has requested an increase from $3.5 million to $4.5 million to handle additional maintenance costs. Mearn’s budget adds $150,000 for snow and ice removal, but increases the budget to just $3.7 million.
Even with less funding than the departments request, the town may need to consider an override to maintain its services, according to Selectman Chair Kathy Fagan.
“It’s getting to the point where budgets are so tight, there’s a higher cost to all the services we’ve come to expect,” she said. “The same services cost more money every year … or are we willing to live with less [without an override]?”
Selectmen John Shields said “political differences” got in the way of supporting an override last year and the town should look to putting up a “united front” to communicate its needs to the public.
“We have to be realistic. We’re probably looking at something between $1.8 million and $2 million,” said Shields. “The lower we can keep that number, the easier it will be for people to consider.”
“I think we’re being very proactive. This whole budget process has been moved up,” added Mearn.
“It makes us more able to react to changes. We
have plenty of options. None of them are pleasant, but we’re trying to put out the best presentation for a budget we can.”