The Stoughton Finance Committee launched its public hearings for the FY27 budget cycle Thursday night, anchored by a projected $150.7 million revenue forecast and the introduction of incoming Finance Director Heidi Chukran. The financial outlook includes an estimated $10.6 million in certified free cash, a significant figure that Town Manager Thomas Calter attributed to the diligent work of the current finance department. Calter noted that The Finance Director is being modest. She and her team are 95% of the reason for these numbers, highlighting that free cash was previously averaging closer to $4 million to $5 million.

Heidi Chukran, who will succeed the current Finance Director in late March, brings over 18 years of municipal experience to the role. To bring the position to market value, her contract is set at $185,000 for the first six months, rising to $190,000 in January. The current director, known as Biz, provided a cautious outlook on revenue, estimating a tax levy of $96,750,035. She projected new growth at a conservative $900,000 to prevent potential deficits, noting that This prevents a revenue deficit despite the town seeing $1.5 million in growth this year. Motion Made by J. Wolk to open the public hearing for the May 4th Annual Town Meeting. Motion Passed (Unanimous-0-0). Motion Made by J. Wolk to open the public hearing for the May 4th Special Town Meeting. Motion Passed (Unanimous-0-0).

Procedural hurdles took center stage early in the meeting as Chair Carolyn Campbell announced that Bond Council now requires a seven-day notice for borrowing articles to be published in the Patriot Ledger, rather than the Suburban Shopper. Bond Council has raised an objection to our practice of the last 25 to 30 years, Campbell stated, explaining that borrowing articles would be continued to early April to ensure legal compliance. Campbell also used a moment of personal privilege to defend the committee’s independence from the Select Board, asserting, The Select Board cannot tell the Finance Committee how to run its meetings... We are equal and separate.

Committee members scrutinized several revenue and debt line items, particularly regarding the South School construction project. Member Johna Rosenblatt inquired about the status of state reimbursements, asking, Did we receive the final grant payment from the MSBA for the high school project? Finance officials confirmed a $3.3 million transfer would occur in the March warrant to reduce South School borrowing. Member Arnie Feinberg questioned how local estimates aligned with state figures, asking, How do these estimates compare to the House 1 budget? while Member John Walsh sought details on interest obligations, asking, What about school borrowing interest? Biz noted that the town faces a $1.6 million interest payment in 2027, with the elementary school note currently at 4%.

Treasurer Collector Paula Nute presented Article 14, which proposes a change to state law acceptance to stop billing taxpayers for amounts under $100 for the first two quarters of the year. It will save about $850 in processing costs for 890 bills, Nute explained. She also advocated for Article 16, the Prudent Investor Rule, to allow the town to diversify its stabilization and trust fund investments. Member Joel Wolk expressed concern over potential volatility, asking, Is there a risk involved? Finance officials responded that the policy simply provides a better range of municipal options than the current 0.5% interest rates seen on some accounts.

Departmental budgets saw varying shifts, including a 14.75% bottom-line reduction in the Assessor’s office. Assessor Steve Dunn noted, We reduced the budget by eliminating a consultant who used to come in once a week, adding that mapping costs were also eliminated by utilizing a GIS professional in the Engineering department. Member Dawn Dino questioned the impact of Medicaid billing changes on the budget, while Member Becca Markson poked fun at a $500 line item for awards in the committee's own operating budget. Are we getting medals or trophies? What am I missing? Markson asked, to which Chair Campbell clarified the funds have historically gone unused and are not proposed for the coming year.

Public participants Cynthia Walsh and Natasha Gomes raised questions regarding excess capacity and revenue sectors. Gomes asked if tax revenue could be projected by residential versus commercial sectors, though Biz noted that taxes are currently tracked in a single bucket. The committee also discussed Article 11, which seeks to extend the life of borrowing for projects like the Tosca Drive transportation analysis and various water main upgrades. Motion Made by J. Wolk to continue the public hearing on the Annual Town Meeting to March 4th. Motion Passed (Unanimous-0-0). Motion Made by J. Wolk to continue the public hearing on the Special Town Meeting to March 4th. Motion Passed (Unanimous-0-0).