The Finance Committee is racing to finalize a balanced municipal budget for the upcoming May Town Meeting, with leadership indicating a finalized proposal for the school department is nearly complete. Chair Carolyn Campbell informed the committee that she and Vice Chair Becca Markson spent the preceding weekend crunching numbers to reconcile a significant funding gap. The hope is that we will be able to bring a balanced budget working with Dr. Baeta and the town manager, Campbell stated, referencing ongoing coordination with the Superintendent to address the district's multi-million dollar shortfall.

Community concerns regarding senior accessibility took center stage during the public hearing, as resident Cynthia Walsh advocated for expanding the Council on Aging’s driver pool. Walsh noted that the current staffing of three-and-a-half drivers often leads to canceled appointments for local seniors. We have a part-time driver that's paid for somewhere else... we'd end up ultimately with four full-time drivers, she argued, emphasizing that limited slots make scheduling medical transport difficult. Member John Walsh, drawing on his experience as a former volunteer driver, echoed the need for more robust services. After COVID, I was like obsolete. They never called, Walsh noted regarding the decline in volunteer utilization. Cynthia's point is well taken because they do need more drivers. We have more seniors than ever and people need more accessibility.

The committee also scrutinized the long-term planning of the South School project and a potential new middle school location at Denison Field. Member Benjamin Carre voiced hesitation over spending Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds on the Denison complex if it is slated for future construction. I'm questioning whether it would be a wise decision to invest money into that location, Carre said. However, other members and residents pointed to the lengthy timelines required for major school builds. Member Heidi Tucker noted that the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) process is exhaustive, stating, It takes at least five years for that process from start to finish before we actually start digging. Cynthia Walsh provided historical context, reminding the committee that planning for the South School began 12 years ago. Staff members clarified that the $650,000 in CPA funds is necessary now to maintain a safe environment for students while the middle school project remains years away from fruition. Member Mark Struck added that New England’s climate makes repairs unavoidable regardless of future plans. If we repair Denison this year, there's no guarantee those repairs will hold even a full calendar year, Struck observed. Weather could change on a dime.

Operational efficiency was another focal point, particularly regarding a new regional approach to vehicle maintenance. Town Manager Thomas Calter confirmed that the town has pivoted to a contracted arrangement for its fire department fleet. In the last year or so, we've lost our mechanic. So it was more prudent and economical for us to go through the Foxborough Fire Department for mechanical services, Calter explained. Member Arnie Feinberg questioned the location of the work, with Struck clarifying that the Foxborough mechanic travels to the Stoughton fire station on Prospect Street to perform the repairs. Feinberg also suggested that folding school maintenance into the school-side budget could potentially increase net school spending figures, though staff noted that these costs are already part of the state’s computation formulas.

Fiscal policy and transparency were raised by resident Natasha Gomes, who urged the board to look beyond simple cuts. I realize that even when there are opposing views, our perspective is the same, Gomes said. I believe everybody in the community wants responsible fiscal spending. We have to come up with an alternative, not just don't spend, but how can we spend better. Following the public discussion, the committee moved through several warrant articles, including a substantial allocation for town infrastructure.

Motion Made by J. Wolk to recommend the town vote to accept and contract funds for town roads. Motion Passed (13-0-0).

The committee then authorized the Select Board to handle various administrative and financial functions for the upcoming fiscal year. Motion Made by J. Wolk to recommend the town vote to authorize the select board to apply for and accept any federal and or state funding or grants. Motion Passed (13-0-0).

Regarding the disposal of town property, Member Johna Rosenblatt sought clarification on whether the authorization included real estate. Town Manager Calter clarified that land follows different legal requirements and this article specifically targeted equipment and surplus items under Chapter 30B. Motion Made by J. Wolk to recommend the town vote to authorize the select board to dispose of town-owned property. Motion Passed (13-0-0).

The committee also endorsed the budget for the Cedar Hill Golf Course enterprise fund, allocating over half a million dollars for its operations. Motion Made by J. Wolk to recommend the town vote to appropriate $572,334.52 to fund the Cedar Hill Golf Course. Motion Passed (13-0-0).

A significant budget adjustment was required for the Sewer Enterprise Fund, totaling more than $9.2 million. Town Manager Calter explained that a recent debt issuance necessitated an increase in the budget lines. We had additional borrowing that was completed in February. So once the budgets were done, we had to increase their debt budgets, Calter said. Motion Made by J. Wolk to recommend the town vote to appropriate $9,295,508.18 for the Sewer Enterprise Fund. Motion Passed (13-0-0).