Stoughton’s Finance Committee recommended a multi-year labor agreement for the Department of Public Works on Wednesday, moving to fund a contract that introduces mandatory performance appraisals for the first time in recent memory. The committee’s decision clears a path for Article 5 at the upcoming Special Town Meeting, utilizing approximately $90,000 in transfers from human resources and various other accounts to cover the immediate financial impact for the current fiscal year.

Town Manager Coulter detailed the memorandum of agreement covering fiscal years 2026 through 2028, noting that the union has been operating without a contract for four months. The deal includes a 3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for the first year, followed by 2.5% in the subsequent two years. Coulter emphasized that the agreement prioritizes a more skilled, versatile workforce by offering incentive pay for eight specific certifications, such as crane operation and horticulture. Our workforce is retiring faster than we can replace them, so we are encouraging laborers to become highly skilled technicians, Coulter explained, adding that the training initiatives are expected to eventually eliminate eight entry-level labor positions through attrition and increased efficiency.

While the committee ultimately supported the move, some members expressed reservations about the cumulative wage increases during a period of belt-tightening. Member Chet Collins highlighted the disparity between municipal departments and the local school district. An 8.25% increase over three years might give people some heartburn, Collins said. DPW does a great job plowing and picking up trash, but when an educator with a Master's or PhD only gets a 1% raise in some cities, and we give 8.25%, people notice. Collins also questioned the provision for 11 uniforms per worker, though Coulter clarified that the nature of the work—which includes dismantling sewage pumps—often requires multiple changes per week for hygiene and safety.

Financial transparency remained a focal point of the discussion as Member Benjamin Carre scrutinized a projected 37% increase in total payroll figures by 2028. Stoughton’s Finance Director clarified that the figures are not purely salary-driven, explaining that longevity increases and other total compensation lines fluctuate alongside the base raises. Motion Made by H. Tucker to recommend approval of Article 5 to Town Meeting, to be funded by approximately $90,000 in transfers. Motion Passed (11-1-2). The dissenting and abstaining votes followed a discussion where member Dawn Dino sought assurance that the town would cover the costs of the new certification classes, which Coulter confirmed.

The conversation also touched on the future of Stoughton’s waste management. Coulter informed the board that the town is moving toward the use of automated sideloaders and standardized barrels—one for trash and one for recycling—to improve efficiency and address pest control issues. Member Heidi Tucker asked specifically about the impact on residents' wallets, inquiring, What will trash charges increase by with this new contract? Coulter responded that he does not anticipate a massive increase, noting that the town is producing less trash and more recycling since moving to weekly recycling pickups. He noted that the new barrels would be supplied via the user service fee.

In other business, the committee received an update on the town’s comprehensive financial policy update being conducted by the Collins Center. Member Johna Rosenblatt asked when the committee would be able to review the document, stating, I was curious when we can see the finance policy statement. The Finance Director indicated that a final review is expected at the end of November before the policies move to the Select Board for a vote. Chair Carolyn Campbell suggested the committee hold an information session rather than a formal public hearing to ensure members fully understand the new policies. I am impressed with the incentives for education, Campbell added regarding the DPW contract. It makes the workforce more versatile and serves the town.

Resident Cynthia Walsh, speaking during the public portion, spoke in favor of the DPW's specialized roles, noting that modern vehicles are much more sophisticated and require specialized equipment to diagnose. Before concluding, Vice Chair Becca Markson reminded her colleagues to stay current with state requirements, saying, I recommend signing up for the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law training if you haven't taken it.