Milton Warrant Committee Confronts $2.5 Million Budget Gap Amid Rising Costs

Overview: The recent Milton Warrant Committee meeting focused on the fiscal challenges facing the town, including a $2.5 million budget deficit for fiscal 2027 driven largely by an increase in school budget requirements and rising health insurance costs. Discussions highlighted the need for strategic financial management to balance the town’s budget while addressing essential services and potential capital projects.

Gardner’s Finance Committee Approves Key Financial Transfers Amidst Health Insurance Concerns

Overview: During the recent Gardner Finance Committee meeting, the committee approved a financial transfer of $10,867.80, aimed at securing interim auditing services for the city. Additionally, discussions highlighted ongoing concerns about rising health insurance claims, driven by specialty prescriptions and elective surgeries.

Manchester-By-The-Sea Faces Financial Strains Amidst Rising School and Health Insurance Costs

Overview: The Manchester-By-The-Sea Finance Committee meeting delved into the town’s pressing financial challenges, primarily driven by a projected 7.86% increase in the school budget and a significant 20% rise in health insurance costs. The committee expressed concerns over the depletion of excess reserves and the looming possibility of dipping below the critical 8% reserve threshold, highlighting the urgency for careful fiscal planning.

Westport Finance Committee Deliberates on Salary Discrepancies Amidst Budget Constraints

Overview: The Westport Finance Committee, during its meeting on December 9, 2025, tackled issues surrounding salary discrepancies within the town’s departments, particularly focusing on the building department. Additional discussions covered budgetary challenges faced by the Board of Health and marine services, with critical emphasis on staffing, operational costs, and the need for equitable compensation practices.

Maynard Finance Committee Grapples with Trash Program Costs and Water Rate Concerns

Overview: In a lengthy virtual meeting, the Maynard Finance Committee tackled issues related to the town’s trash and recycling program, water and sewer rate projections, and rising health insurance costs.