The school department’s financial predicament was a focal point, with an initial budget of $67,225,233 for fiscal year 2025 being scrutinized due to a projected deficit of $2.3 million. However, strategic budgetary actions reduced this figure to approximately $700,000. Despite these efforts, the school committee requested additional funds, citing potential future uncertainties. The warrant committee and town meeting had previously approved $700,000, but unencumbered expenditures pushed the projected deficit back to $1 million, prompting a request for a full $1 million allocation from the reserve fund. This fund was initially earmarked for special education reserves for the next fiscal year.

The interim superintendent assured that utilizing the reserve fund would not adversely affect future allocations, particularly if an override was passed, as it would primarily address special education costs. Failing to use these funds now, it was argued, could exacerbate financial issues in the coming fiscal year. The meeting covered various budgetary strategies employed to manage the deficit, including hiring freezes, salary reallocations, and consolidating facilities purchase orders.

The discussion also delved into specific cost drivers exacerbating the deficit, notably substitute teacher expenditures and utility costs, which have collectively impacted the budget by approximately $1 million over the past three years. Special education costs, including tuition, transportation, and contracted services, were highlighted as significant contributing factors. A lack of adherence to the purchase order process within the finance department was cited as a reason for unaccounted costs, such as those related to a calculus project and payments for a physician overseeing student medication distribution.

Transportation costs due to unexpected situations involving homeless or foster care families further strained the budget. One case involved a transportation cost of $1,000 per week for a family residing outside the town. Additionally, coach stipends exceeded projections by $44,000 due to more sports teams in the spring than anticipated, leading to further budgetary misalignments. The absence of a full-time human resources director was noted as a contributing factor to these financial challenges, with plans to hire a full-time director to enhance oversight and budget management.

The meeting also addressed broader town financial matters, with a representative from the town administration providing a positive revenue forecast, projecting $3 million above the revenue forecast due to high interest income and motor vehicle excise tax. However, challenges persisted, particularly with health insurance and group insurance costs, which were projected to overspend by $300,000 due to increased enrollment in insurance plans. The snow and ice budget also faced significant challenges, with an overspend of approximately $651,000 due to a harsh winter season.

Discussions on the costs associated with snow and ice management unveiled the substantial financial impact of increased overtime and contractor fees. The town faced a competitive labor market, with private contractor rates reaching $200 per hour. Despite the winter not seeming severe, the financial hit was significant.

As the meeting progressed, the committee approved a motion for a reserve fund transfer request for town departments and discussed increasing the revolving fund limit for electric vehicle charging stations. The latter was raised from $10,000 to $20,000 to accommodate increased usage and associated costs.