WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=dLe9eYX3CWI

Part: 1

1
00:00:00.654 --> 00:00:28.560
[music] [music] [music] >> I'll make a motion. >> Second. >> All right. Good evening. This is the meeting of the Finance Committee. It is Wednesday, July 15th, 2026. This meeting is being audio and video recorded. Please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.

2
00:00:29.440 --> 00:00:45.200
>> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> This is going to wrap up our our budget season tonight.

3
00:00:45.200 --> 00:01:01.800
Being July 15th, we have to finish uh town business. So, we have a number of interdepartmental transfer requests on the agenda tonight. And I think that is it. There's >> Are there any transfers? >> Yeah, are there any reserve fund Does

4
00:01:01.800 --> 00:01:17.440
somebody reserve fund request to, Adam? >> The last three are coming out of your >> Reserve fund, okay. All right, so >> [cough] [clears throat] >> Adam, do you want to go through these >> Um individually? >> And then And then what we'll do at the

5
00:01:17.440 --> 00:01:33.120
end, we'll just vote them all at the end. And along the way, if anybody has any questions, feel free to to stop and stop him and ask questions, okay? >> Yep. >> All right. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for calling the meeting. I This is the last day we could

6
00:01:33.120 --> 00:01:49.920
do end of year transfers. You have your list of interdepartmental transfers, as well as your interdepartmental transfers, in front of you. The selectmen this evening voted to approve them as well. Uh so, I I will start with uh our first one.

7
00:01:49.920 --> 00:02:05.240
Uh so, first one will be on the interdepartmental transfer request, town meeting and elections, uh deficit of 2,400. >> [snorts] >> We're taking that from registrar of voters salaries temporary, 2,400.

8
00:02:05.240 --> 00:02:23.320
>> Okay. >> Uh BOS expenses professional tech, 5,000 deficit. We're taking that from highway road materials, 5,000. >> Okay. >> BOS salaries town administrator, 2,500.

9
00:02:23.320 --> 00:02:43.120
We're taking that from tech R&M fiber, 2,500. >> All right, next. >> Treasurer legal expenses, 13,000. We're taking that from ConCom salaries, 10,000, and registrar of voters salaries temporary, 3,000, for a total 13,000.

10
00:02:43.120 --> 00:02:57.760
>> What is that that line um what's that total budget just out of curiosity? >> For >> the legal expenses treasurer. >> That one I don't have the all the accounts in front of me, but that one's a a lot lower cuz for some re- for they

11
00:02:57.760 --> 00:03:15.880
have their own legal budget for like tax title, certain things like that. Uh our overall our legal budget's around 100,000, but I believe that one's like >> like town council's 100? >> Yeah, town council legal expenses are 100,000. I don't have that one in front

12
00:03:15.880 --> 00:03:35.800
of me this evening to give you the exact >> exact amount. Next one is what? Treasurer? >> Treasurer >> Collector. >> 1,000. This will come out of accounting professional technical, 1,000. Town council

13
00:03:35.800 --> 00:03:52.840
This was a $100,000 account. We were going over 12,200 deficit. Highway road materials, 12,200 to cover that. Town health insurance, 52,000. That would come out of uh highway road paving, 32,000, highway

14
00:03:52.840 --> 00:04:08.400
salaries, permanent, 2,000, highway gasoline, 18,000. >> Quick question, Adam. >> Yes. >> Uh, I noticed a lot of this is coming out of the highway road materials and paving. Is there a reason? I mean, did we not get to the projects we wanted?

15
00:04:08.400 --> 00:04:24.560
Where is that coming from on the highway? Why do we have that? >> Well, right now, we we didn't expend all the money. We We actually We actually encumbered some because we're actually doing some road work recently, but we didn't expend the full amount. >> Was it because we got reimbursed? We got

16
00:04:24.560 --> 00:04:40.680
money finally from the state? >> Well, well, chapter 90, like if the board just like instructed me to work with Dan Maynard without the bid, cuz the way I guess they've been doing them, they've been putting out these road projects by road as opposed to doing a blanket uh, one across town where we do

17
00:04:40.680 --> 00:04:57.000
an estimate, spend five that but 500,000, right, each year. We go out to bid for that full amount, make it a lot where we don't get any hold-ups along the way. We have a contract with one particular vendor that we call out. >> Okay. >> Um, so I don't know if that was the hold-up. I wasn't here at the time, um,

18
00:04:57.000 --> 00:05:11.240
but I would assume that all the projects that weren't anticipated are getting completed. >> Okay. Thank you. >> You're welcome. Um, police salaries, we have a deficit of 23,000 there. We're taking that out

19
00:05:11.240 --> 00:05:30.440
of the town account, 23,000. Police R&M vehicle, 16,000 deficit. We're taking it out of account of professional technical, 10,000. We're in assessors cable license uh, fee, 5,000, tech R&M fiber, 1,000. You can see I put that note there. Where did

20
00:05:30.440 --> 00:05:47.880
it go? That should have been on another line. Police energy, 5,000. We're taking that out of street lights R&M building, 5,000. >> Adam, just uh, go back to town accounting for a minute. So, Westown search for town accountant, correct?

21
00:05:47.880 --> 00:06:04.000
>> It is correct. >> Okay. So, let's say we have the opportunity to hire one. That the money that 23,000 is is taken out of that that line, where would >> [snorts] >> where how would that be made up?

22
00:06:04.000 --> 00:06:19.800
>> Is that from last year? >> It's from last fiscal year. >> Last year. So, presumably you've budgeted for >> already budgeted again for '27, so you should be all set >> Okay. >> for this, but this was because we didn't we had several vacancies in the town. >> You just took some of the money from

23
00:06:19.800 --> 00:06:35.120
them. >> Well, like Well, for example, like we have, you know, we have the account, we still have have to fill that role. We've been making some successes along the way with like the board just appointed board of health agent. So, we're very fortunate getting a very skilled employee from Middleborough that has

24
00:06:35.120 --> 00:06:52.600
since taken the job as health agent. So, some of these other vacancies we're really aggressively trying to fill these roles to get really skilled folks to work for the town of Rochester provide the best services for the residents. So, and you know how important a health agent is. I mean, septic glands, perk test, all and the like, restaurant

25
00:06:52.600 --> 00:07:07.320
inspections. >> This is just for, you know, the public watching, you know, there probably people out there that realize we still don't have a town accountant, um so they know that you know, everything is is on the up and up. >> Absolutely.

26
00:07:07.320 --> 00:07:26.080
Um we're hopeful to fill that role come this fiscal year. Okay. Was I at uh fire salaries, I think? >> you did police energy, right? That was the last one. >> So, okay. Uh fire salary schedule overtime, you see that at 57,000.

27
00:07:26.080 --> 00:07:43.800
Um as you mentioned, Mr. Chair, we're taking that as a town accountant at 57,000 out of that line. Uh fire salaries full-time 39,000. Um and then you can see here board of health salary secretary, that's actually the board of Health agency's line. Uh

28
00:07:43.800 --> 00:07:58.560
28,000 as the Board knows. Highway salaries assistant director, 11,000 there, so that would close out that one. >> Do we know why I get like overtime and stuff, but police and fire

29
00:07:58.560 --> 00:08:15.600
why were those salaries not anticipated? >> So, police, they're fully staffed at this moment, but they did have some periods where they didn't have enough coverage, so folks obviously were picking up more overtime. And as you know, we

30
00:08:15.600 --> 00:08:32.640
>> Police overtime is in police salaries? >> Uh I'm just using that as a as an example, but like overtime for the fire department, um there was an injury and >> No, I get the overtime, but I'm talking about like the um

31
00:08:32.640 --> 00:08:48.480
the [clears throat] the salaries line. >> Right. So, 23,000 for police salaries, right? In the >> That's an operational budget. They should >> Oh, so what Oh, okay. So, >> Yeah. Just a straight regular salary. >> So, for the previous fiscal year, I have to look at their budget. It could have been

32
00:08:48.480 --> 00:09:04.040
because in the budget, the amount of positions where they were hiring more people to get themselves fully staffed, that when we did the budget this year, the salaries line should be equal. I don't know what they budgeted the previous year, and that could be the

33
00:09:04.040 --> 00:09:20.080
reasoning why it was off by 23K. >> And 39 for fire. It just seems like that would be anticipated because it's I know like even the police, they usually budget if they're going to have a cadet. So, um

34
00:09:20.080 --> 00:09:36.600
that's just interesting that it's off 39 grand for like regular salaries, not >> Yeah, they don't know if they hired a couple of more people. >> they did an unanticipated hire, but >> There was a There was an employee that was on medical. >> Yes, I think that's >> So, that that's where it would have been in that in that fire side.

35
00:09:36.600 --> 00:09:53.240
>> Yeah, there was. Yeah, there I think that's probably where that's coming from. >> I'm just going by the off the top of my head. >> No, yeah, I think that is correct. >> But I you're pretty much on top of the budget, so you you hear things through the course of the year. Um

36
00:09:53.240 --> 00:10:10.560
Okay. Are we on fire salaries part-time now? >> Yes. >> Okay, fire salaries part-time 11,000 taking out of the soil board 11,000. >> [clears throat] >> Rec service and maintenance 3,500 we're taking out of the soil board

37
00:10:10.560 --> 00:10:30.440
3,500. Snow salaries 32,500 deficit we're taking out of C mass incinerator 25,000 highway salaries assistant director 7,500. Snow removal 102,000 taking that

38
00:10:30.440 --> 00:10:48.960
out of the reserve fund 102,000. Cemetery salaries 2,500 taking out of the reserve fund 2,500. And historical R&M building 1,000 deficit taking out of the reserve fund for 1,000. >> know what that leaves us?

39
00:10:49.000 --> 00:11:04.760
>> Uh I would say you were at what 130 I want to say and if you're taking out 105 out of the reserve I'd be left with around 30K I want to say in that area. >> And that's from last year's?

40
00:11:04.760 --> 00:11:27.080
>> And that's from your last Yes. And that's what you have for interdepartmental transfer request Mr. Chairman and members of the board. If you want me to move to interdepartmental transfers? >> Yes, does any First does anybody have any more any questions on these that we just went over?

41
00:11:27.080 --> 00:11:46.720
>> No. >> Okay. Okay. Yeah, we can move on. >> Quick. >> Okay, interdepartmental transfers between salaries and expenses. You have here from fire department fire turnout gear 13,000 will

42
00:11:46.720 --> 00:12:07.600
be coming from fire other equipment 5,000 to fire salaries part-time 18,000. That was within the fire budget. Moving on to buildings budget. Building salaries building inspector

43
00:12:07.600 --> 00:12:23.520
17,000 from to building wire inspector 13,000 and building inspector 4,000. And that would make up the 17,000 in building. Any questions there? >> No. >> No.

44
00:12:23.520 --> 00:12:42.640
>> Animal control officer clothing allowance from 500 below that telephone 500 to the salaries line for director of 1,000. Council on aging salaries van driver 2,500 to COA Council on aging R&M

45
00:12:42.640 --> 00:13:01.440
building 2,500. I believe R&M refers to repair and maintenance and you can correct me if I'm wrong. >> Yes. >> Uh any questions on those? >> No. >> Veteran benefits 1,100 from to veteran

46
00:13:01.440 --> 00:13:21.280
salaries 1,100. And then registrar salaries temp 1,900 to registrar voting program 1,900. So, your interdepartmental transfers between salaries and expenses is the 41,500. And that's how we do it here in Acushnet

47
00:13:21.280 --> 00:13:37.880
because when you go to town meeting, this is more for public information. Uh when the town voters vote on the warrant article, it's listed by salaries and expenses. So, those all need to balance out. Um, yeah. As opposed to a departmental budget where it's if it's just one line,

48
00:13:37.880 --> 00:13:54.120
police, fire. So, we just we have to do it this way because of the way the town's people vote on the budget. >> Right. And just so the public knows, this is an exercise that we go through um, every year at this time when we're closing out business for the year. And

49
00:13:54.120 --> 00:14:08.960
um, you know, budgeting is not an exact science. We we try and get it as close as we can. Uh, but sometimes within budgets, you can end up with a a deficit or a surplus. And this this is how we end up

50
00:14:08.960 --> 00:14:26.840
doing all doing all this. And it enables us to end up being balanced at the end of the day. >> And I'll also add to that the departments, depending when the budget season is, are budgeting 12 to 18 months out. So, they're looking

51
00:14:26.840 --> 00:14:42.360
at where they're going to land on June 30th, sometimes the previous November, December. So, it's, you know, things come up and things and things happen. >> that's a good point. >> Um, people resign, retire. You hire

52
00:14:42.360 --> 00:14:59.240
people at high higher or lower salaries. So, they're, like you said, it's not an exact science. Um, especially for the larger departments like police and fire, that the more complex departments that have, you know, more line items than, um,

53
00:14:59.240 --> 00:15:14.800
you know, a salary of a director, a salary of clerical staff, and maybe some supplies. So, when you get into these complex departments, um, larger budgets, it it is a lot more challenging. >> Yeah, and then overtime can be involved, so kind of

54
00:15:14.800 --> 00:15:32.080
thing to deal with. Uh, so that's that's never like a a certain amount of money. >> But I do have a question and I mean there's probably no good answer to it, but when we were talking about transferring money from a department

55
00:15:32.080 --> 00:15:47.240
that has had a vacancy, what would a town have done if they didn't have funds to tap into to cover the deficit? If you were fully staffed and didn't have, you know, turnbacks from salaries or

56
00:15:47.240 --> 00:16:02.960
or in your expense lines are, you know, negligible compared to your personnel lines. So, what what would you what would be the course of action? What could you do to balance the budget? >> Well, unfortunately, we >> have some of these areas. >> Yeah, I mean, what I did in my other

57
00:16:02.960 --> 00:16:20.080
towns, so I can speak to this. If I had a snow and ice deficit, you know, it's not a practical application, but because it's un- considered unforeseen, you never know what your snow and ice deficit will be. Um I've transferred had a at a town meeting to take it out of free cash to

58
00:16:20.080 --> 00:16:34.960
close the deficit. >> Mhm. >> Uh you could also raise on the recap sheet. There's other ways, but I mean, if you're in a situation, you always try to close your books, as you know, within the money you have available, but there are other There are other ways you could do it,

59
00:16:34.960 --> 00:16:50.480
but it's not ideal to do it those ways because you don't want to You want to really use your free cash for your capital. You want to use your free cash for projects that you want to get done through the course of the year. Um but there are other ways to do it, but it would require town meeting or

60
00:16:50.480 --> 00:17:06.319
raise on the recap, and that takes it away from your free cash, as you know, um when you raise it that way. >> So, then doing it that way, it wouldn't happen now, right? You'd have to wait for fall, presumably, [snorts] or or I'm not sure. >> Well, that would get the selectmen I you know, obviously I would I'd work closer

61
00:17:06.319 --> 00:17:22.160
with the chairman of the board of selectmen as well as the two other selectmen. You know, calling a special town meeting to close it. I mean, it's not ideal to call a town meeting for one article, especially when we have the 75% requirement, [snorts] Um but >> [clears throat] >> there's ways to do it where

62
00:17:22.160 --> 00:17:38.960
but what you could do too if I I was looking at these earlier on with Jamie V, the assistant town accountant, because let's say if that was what we were anticipating were we to have enough positive money to cover our negative money, we could have put through an

63
00:17:38.960 --> 00:17:55.120
article on cuz when I did close the snow and ice deficit, it was at the annual town meeting. [snorts] Uh we would just have to be cognizant of doing a supplemental appropriation or something to that effect. [snorts] >> Just a quick question [clears throat] on the fire or the turnout gear, didn't we

64
00:17:55.120 --> 00:18:11.240
have an article >> I was wondering that same thing, too. There was a a town meeting or an article, correct? >> Yeah, he carries some of that in within the budget, and then another cuz I guess the turnout gear it's like the there's two different >> I thought the article was for the

65
00:18:11.240 --> 00:18:27.400
>> Well, there was started tanks, and then there was turnout gear >> It was >> expired or something >> It Yeah, it's like two >> certified >> Right. >> Yeah. >> So, they they funded some of it through the budget and then some of it through the article. >> Okay.

66
00:18:27.400 --> 00:18:43.360
>> And you said today is the last day to do these transfers, is that correct? >> By statute? >> Yes, by statute. >> I would just I I feel the need to point out that I think there should be better planning on the town side like this.

67
00:18:43.360 --> 00:19:00.280
We asked for this these transfers, you know, a couple days ago. We they weren't able to be provided to us. Um The selectmen meet met on them today, right? Like in a couple hours ago. So, I mean, this gives us no time to really

68
00:19:00.280 --> 00:19:16.040
I don't have an issue with any of these transfers, um seeing them now, but like it also doesn't give us any time to research, which I don't I don't think it's great great practice, frankly. And I feel like that happens with a lot of budgets, a lot of other things. Um even having

69
00:19:16.040 --> 00:19:32.080
town meeting on June 28th is is >> Yeah. >> crazy. I've never I was trying to find a town that has it that [clears throat] way. That doesn't [snorts] happen. And I unfortunately wasn't able to make it. Um so I'm not trying to make this about town meeting. But there's a reason why and I know the

70
00:19:32.080 --> 00:19:47.160
article passed but there's a reason why that the bylaws had a set date. Like there's reasons for that why town meeting has like a set date. That for whatever reason hasn't been followed in the last few years. Um >> Well, I know that this year obviously it's it's extenuating circumstances.

71
00:19:47.160 --> 00:20:03.720
>> Well, everybody has to Every town in the state in the state has to you know forecast and anticipate and nobody else had to wait till June 28th. It's just If anything went wrong at town meeting you have like one day to figure it out before you have your end of the fiscal year. >> Well, I think we were in a transition

72
00:20:03.720 --> 00:20:19.040
period too this past year where we were in in search for a new town administrator. So we have one. I feel like we have a good one in front of us. And hopefully he's going to be there. Hopefully he's going to stick around for a while. Um

73
00:20:19.040 --> 00:20:35.360
And I think that was that's part of the issue too is not having enough continuity in these key positions. So I think once we have a full complement of people you know, going forward I think the process will will probably be expedited maybe a little bit sooner. But and again but we are at the mercy of the state too

74
00:20:35.360 --> 00:20:51.520
because I think I feel like the state is behind really delayed this year too. And and in setting their numbers between the house, the senate and the governor's budget. And then that puts the rest of us behind the eight ball. So it kind of all trickles down. So I

75
00:20:51.520 --> 00:21:08.400
this was not a obviously a a good year for this. I mean yeah, in my 20 years doing this I've never seen us have a town meeting this late. It's never been this late. You know, hopefully hopefully next year it's it's sooner. But we'll uh >> Good job to you and the Board of

76
00:21:08.400 --> 00:21:24.520
Selectmen and departments for giving us a a level budget that's uh >> Yeah, this was a This was a super challenging year. Um >> I can't wait to see what rabbit you're going to pull out next year. >> Well, we're hopeful to talk with the board, too, when we're in the process of the budget

77
00:21:24.520 --> 00:21:40.120
to try to get I used to have town meetings in early May. Um but I didn't get here till April and you know, the we obviously had our challenges, too. We were trying to do what we can. [clears throat] We had to put the trash bids out. In fairness, we had to figure out the Old Colony number and then try to get the Abington Public

78
00:21:40.120 --> 00:21:55.680
Schools as much as we could get them, too. I mean, there's no way I told them straight up >> storm. >> Yeah, and I told Paul, I was like, "There's no way I'm going to be able to give you a million dollars, you know." I mean, so the board did what they could to get it up to 450K. Um but when you got Old Colony asking for 410, you know, getting us up

79
00:21:55.680 --> 00:22:11.160
Abington Public Schools to 450, saving the $110,000 that the board awarded to Harvey helped us get Abington to that public schools to that number. Um it's just the factual challenges. The fact that we didn't have to you know, we don't have to do overrides here.

80
00:22:11.160 --> 00:22:27.560
That's amazing. >> So far, so good. >> I I By the way, I never proposed an override, so. >> Yeah, >> [laughter] >> we don't We want to We want to keep it that way for sure because of, you know, we have a lot of seniors on fixed incomes in this town and I've said it numerous times

81
00:22:27.560 --> 00:22:42.360
that uh we don't want to stop resorting to that because it's becoming way too commonplace in the state, you know, and we're what we're doing essentially is bailing out uh poor fiscal uh

82
00:22:42.360 --> 00:22:58.280
respon- being responsible fiscally at the state level and it's affecting us here at the local level. So, why should we be be bailing out these politicians >> [snorts] >> by by asking our residents for more in taxation? It's not right and it's not

83
00:22:58.280 --> 00:23:15.560
fair and I I hope, you know, well, we had a record number of municipalities asked for overrides this year. I don't know how many passed. I hope most of them failed because [clears throat] I think it sends a message to the state that you know, you need to get your you

84
00:23:15.560 --> 00:23:33.120
know what together. >> I think over the last I thought I read somewhere in the last 5 years it was 52 communities in the 351 that have been asked so 54. >> Yeah, it was 54 and this year it's 54. >> So it's it's a an indicator for

85
00:23:33.120 --> 00:23:48.880
>> It's gone and it's gone up dramatically from 2023. So there was 12 communities in 2023 and now fast forward 2026 you have 54. >> Yeah. >> I mean what does that tell you about the leadership at the state level? Now there's going to be an opportunity

86
00:23:48.880 --> 00:24:04.080
for that to change in November, but you know, it's that's like the definition of insanity in this state the way they >> [cough] >> talk about it. It's [clears throat] you know, you you keep voting the same way you expect a different result. And >> [snorts] >> you know, just you know, hey, fine. Don't complain that don't complain after

87
00:24:04.080 --> 00:24:19.120
the fact. That's all I want to say about that. >> You're absolutely right Mr. Chairman. I think a lot of it is that we're so dependent on state aid relative to what we're going to get and what we haven't gotten. I mean the fact of holding schools harmless, there's a lot of factors that are certainly

88
00:24:19.120 --> 00:24:36.480
impacting local aid in general. I mean unrestricted general government aid I think hasn't went up to the levels since 2008 it's been off from my research and it's it's not easy. I mean our municipality we do the best we can. We try to find every every leave no

89
00:24:36.480 --> 00:24:51.360
stone unturned to try to save money, but >> mind-boggling that [snorts] you know, some of our you know, some of these state reps and some local senators they you know, they're going through this the state's line item budget, right? And obviously there's probably something that's like really we're going to budget

90
00:24:51.360 --> 00:25:08.200
this and nobody questions it. Nobody says no. It's like are you kidding me? It It's just I don't know. We keep going down this path in the state. >> What was it? $20 million to celebrate men's menstruation?

91
00:25:08.200 --> 00:25:23.640
>> Yeah, something stupid like that, right? I mean, it's it's it's stuff like that. Um >> [snorts] >> It's It's the outrageous utilities The utility costs in the state. >> Oh, $1.5 billion in Mass state this year. >> You know, and you got one person blaming the other. And it's laughable because

92
00:25:23.640 --> 00:25:39.640
ultimately the governor signs off on the rates that are negotiated by the Mass DPU that she appoints. So, it's like >> [laughter] >> But, you know what? The The The media doesn't portray any of that like that. So, nobody really knows

93
00:25:39.640 --> 00:25:55.120
all the facts, unfortunately. >> Yeah. >> They're just So. >> And unfortunately, with a town like ours, you can't ask a town that is rural, farm community-style town that doesn't even have a stoplight in it

94
00:25:55.120 --> 00:26:11.320
to generate taxes from businesses that you could out of a a Dartmouth or a Fairhaven. We just don't We're not built that way. So, it's kind of hard to lump all of these communities into the same

95
00:26:11.320 --> 00:26:28.280
mold because we're not the same mold. >> And of course, in town, you you you get a good value for your dollar. Um you get the fact that you get trash and recycling pickup. >> Mhm. >> Roads are getting paved. You know what I mean? Like, that's a really That's a big thing. >> happy with the services they have because you're not getting that in a lot

96
00:26:28.280 --> 00:26:43.840
of communities. >> I mean, Harvey was so aggressive, you know, they were They They were getting there so early compared to Waste Management. People like missing their trash. You know, so D&A actually had to call over to Harvey to have them come, you know, make sure it's 7:00 a.m., you know, not any any time earlier, so.

97
00:26:43.840 --> 00:27:00.080
>> Well, yeah, the bottom line is we're going to Going forward, we need more aid from the state because we can't We can't keep asking departments for level-funded budgets year over year. >> We have It's unrealistic, right? >> Right. >> So, we need more aid from the state. That's That's the bottom line. Um you

98
00:27:00.080 --> 00:27:17.120
know, so any of these politicians running out there should be running on that. Um >> Hold Hold them to task. >> Absent of that, like you said with the um you know, most schools are funded at hold harmless, so they get their minimum per pupil. And absent of more state aid,

99
00:27:17.120 --> 00:27:32.680
you know, it's going to be very difficult to for the school department in our town to continue at the pace that they've been accustomed to, because it's the money just isn't there. So, >> It's huge challenge. I'm I've lived here

100
00:27:32.680 --> 00:27:47.960
my entire life. >> [clears throat] >> I was educated there, and I would never be a proponent of, you know, regionalization, cuz those are my schools, but it you know, it's sad, but it might be getting to that point that that That's been thrown out before, but

101
00:27:47.960 --> 00:28:05.000
it might be something that has to be realistically considered, because it's just pricing out of of what the town is able to afford. Uh you know, you you were able to use some savings from a bid. Well, that's not going to

102
00:28:05.000 --> 00:28:21.400
happen next year, because you're not going to have your trash bid to come in and and and save the day, right? And >> Well, that's what we look at health insurance right now. >> I don't need to interrupt, but we look at health insurance. There's always something >> But those places are are probably drying

103
00:28:21.400 --> 00:28:38.840
up absent of any continuous, you know, increase in state aid. >> Well, not only that, but the the Quinn bill, when we lost that money. We lost the Quinn bill money for the police. You know, we had to absorb that, too. >> And it's hard to get adequate state aid when you have >> [snorts] >> things being voted on, such as

104
00:28:38.840 --> 00:28:54.120
$22 million, so so inmates can make free phone calls. You know, when you have that kind of nonsense going on, and nobody's saying no to that. I mean, are you kidding me? That's $22 million. Let them pay for a phone call or

105
00:28:54.120 --> 00:29:09.600
family. I I don't care, but not the taxpayers. That's just nonsense. I mean, whoever voted yes on that should be held to task on that. I mean, I I don't know. I mean, what How can you

106
00:29:09.600 --> 00:29:27.920
justify that, right? I'd like to hear a rational response to that, really. I mean, try and convince me that that is okay. I don't know. I mean, Phil, you're in law enforcement. What do you think? >> I'd like to see the Quinville get funded by the state again. >> [laughter]

107
00:29:28.600 --> 00:29:44.440
>> I'd like to make a motion that we approve >> Oh, yeah. Okay, yeah. So, we got to Any more discussion on any of the transfers? >> I'll make a motion that we approve all the transfers as presented. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion?

108
00:29:44.440 --> 00:30:00.960
Being no further discussion, all in favor? Okay. Anyone opposed? All right. The motion passes unanimously. Okay. On to the next item on the agenda, meeting minutes. We have some minutes to approve from the meeting of April 15th, [snorts] 2026.

109
00:30:00.960 --> 00:30:17.320
This was the joint meeting that we had with the school committee. And in attendance was myself, Sue Delgado, Phil Adams, Pete Pano, Eric Chew, Kristen Flynn, Eric McLain, Mr. St. Jean, and Lisa Tomlinson. >> I'll make a motion to accept the minutes

110
00:30:17.320 --> 00:30:33.640
as presented. >> We have a second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Aye. >> Aye. >> Okay. The minutes passed from April 15th. Under Under old business, um as most of you know now, we we're

111
00:30:33.640 --> 00:30:49.600
going to be short two finance committee members. Um Mr. St. Jean is no longer going to continue on the finance committee. Um and Eric Chew is no longer going to continue because he's no longer going to be a resident of Acushnet. So,

112
00:30:49.600 --> 00:31:05.640
um And I would like to thank both of them for their their service. Um I feel like they were both valuable members. Um >> Bob, over 20 years? >> Uh Mr. St. Jean, yeah, it goes without saying. Um you know, he he was sitting right here

113
00:31:05.640 --> 00:31:23.440
as the the chairman of the the Board of Selectmen when I was at that podium um looking to get appointed to the Finance Committee. >> Okay. >> And and you know, then he ended up joining the Finance Committee and I feel like he was a great mentor for me. >> Um for all of us.

114
00:31:23.440 --> 00:31:39.240
>> You know, watching him conduct the meetings and hold the meetings. Um He did it in a really uh calm way. You know, he never lost his cool. Um I can't say I followed him in that direction all the

115
00:31:39.240 --> 00:31:55.400
time. >> Hm. >> But I mean, I cannot have enough good things to say about Mr. St. Jean. Um I wish him well and um if anybody has any anything else to say. >> I would. Um you know, I first came to know Mr. St. Jean when I

116
00:31:55.400 --> 00:32:10.240
was a child. I grew up with um with his daughter. But coming being a town employee and presenting to the Finance Committee and the Board of Selectmen, that's how I really came to know him and he was always extremely thoughtful,

117
00:32:10.240 --> 00:32:27.040
respectful. Um he sought he always sought to understand where the town departments were coming from. And when you are presenting the school budget, it's not always a receptive audience and it's not always easy. So, he always um

118
00:32:27.040 --> 00:32:41.960
made sure that we had a chance to explain our budget and took into consideration and was always willing to listen. And um you know, and then when I joined the finance committee he always welcomed me and I he sat right here and

119
00:32:41.960 --> 00:32:58.560
I enjoyed our chats about our families and so he was always he was a good mentor and and and a friend and you know, a real friend to the town of Acushnet over many many many years. So >> He definitely dedicated his life to this

120
00:32:58.560 --> 00:33:14.280
town. I reached out to him when I found out that he resigned from the committee just to check in on him and you know, I thanked him myself for and for the same reason as you just said cuz when I came and I actually came out of committee in 2011,

121
00:33:14.280 --> 00:33:31.280
he was just a member. I forget who the chairman at the time was. Paul who? But >> Yeah, yeah from uh >> Mr. Pelletier >> Yes, Paul Pelletier. >> Mr. Pelletier >> Pelletier, Mr. Pelletier. Yeah, he was the chairman and when he stepped down >> [clears throat] >> Bob stepped in but

122
00:33:31.280 --> 00:33:47.160
yeah, he's been a great mentor and a chairman. And the same thing with Eric. Eric done great work for us, with us, you know, he's always been here. You can always count on him to come to the meetings. >> Yes, Eric was always good [clears throat] as uh He was passionate about it. >> Yeah.

123
00:33:47.160 --> 00:34:02.000
>> Yeah. >> He's dedicated with >> and see management. >> I'll just give a brief story. There was one time Eric had sent me a text saying he was thinking about leaving the committee cuz he didn't feel like he was adding value to the committee and I totally disagreed with him. I

124
00:34:02.000 --> 00:34:19.840
said, Eric, no way. I said, you I think you do add value to the committee. Um and I cuz I didn't want him to leave. Yeah, I'm glad he didn't and I'm glad he stayed on and he persevered cuz this is not an easy committee to be on. I mean, we can take some scrutiny.

125
00:34:19.840 --> 00:34:35.320
>> It's time consuming same >> It is very It is very time It's It's time consuming. I don't think people realize how much time we put into this. >> I think to be on any committee, especially one like this, to do it correctly, it is time-consuming to do it

126
00:34:35.320 --> 00:34:50.280
the right way. And >> Yes. >> to like I said about Mr. St. Jean, to be thoughtful and to come prepared. And and you know, I know we talked about part of that is having, you know, materials [clears throat] in front of you to be able to look at, you know, in in time.

127
00:34:50.280 --> 00:35:07.040
Um but yeah, I think to be to to to have Eric, and he was he was a good friend on the committee and he always helped out understand, especially some of the things that that I didn't understand, some of the technology stuff. And that helped, you

128
00:35:07.040 --> 00:35:22.520
know, we it complemented the committee in that way. And he was very dependable. >> Everybody has their little niche here, I think. Um which is good because, you know, we're not you know, all knowledgeable about the

129
00:35:22.520 --> 00:35:39.720
departments uh totally in totality. Um but it's just uh it's it's not an easy easy commitment to do. I mean, cuz it takes time away from our personal life and uh our families. But I'm I'm thankful

130
00:35:39.720 --> 00:35:54.760
we got a guy like P on the committee cuz and he he makes some great meals for us. >> [laughter] >> No, pizza I mean, look, everybody here is valuable. Um Kristen, you've done an outstanding job this year >> [clears throat]

131
00:35:54.760 --> 00:36:11.160
>> with the school department budget. Um you've helped me >> You're definitely our go-to person. >> You helped me understand it much better than I ever understood before. And you know, you come from that world, so that definitely helps. So, I you know, I appreciate you being on this

132
00:36:11.160 --> 00:36:29.160
committee, too. You know, and and P always gives valuable insight, numbers-driven, data-driven. Eric, you're good with >> You can just You can just leave it right there. You just Good. I'm still trying to find my niche. >> Phil's the watchdog of the police

133
00:36:29.160 --> 00:36:44.840
department. I appreciate >> [laughter] >> that the police department's expenses are on par. >> I appreciate Phil's. He's always questioning anything that you said any question on. He's not there's no hesitation for him to bring it up and give me any more information on this. >> It's good to have a different

134
00:36:44.840 --> 00:37:00.800
perspective like that, too. So, I think I think we're a good group. And but so for anybody out there watching, if you're interested in the FinCom, there's going to be two open seats. >> We're hiring. Thank you both of them for serving. >> Yes. >> Yeah. I've known him basically my whole

135
00:37:00.800 --> 00:37:17.360
life. He's a great man. >> Yeah. >> Thanks, Bob. >> [clears throat] >> It's the same thing. >> Yes. And Mike, I'll I'll tack on what you just said. Anybody interested out there in serving, there's been tons of people that have nothing but criticism about the job that we do. Now's your chance to put up or otherwise shut up. >> I've seen it firsthand recently on

136
00:37:17.360 --> 00:37:33.080
social media. You know, some some folks taking shots at me for doing some of the things I've done on and it's like it's You know what? It's laughable because Okay, the excuses I see are well, I don't have time. But you have time to make all kinds of nonsense comments on

137
00:37:33.080 --> 00:37:48.680
social media. Or I've even invited people to come here and have a face-to-face conversation. Does anybody ever show up? No. You know, it's just like you know, let me type on my phone and put out a cowardly message. You know, it's that that kind of stuff. Just uh >> It's not even the cowardly part. The

138
00:37:48.680 --> 00:38:05.200
problem is is that they put out information that's not accurate. >> Exactly. >> And they say they don't have time to be on the the committee, but at the same time it's obvious you don't have time to do your research because what you post ends up being inaccurate. >> Even worse, I bet you many of them don't

139
00:38:05.200 --> 00:38:21.320
even go to town meeting. You know, so if you're not going to go to town meeting, >> [snorts] >> um and I get maybe you got an excuse, but at least make the effort to try and go to town meeting cuz that's when you have your final say. I mean, we have the best form of government, in my opinion, being in a a a town like this with town

140
00:38:21.320 --> 00:38:36.640
meeting. Because the people have the power ultimately and they have the final say. So, you it's all in your hands. It doesn't matter what really what any of us say. We're making recommendations on these things. But, ultimately the people in the

141
00:38:36.640 --> 00:38:53.240
audience have the have the power. >> And if I could also add, if I may Mr. Chairman, um being a public service today is is exceptionally difficult. Whether you're serving on a board, committee, I mean your meetings are all televised, being a police officer. >> You know, you're scrutinized for

142
00:38:53.240 --> 00:39:09.400
anything you do. You know, it's just you're open to it. It's a microscope. You know, I just say let the haters hate, you know. >> Yeah. >> And I just move forward. >> That's it. That's You have to have You're going to have that You're going to have that Bill Belichick mentality. >> Got it. >> We're on to tomorrow. Yeah. Uh

143
00:39:09.400 --> 00:39:25.240
yeah, you know, we're on to Cincinnati. Mary, we're on we're on to fiscal >> Focus on the mission. Balance budgets, right? >> Yes. >> Year after year. >> So, that being said for the public, how if someone is interested, how do they express their interest to get on the board? >> selectman of pointment, right? >> Yeah. >> Well, they would have to send a letter

144
00:39:25.240 --> 00:39:41.080
of interest to the Board of Selectmen first and foremost. And then, um you know, it would have to get approved by the Board of Selectmen. >> And if I could also add, if I may Mr. Chairman, I can drop them off I missed the Chairman so he's aware. If I get any letters of interest from into the Selectmen's office.

145
00:39:41.080 --> 00:39:55.200
>> Yes. >> So, it's going to be hard to replace Bob and Eric. Um both both thoughtful, you know, caring individuals that cared about the town. So, if there's anyone out there that's going to take the time

146
00:39:55.200 --> 00:40:11.920
and and be thoughtful with an open mind and no agenda. >> Yeah, and also I think they also had They also had an understanding of that we needed to be conservative on this committee, um as far as spending goes. Cuz if we weren't,

147
00:40:11.920 --> 00:40:29.520
where would we be? If if we didn't adhere to, you know, conservative principles and try and hold hold the line on budgets. The taxpayers are going to end up paying at the end of the day, and we don't want that. Especially especially for the And here

148
00:40:29.520 --> 00:40:46.000
we go again, you know, the people on fixed incomes. It's It's so challenging out there, and I hear more and more stories about it because of how costly it is to live in the state now. You know, it's just >> And people want to know, too, our our budget season generally runs. Town

149
00:40:46.000 --> 00:41:03.040
meetings start like the middle of January, and they'll run through May, June, and here we are, July 15th. What do you think? >> Yeah. >> So, we're going to So, we'll have a break. >> It's usually every year. >> fall town meeting. >> I believe the board's anticipating

150
00:41:03.040 --> 00:41:19.000
having a fall town meeting, but it's not set in stone right now. >> Yeah, so if we have a fall town meeting, we'll probably have a couple meetings prior. Um >> Then we roll right into it. >> And then So, we get, you know, we're going to get the rest of this month off, August, um

151
00:41:19.000 --> 00:41:34.400
some of September. >> With pay? >> No, yeah, there's no pay and no benefits, too. >> [laughter] >> You know, and then after fall town meeting, we get a couple months reprieve before >> You start right over again. >> before the, you know, the whole budget season starts over again. And it comes

152
00:41:34.400 --> 00:41:54.440
up pretty quick. >> [clears throat] >> So, do you anticipate starting the budget season earlier this year? Hopefully now that, you know, I I think if there's a timeline and there's an expectation, I think they just have to be ready.

153
00:41:54.440 --> 00:42:09.640
In the town that I work in, that's that's how it goes. And we're doing the school budget in October, which is extremely challenging. Um but that's what we have to do. And so, that's We

154
00:42:09.640 --> 00:42:24.560
have our budget done in December. And town meeting is in April. >> I think last last year our year is in April. Wow. >> End of April. >> Oh, that's early. >> It It is. Um but it's, you know, it's a town twice the size of Acushnet. So,

155
00:42:24.560 --> 00:42:40.200
it's it is able to be done. Um and I know it's challenging because of, you know, having um the vacancy in the town administrator position and and not having a town accountant is probably exceedingly difficult. So, hopefully

156
00:42:40.200 --> 00:42:56.560
we're able to find find one and put one in place. Um but I think having working backwards to get that done a little bit earlier. And there's always some things that you're going to be waiting on. I know with the schools, they're waiting on their high school numbers cuz that's a

157
00:42:56.560 --> 00:43:13.000
huge driver of their budget. So, you know, until March comes, they're kind of, you know, in a holding pattern. And I'm sure it's the same in for some other departments with whatever particular things they may have. But can start the discussions earlier, I think.

158
00:43:13.000 --> 00:43:29.080
>> Just curious, when does the DOR certify free cash? >> [snorts] >> It depends on when free cash is submitted. >> Mhm. >> And generally Yeah, I mean, you you would like to get it done ideally before your fall town meeting. >> Yeah. >> Um that's always been at least my priority.

159
00:43:29.080 --> 00:43:43.760
>> Right. >> Um we're we're fortunate here. We're like our assistant town accountant, Jean de Velasquez, does a fabulous job. Uh I have a lot of confidence in her capabilities. >> But she's she's one person. >> Yeah. And then >> She's one person doing more than a

160
00:43:43.760 --> 00:44:00.160
two-person job, I'm sure. >> Oh, yeah. And obviously Kelly in the assessor's office very experienced and Jen does a fabulous job as treasurer collector. So, I'm pretty confident in their capabilities in getting free cash certified early. I'm awful optimistic. But that that would be the goal is

161
00:44:00.160 --> 00:44:15.920
obviously to get the free cash certified before our fall town meeting. >> Very good. So, we're not going to set any meeting date right now. Um so, there's nothing going on for now. And I'd say everybody enjoy the rest of the summer.

162
00:44:15.920 --> 00:44:41.655
Have a good adjournment and a great summer. >> I'll second it. >> All in favor? >> Aye. >> Aye. >> We are adjourned. >> Perfect. >> [music] [music] [music]