Finance Committee Report from January 25, 2025
DA RYAN REFUSES TO PROSECUTE SHOPLIFTING
Westford Police Credited With Creating a Safe Community
The influence of George Soros is being felt in Westford. Police Chief Mark Chambers told the FINCOM that the policy of District Attorney, Maryanne Ryan and the Courts is not to prosecute repeat shoplifters. Chambers said that Home Depot and Marshall’s have been victimized repeatedly by shoplifters, who methodically steal goods to either buy drugs or cash in on their ill-gotten gains. District Attorney Ryan has indicated her unwillingness to prosecute these offenders. Chambers also said that as a result of the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Reform act passed in 2018, juveniles are no longer being charged as well. They are sent to diversion programs. This has resulted in sharp 20% drop in police court time.
The Chief stated that the problem is a regional one and several area police agencies are now petitioning the District Attorney to change her policy. Chambers identified Chief Ryan Columbo of Tewksbury as the leader of this effort. Non prosecution of so-called “minor crimes” is a hallmark of the George Soros political agenda. He spent millions electing District Attorneys throughout the US who subscribed to this philosophy. The policy ultimately leads to community disintegration, as businesses relocate out of the crime ridden areas. Thankfully, most of the Soros DA’s have been voted out of office, but apparently his influence still lingers in Middlesex County.
Chambers told the FINCOM that the police department budget for FY26 is actually less than FY25. It was reduced from 6.5M in FY25 to 6.4M in FY26, a drop of 1.46%. He attributed the reduction to the department’s transition from an older department to a younger one. He said that 16 officers, many senior ranking, have retired or left the Department over the past four years. Dennis Galvin, who monitors the public safety departments for the FINCOM said that the crime statistics for the past three years in Westford indicate the town is a very safe place to live. He credited the community at large and the police department’s efforts for this outcome. He cited the high visibility of the Westford Police generated through motor vehicle stops and house checks as creating a deterrent effect, which deters criminally minded individuals seeking opportunities in town.
Chambers was asked to explain a 55k accreditation stipend listed in his budget. He said that the Westford Police are accredited through the Massachusetts Accreditation Commission, which requires the adoption of extensive policies, over and above other departments. He said the stipend is part of a contractual item, that is paid to all officers to recognize their high performance. Each officer gets a percentage of the stipend.
Department overtime has remained steady year over year and Chambers stated that so-long as the department’s compliment of officers remains steady and officer injuries are avoided, the overtime will stay stable. Draw downs on overtime occur, when injuries and departures begin effecting minimum staffing levels.
The Westford Police maintain a Detective unit with four working detectives. They are supervised by a Lieutenant and a Sergeant. Chambers was asked to explain the high supervisory to subordinate ratio in that unit. He stated that the detective bureau operates 16 hours a day, which entails day and evening shifts. He seeks supervisory coverage on both shifts.
The chief was asked to justify two captain positions, a staffing practice which remains an outlier among comparable communities. In earlier discussions this year the Chief offered that Billerica and Tewksbury both had gone to this heightened supervisory level. Further inquiry confirmed that Billerica had increased its senior level supervision by adding comparable ranks, but the town’s population is 41k, much larger than Westford at 24k, and is plagued by a significant drug problem with 31 related opioid deaths last year. The inquiry was unable to confirm the senior supervisor structure for Tewksbury, however that town is also beset with a high number of drug overdoses. 25 deaths were recorded in 2024. The department has increased its detective bureau to 11 in obvious response to this situation, which may explain increases in senior supervisor staffing. Chief Chambers said that despite what other communities do, Westford has had the current staffing arrangement for many years and it has proven effective. With an increasing demand for oversight generated by the state’s Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission and potential growth, two Captains are essential for maintaining the professional operation of the department, Chambers said.
FINCOM OVERSIGHT RESULTS IN SCHOOL FINANCE REFORM
406K Previously Unused Revenue Now Applied To School Budget
The budget struggle last year over the proposed proposition 2 1/2 override, which ultimately failed at the ballot, did bear some productive fruit this year, as the School Department made a significant effort to reorganize and re-order its’ reserve accounts. During the sometime tense discussions over funding last year, the School Department was pressed to explain the justification for an override, while they were holding reserve funds estimated at 3 to 4 M. In remarks made to the School Committee in December, School Superintendent Dr. Christopher Chew identified this issue as perhaps the main cause of the override’s failure.
In the year, following the override’s defeat, School Committee Chair Valerie Young and School Finance Director Jenny Linn, took on the task of reviewing each of these 11 accounts to determine ways in which the revenue, sitting in them could be applied to support the general school budget. The fruit of their effort was the creation of a policy manual called the ”Non General Fund Guidebook”. Funds parked in school reserve accounts cannot simply be withdrawn under state law. The schools must charge these accounts for the supporting services they provide. This requires that these services be identified and priced. Young and Linn work very hard through the year to establish these charge backs or “offsets”. Their efforts resulted in access to 406k in previously unused funds which are now being applied to the school’s operating budget. The FINCOM enthusiastically recognized both Young and Linn for their efforts.
One significant account that had untapped funds was the school choice account. This is money garnered from tuitions from students who opt to come to Westford schools from out of town. The account had close to 1M sitting in it. Under the new charge back process, the school department was able to transfer 789k of that money back to the schools operating budget. Dr. Chew told the FINCOM that this “offset” system would sustain the School Department for two to three years. He did not anticipate any fiscal cliff in FY27 because of the availability of this revenue. It was former FINCOM member Heather Fitzpatrick, who first brought the reserve account issue to the fore.
Chew was asked about the employee contract situation. He stated that all school employee contracts have been settled. The Superintendent was questioned about these settlements. Units A (Teachers/Nurses), Unit B (Curriculum coordinators), Unit G (interventionists and Academic coaches) obtained three-year contracts with close to 9.8% in salary increases for each group. In one year in each of these settlements the salary increase was 4.6%. The Superintendent was urged to consider the towns per capita income (PCI) in future negotiations. He responded by saying that the state offers market basket towns that compare student to student service, but the town is not bound to utilize this market basket for contract negotiations. Chew said that PCI would be considered in the future as an additional factor in gauging the town’s capacity to support school employee salary increases.
Link To Finance Committee Meeting January 23, 2025
Finance Committee Report from January 18, 2025
SENIORS STRUGGLE WITH COST OF LIVING
Tax Relief and Rebate Programs Stretched While Housing Opportunities Remain Limited
Jennifer Clairo, the director of Westford’s Council on Aging appeared before the Town Finance Committee (FINCOM) last Thursday evening to defend her FY26 budget. Clairo submitted a $627,577 budget this year, an increase of 2.72% from her FY25 budget of $610,942. She attributed the increase to ongoing maintenance costs for the building and an increase in usage. The Cameron Senior Center has a long history of maintenance issues, which become more exacerbated with time. Participation has increased due to an affiliation with an organization called CFISCO, a 501c3 non-profit, that seeks to preserve Indian culture throughout Massachusetts. This group has increased participation at the center resulting in an increase in costs associated with social and cultural programming. Additionally, the Council stands to receive a grant from the Lowell Regional Transit Agency which will fund the cost for elder transportation services offered by the Council. This is the result of new state legislation which has made all regional transportation services available free of charge.
Clairo called attention to the plight of many seniors in town, who are seeking tax relief and low cost housing alternatives. She noted that the tax rebate program, which offers tax reductions for seniors willing to volunteer time to perform town related jobs, has reached its maximum limits. It could historically accommodate 20 slots for seniors, who apply to do the voluntary work. This year there are more seniors willing to work than there are slots. Clairo also disclosed that many town departments resist expanding this program, most notably the School Department. She did not explain the reason.
Another program, “Tax Relief for the Elderly and Disabled” (TREAD) is also in a tentative position. Clairo announced that this program is largely supported by the donations of one person in town. If this contribution should ever stop, the entire program would probably terminate, Clairo said. As to the matter of housing, Clairo stated that her office works very closely with town’s Housing Authority to find affordable housing alternatives for elders. She actively communicates with the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals in effort to keep them aware of the elder housing issue.
Lastly, a town social worker assigned to the Council on Aging, reports a dramatic increase in cases involving people under age 60. The FINCOM questioned this expansion, fearing the Council may be exceeding its scope. Clairo suggested that these cases could be transferred to the Board of Health.
FOREIGN TRAVEL SPIKES TUBERCULOSIS CASES IN WESTFORD
Board of Health Is Now The Town’s Dispensary For Narcane
Increased foreign travel by local residents has resulted in a rise in tuberculosis cases in the town. Health director Rae Dick informed the FINCOM, that the town recorded 60 total cases of tuberculosis last year. She noted that the disease is highly contagious but that, 54 of the cases are latent and 6 are suspected. Latent cases are not contagious. Dick also disclosed that many of these cases are related to persons visiting Westford, who stay with family residing here, for visits, vacations or work. Dick said that, when it is necessary, quarantines can be imposed. She added those with the disease are tested by US Customs, when they enter the country and then the state public health department follows them during their stay.
The FINCOM questioned the continuing lack of data on drug overdose incidents in town. Dick also advised that the town’s Board of Health is now a dispensary for Narcane. She did not have information on the amount that she is distributing. A request was made to track that amount and she said she would commit to do that. Tracking the overdose rate in town has been an on-going issue. The administration of narcane by police and fire is not recorded and statistics on the amount of overdose deaths, which are maintained by the state’s Department of Mental Health, have been historically incomplete or delayed, which impacts strategy development to combat this problem.
The Board of Health is requesting a 2.83% budget increase from 510K in FY 26 to 525K in FY27. Dick reported that the school dental program, which offers initial screening for K-5 students has been reinstated at a cost of $3600. Students pay $20.00 for a checkup. The money is deposited in a revolving fund account. This program is not based on need.
FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTS CONTINUING ISSUES WITH VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
Cost of Engine Parts, Vehicle Assembly Increase: Ambulance Requires Subsidy
Newly appointed Westford Fire Chief Michael Dennehy came before the FINCOM last Thursday to justify his FY26, 4,427,783 budget an increase of 1.78% over last year. He reported that vehicle costs are increasing because parts are hard to come by and new vehicle orders are significantly delayed, sometimes as long as 40 months. The Fire Department is awaiting a new Tower Truck on order. The ambulance, which the Fire Department maintains, also has tobe replaced every three years at a cost of 523K.
The Chief reported that the department responded to 16 structure fires in FY25. He added that it currently costs the town a little more than 1K for each engine run. He has requested an increase in overtime in anticipation of a contract settlement with the fire fighters union this year. Negotiations are now on-going. In response to a question from Select Board member Tom Clay, the Chief said that the loss of two firefighters due to the failed proposition 2 ½ override, has added “tension and complexity” to his operation. He also noted that the closure of the Deaconess Hospital in Ayer has dramatically increased wait times at local hospitals on ambulance emergency runs.
The Ambulance Enterprise budget was discussed. The Chief disclosed that the enterprise runs at a loss, requiring a town general fund subsidy, because reimbursements for services are not sufficient to cover the full cost. A single ambulance run costs the town approximately 2.6K. The Medicaid-Medicare reimbursement rate stands at $700,makingit impossible for the town to recoup the difference on runs involving patients insured by these programs. The Department has reached an agreement for compensation with Blue Cross and Blue Shield, but the amount also does not match the full expense. Additionally, Westford residents cannot be charged for ambulance service and if claims are under $500, the Department is prohibited from making an effort to collect. The collection issues and failures to pay, create debt for the enterprise. In FY26 the outstanding debt is about 150K, a much lower amount than previous years. Ultimately, the town ends subsidizes the ambulance enterprise to cover this debt, out of the general fund. The FY26 subsidy was 946K which was a reduction from 988K in FY25.
FINCOM LIAISON REPORTS
Members Monitor Initiatives That Could Impact Town Finances
FINCOM members gave their reports concerning their liaison assignments to different departments and committees. John Fryer, liaison to the capital planning committee, reported discussions over funding a new bucket truck for the town. A decision regarding the artificial turf at the Nutting Road soccer field also needs to be resolved. John Leffers, the liaison to the Robinson School Feasibility Study Committee reported that several meetings are scheduled in the weeks ahead. There are concerns over the open classroom model at the school. Kris Las reported on the Clean Energy and Sustainability Committee stating that there will be an effort to enforce the “Stretch Code” which was adopted by the town in 2013. It will force new construction to have heating that is all electric or features a solar component. Nate MacKinnon, the liaison to the Health Insurance Trust reported that ARPA funds are being used to fund the trust. The investment performance of the trust is looking favorable. Discussions on the feasibility of moving the town employees to GIC are delayed due to the enrollment period for GIC, which is July and a concern that enough time has not been given to determine whether the self-insurance approach will show dividends.
A Little Budget History.
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO FY25 OVERRIDE REQUEST
Contract Settlements for School Unions Are Now Available For Review
Last year’s FINCOM meetings featured some very detailed discussions about the contract settlements with the Westford Education Association, the union that represents several collective bargaining groups in the schools. While the details of Unit A (teachers) were available. Those of other units were not. These contacts have since been settled and the numbers are listed below:
UNIT A (Teachers and Nurses)
Year 1: 2.0%, Year 2: 3.0%, Year 3, 4.6%. Total Increase: 9.8%
UNIT B (Curriculum Directors)
Year 1: 2.0% with a .4% increase mid year, Year 2: 3.0%, Year 3: 4.6 %; Total Increase: 9.8%
UNIT C (Secretaries)
Year 1: 2.0%, Year 2: 2.0%, Year 3: 2.0%: Total Increase: 6%
UNIT G (Interventionist)_
Year 1: 2.0% with .4% increase mid year, Year 2: 3.0%. Year 3: 4.6%: Total increase: 9.8%
UNIT G (Academic Coaches)
Year 1: 2.0% with .4% increase mid year, Year 2: 3.0% and Year 3. 4.6%: Total increase: 9.8%
POLICE AND SCHOOLS SCHEDULED FOR
THURSDAY JANUARY 23, 2025
IZON Westford Fincom Report from January 11, 2025
TOWN MANAGER WARNS OF “STRUCTURAL DEFICIT”
Costs Are Exceeding Revenue; Despite 4% Increase in The Tax Levy
The Westford Finance Committee opened its public budget review sessions last Thursday as a prelude to the March 22, 2025 Annual Town Meeting. The meeting was conducted virtually. The Select Board attended. The meeting began with a cautious Kris Las , the town manager, stating that there would be no override this year despite the fact that the town’s financial situation remains very uncertain. She told the FINCOM, that “costs are exceeding revenue” and that these costs are being driven by Labor, Energy and Service expenses. Las explained that the town is striving to keep wages competitive, and has committed 700K to the compensation reserve in anticipation of several contract negotiations pending this year. She also added that legal costs have increased by 10K and the Planning Board has commissioned a study for 5K to pursue of grants related to the MBTA rezoning, that passed last year. Despite this, Westford has done well with revenue. In her report on December 10th to the Select Board Las noted that tax revenue had actually increased by 4%. Yet, this does not appear to be sufficient to cover all of the revenue gaps
Las is betting high on the potential for new growth revenue from development of the newly rezoned MBTA multi-family district. She said that the town bit the bullet, as a result of the failed proposition 21/2 override last year, but the cuts have been absorbed. However, she noted there will be significant increases in the Nashoba Valley Tech assessment because 14 Westford students want to attend, and Water rates have also been hiked.
She reported that an effort has been made to trim expenses. 30K has been saved by consolidating the fueling of town vehicles at the town garage. An 18% reduction in waste disposal costs has been realized. There have also been reductions in the Department of Public Works and the Assessors office. The community wellness coordinator has been reinstated, due to the availability of funds derived from a national drug settlement with Big Pharma which was related to the nation’s opioid overdose epidemic, which still rages.
LIBRARY CONSTUCTION IS DELAYED
State Certification From the state Board of Library Commissioners Is In Jeopardy
Library Director Ellen Rainville reported on the fiscal situation of her department. The overall library line item has increased 2% from 1.78M to 1.83M over the course of the last year. Rainville disclosed that there has been a delay in the “Library Expansion Project”, which is being steered by the town’s Permanent Building Committee, the state’s Institute of Museum and Library Services and herself. Some concerns were raised about this delay increasing the cost of the project. She said that the library will begin moving its operations off sight very soon and construction should begin in March 2025.
Rainville also disclosed that financial arrangements have been made between the town and the Friends of the JV Fletcher, to help support pressing engineering issues at the current facility. The Friends will increase support for certain critical utility costs by 15%, while the town will help with purchasing books. This arrangement resulted in a dramatic (18%) increase in the book subscription line item in the library budget, from 320K last year to 370K for FY26, according to Rainville.
She said that last year’s failed override put the library’s state certification in some jeopardy, which threatens availability of subscribers’ to gain access to books from other libraries. She said that the town has failed to meet the level of expenditure required to maintain certification by the state’s Board of Library Commissioners. Waivers have been applied and some consideration has been extended to the town because of the significant outlay for the library expansion, which has allowed her to preserve the town’s certification thus far.
STATE MANDATES LIMIT USE OF WESTFORD WATER
EPA Continues To Dictate Standards To the State’s DEP
Mark Warren, the superintendent of the Westford Water Department presented his budget before the FINCOM requesting a 7% budget increase from 1.3M in FY25 to 1.4M in FY26. He told the FINCOM that the state’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has advised the town to restrict withdrawals from the town’s aquifer. They will also continue their demands for PFAS reductions in the water supply, which is driving much of the cost. Warren said that this would inevitably lead to water restrictions in the summer months, with regard to watering lawns. Residents will be limited to 1 to 2 days per week. Select Board member Tom Clay raised an issue about compliance and suggested that the Water Department monitor the water rates and work out some enforcement measure to address those who exceed limits.
Concerns were raised over potential development in the MBTA multi family zone. Warren was hesitant about whether the town could meet the increased water demand from new rental units. He said that he was not sure whether the DEP would allow a larger water draw. Warren also advised that the DEP mandates are being driven by the US Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA). Normally, federal regulatory agencies cannot exercise jurisdiction in a state, unless the state’s government grants authorization. The Massachusetts legislature, under strong pressure from the state’s environmental lobby, voted to grant such authorization in 2009.
Warren was asked about fluoride levels in the water supply. He said that they have been reduced from .9 parts per liter to .7 parts per liter.
DPW BOOSTS STAFF BUT SPENDING IS DOWN 2.5%
Sick Leave Buy Back, Communication Costs and Membership Fees All Spike
DPW Director Kyle Fox offered his budget before the FINCOM. The DPW budget was reduced by 2% over last year. Yet there were several cost items that became the subject of discussion. One was a recommended increase of 165% in the sick leave buy back program offered by the department. Fox was asked to explain the increase from 7K in FY25 to 18.5K in FY26. He supported the request by stating that the DPW work force has been brought back to full capacity, so now there are more employees. The department offers a sick leave buy-back program, in which employees have the option of taking days off or getting cash payments in return for not using sick leave. Fox said the employees have been opting for the cash payments and this has led to a need to increase the account.
Fox was also asked to explain a 20% increased in the special detail line item from 50.6K in FY25 to 60.6K in FY26. He identified the account as the one that supports pay for police details on road jobs. In response to a question about the use of “flagmen”, Fox said that he has been in discussion with Police Chief Mark Chambers to work out the feasibility of a transition to a flagman program.
The costs for phone use also increased by 26% from 5K in FY25 to 6.3K in FY26. Fox reported that his department requires its employees to maintain a phone at all times for emergency call backs. The increase in new employees drove this cost up. Lastly, he was asked about a spike in costs for meetings and memberships. Dues and membership for DPW employees in certain organizations increased from 2.3K in FY25 to 3.3K in FY26. Conference fees increased 102% from 1.9K in FY25 to 3.8K in FY25. Fox said that this money is spent for professional development and the fees were paid to the American Association of Public Works, the New England Association for Public Works, Mass Highway and Mass DEP.
FINCOM RETURNS TO LIVE PUBLIC MEETINGS ON JANUARY 16TH
The FINCOM Chair Opts To Return To Hybrid Meetings After Discussion
The chair of the Westford FINCOM, Kristina Greene has opted to restore hybrid FINCOM meetings starting January 16th. The FINCOM’s first meeting last Thursday was done virtually. At the end of the meeting she asked for opinions as to whether the meetings should continue in the virtual format. Several members opted for hybrid meetings, which are conducted at a location, which is open to the public but simultaneously features a virtual capability so people can participate via zoom. The supporting reasons for returning to the hybrid format included concerns about excluding town residents, who do not have zoom access, diminishing the FINCOM’s profile in town and preserving the participatory nature of democracy. Those offering comments in support of hybrid sessions included Dennis Galvin, Hari Vetsa, of the FINCOM; John Cunnigham and Scott Hazelton of the Select Board. No one opposed the pro hybrid position. Based upon the discussion, the Chair made an executive decision to return to hybrids next week.
IZON Westford Editorial from December 30, 2024
FINCOM READIES FOR WORK
Town Budget Hearings To Begin On January 9th
As the Holiday Season moves along and a new year stands poised to dawn, Westford Finance Committee members (FINCOM) find themselves hunkered down, crunching the budget numbers offered by the Town Manager, to ensure that each penny of your tax dollars are being spent as wisely as possible. This year has brought some good news. Taxpayers have been buoyed by assurances from town leadership, that both the town and school administration have found sufficient resources to balance their respective budgets this year, without putting everyone through another override struggle. However, they have also made it clear, that the override issue still looms large for the future.
Members of the Westford FINCOM were instrumental in offering voters important information concerning the budget situation last year. They succeeded in setting a very high bar, of requiring the town to demonstrate the inadequacy of both efficiency and good management for closing spending gaps. The town was unable to clear that bar. To the credit of both the town administration and the school department, significant efforts have been made in the aftermath of the rejected override to address several issues raised during last year’s budget hearings. Perhaps the most significant was the school committee’s commitment to better organize and manage the school reserve accounts. Close to 400K in savings were realized buying the town significant time to focus on both increasing more efficiencies and to reorganize to better deliver services.
However, as this year’s budget hearings open, some of the identified issues from last year still need to be addressed. These would include: standardization of vendor procurement contracts to lock in multi-year agreements with fixed rates, improving vehicle management at the DPW, reducing top heavy public safety management and finding ways to better share the cost of transportation at the Cameron senior center. Additionally, long range efforts to examine regionalization in various services have also not occurred.
Another issue, that needs clarification is the status of the FINCOM’s open public budget meetings. IZON has been requested to clarify a statement in its last issue relative to the openness of the budget meetings. IZON reported that the meetings would not be public but virtual. The report was criticized because it allegedly conveyed an impression that the meetings were no longer open to the public. This created semantic confusion. The Finance Committee meetings will be open to the public in virtual, not public mode. In other words, if you are interested in following the FINCOM’s probe of the town budget, you can do so by accessing links to the meeting, that will be made available to the public. However, whether these meetings will be open to the general public, that is to people who do not have online access, remains an open question. It will be the topic of conversation at the January 9th FINCOM Meeting.
IZON’s policy relative to government meetings, is that all such meetings should be conducted in a public building, with full access to any person, who wants to simply drop in and watch live and not online. Town manager Kris Las, closed her December 12, 2024 budget remarks to the Select Board by stating that the government of Westford would honor the history and traditions of the town. Open, live public meetings, where people come to gather listen and discuss public affairs, are not only among the deepest traditions of Westford but also of American democracy itself.
END
HAPPY NEW YEAR !
NO OVERRIDE THIS YEAR !
Town Manager Chris Las Announces No Property Tax Increase in FY26
Town Manager Chris Las gave Westford taxpayers a pleasant Christmas gift at the last Select Board meeting (12/10), when she announced there would be no proposition 2 ½ override attempted this year. Presenting her FY26 budget recommendations, Las said that it was apparent that there was “no appetite” for a tax hike. However, she warned, that there was still a structural deficit and that “ costs are increasing faster than revenue. ”
Las reported that local revenues actually increased by 4.7M with 3.7M realized from new property tax growth. Combined local revenues, which include excise, meals and hotel taxes have also steadily increased since 2017 along with the property tax increases. State aid remains stagnant.
Despite what should have been an optimistic budget picture, Las reported that one time funds and increased efficiencies were needed to balance this year’s 129M budget, in order to avoid coming back with another override request. The FY26 budget increased by 4.0% over last year.
So what are the budget drivers ? Las pointed to labor costs, energy costs and service contract funding. She announced that the town will enter into budget negotiations with six collective bargaining units this year. Consequently, she has apportioned 700K in the compensation reserve account to meet the contingencies, which these negotiations may present. She also noted that legal expenses have increased by 10K, the assessment from Nashoba Valley Tech HS has also increased by 21% because 14 Westford students are now attending vocational school. She also noted the Planning Board is tapping the town for 5K related to a study in support of MBTA zoning, a project that she has high hopes for, with regard to realizing new revenue.
Las reported that she was able to cobble together a no-override budget by; utilizing one time funds (ARPA), realizing 1.06M in efficiency gains due to internal consolidations and energy conservation, underinvesting in OPEB (retirement benefits) and staff reductions (51.6 FTE were cut). Last year’s failed override was responsible for adding 21.4FTE staff reductions to 30.2 that had already been planned.
While the town manager’s presentation was straightforward, it was Select Board Member Tom Clay who took a more ominous tone warning that the sustainability of this year’s budget formula was tentative. He said that it relied upon; ARPA funds which are diminishing, underfunding OPED which is a bad practice, efficiency gains which appear to have maxed out, and limited savings from a restructuring of the School Department’s reserve accounts.
Las announced that the Finance Committee would begin a review of the town budget on January 9, and extending all through that month. The 2025 town meeting is scheduled for March 22,2025, at 9AM at Westford Academy.
FINCOM PLAYED KEY ROLE IN HALTING THE LAST FY25 OVERRIDE
The Issue of School Department Reserve Accounts Played A Decisive Factor
School Superintendent Christopher Chu paid the Westford FINCOM an offhanded and possibly an unwitting comment, when he said that the confusion over the School Department’s reserve accounts last spring was the greatest single factor in halting an attempted 4.8M override. Chu’s remarks came during his December 9th FY 26 budget presentation to the Westford School Committee.
It was former Finance Committee member Heather Fitzpatrick who initially raised the issue during last year’s FINCOM budget hearings. The amount of money she identified which was held in reserve and not applied to school costs, undercut the argument that more tax revenue needed to be raised, letting the air out of the override movement.
Subsequently, the School Committee wasted no time in correcting matters. They have developed a detailed “Non General Fund Guidebook” in which the reserve amounts are listed. As a result of the review and reordering, the School Department realized an additional 400K in revenue, a small windfall. When combined with an overly generous circuit breaker reimbursement for last year, another 806K in non-tax revenue was added to the School coffers. However, Superintendent Chu was also quick to point out that the benefits of this process may be short lived, extending no more than 3 to 4 years, when these funds will be drawn down.
Despite the demonstrated utility of FINCOM review, there are plans to end public FINCOM meetings, transitioning them exclusively to virtual mode. The decision as to whether to curtail public meetings will be the subject of the FINCOM’s first meeting on January 9th. Except for the pandemic, Westford’s tradition has always supported open, public budget hearings, where resident taxpayers can attend, ask questionsand express concerns.
BAY STATE TO BECOME BATTLEGROUND OVER IMMIGRATION
State Leaders Vow Resistance To Federal Immigration Enforcement
Jim Jordan, a former director of strategic planning for the Boston Police, recently wrote an article in Commonwealth Magazine in which he predicted that the Bay State will essentially become a battleground over Federal Immigration Enforcement, when the Trump administration takes office in January. He cited American Immigration Council statistics, which reveal that there are 355K undocumented persons in the Commonwealth, which is about 5% of the total population. 100K citizens in the state have at least one member living with them, who is undocumented.
Jordan noted that several Trump appointees have served notice on the Bay State over its’ continued support of sanctuary cities. Among these are Elon Musk and former Border Patrol Director Tom Homan. In response many prominent Massachusetts officials have vowed their resolve not to cooperate with Trump’s massive federal plan to deport up to one million undocumented persons a year. Governor Healey will order the State Police not to cooperate. Boston Mayor Wu has vowed her resistance to the program and Salem Police chief Lucas Miller said his department will not cooperate.
Jordan writes that police departments, who join the federal immigration enforcement effort will compromise their commitment to public safety creating a “crisis of legitimacy” for themselves. He condemned the view that the undocumented are criminals noting that immigration violations are civil infractions. He said that only those who re-enter after deportation commit criminal offenses.
He predicted that Trump’s massive deportation effort will be forced to employ military personnel creating the prospect of hundreds of thousands of armed and untrained soldiers engaging in early morning raids, supported by a system of detention camps and a transportation infrastructure which he said would shock the American public. Jordan was emphatic that the vast majority of undocumented people do not commit state felonies and do not pose a threat. Further he alleges that this deportation program will not impact crime but only divert needed resources away from it,
The impacts of this massive effort, according to Jordan will result in less people using 911, an increase in crime against the undocumented, an increase in the victimization of women by domestic violence and less people seeking help from state social services, all resulting in more lives being put at risk.
FY26 Budget Debate Stirs
Finance Committee Reports
WATERS RIPPLE FOR FY26 TOWN BUDGET DEBATE
Tri-board Meeting Hears Overview of Town’s Fiscal Condition
The Select Board, School Committee and Finance Committee met jointly last evening at the Millennium School in Westford to get a first sampling of the FY26 budget pie. Christy Bates, called into the meeting and provocatively asked Town Manage Kris Las, “when will you call for an override ?” Las responded that “it is too early to talk about overrides because the budget hasn’t been prepared yet.” Las did disclose that there was about a 3M gap that she has noticed, but was unwilling to say more. She will file her budget recommendations in December.
The impacts of last year’s intense budget discussions carried over into this budget preview meeting. The town manager reported a reduction in 9 employees among them 2 firefighters and 2 police officers. A sustainability coordinator was dropped, along with a heavy equipment operator at the DPW. Library hours were reduced and contributions to both the Health Insurance Trust and OPEB (other post employmentbenefits) were scaled back.
School Superintendent Chris Chew reported that 60 people in the school department received layoff notices last spring but ultimately only 20 teachers or assistants and 3 administrators were actually released. Among these was the DEI coordinator. Many positions were saved due to internal consolidations, retirements and a last minute shot of state local aid received in July. Special Education Transportation has also been outsourced.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE DEALS WITH RESERVE ACCOUNTS
Will Offer Final Proposal at the November 24th meeting
The School committee reported on its effort to honor their commitment toward better management of their reserve funds. School Committee Chair Valery Young gave a presentation in which she identified 15 separate reserve accounts. She reported that work is being completed on identifying these accounts along with their recommended balances. School Committee reserve accounts became an issue during last year’s budget debate, because cash had accumulated in some of them but could not be applied to a deficit in the school’s operating budget. Last year, the Finance committee called for a system to redirect excess reserve funds back to the operating budget. The finished product on this new mechanism will be disclosed at the School Committee’s November 24th meeting.
HEALTH INSURANCE TRUST
Possible Conflict of Interest Revealed
There was an interesting exchange over the town’s health insurance program. Westford self-insures. It was disclosed that the town consultant, who helps manage the Health Insurance Trust and the employee’s retirement health insurance, may have a conflict of interest. Discussion about transferring town employees to the state’s GIC system, which could streamline the administration of employee health insurance in town, has been continuously put off. Last evening’s discussion revealed that that the consultant currently managing the health insurance account would lose his position, if the town went with the state operated GIC. It was also revealed that town employees pay no deductibles with their current program.
PROGRESS MADE ON ENERGY AND WASTE DISPOSAL
New State Program Offers Opportunity For Cost Savings
Some encouraging news was received on the energy front as Assistant Town Manager Mike Edwards reported on several projects aimed at improving energy efficiency both in the schools and police department. He cited a program authorized under MGL C25 Sec 14 which allows the town to work with National Grid to improve energy efficiency. Under this program the town has realized over 700K worth of energy improvements for a town outlay of only 80K. He also updated the town on waste disposal. E.L. Harvey is now the vendor. Due to restrictions on weight recently imposed on residents, waste tonnage in town has dropped by 100 tons a month, leading to a savings of about 133K this year.
TOWN FINANCES IN GOOD SHAPE: WATCH OUT FOR NEXT TAX BILL
Select Board To Set New Tax Rate At November 12th meeting
Finance Director Dan O’Donnell reported that the town is well within its recommended reserves, which requires that 10% of the total budget be reflected in Free Cash and the Stabilization fund. He noted that this fall’s special town meeting was the first in his memory in which there were no fiscal issues. However, he cautioned that residential tax-payers should brace for a third tax bill before the end of the year. The Select Board will meet with Town Assessor Will Nazer this Tuesday and will set the town’s tax rate. O’Donnell reported that residents have already received two preliminary tax bills in August and November. These are typically lower than the third which will be issued after the new rate is set next week. MERRY CHRISTMAS
HOW OUR SCHOOLS ARE FUNDED
School Committee Chair Outlines the Patchwork of Funding Sources that Support Westford Education
School Committee Chair Valery Young gave a very informative presentation about school funding. She reported the sources of school revenue as follows:
Westford School Revenue Sources
Local Revenue 48M
State Aid 28M
Circuit Breaker 2.6M (state reimbursement for special education costs)
School Choice 941K (money received for students transferring into Westford)
Grants 1.7M
Revolving Funds 2.4M
(Note: there are 15 revolving accounts in the schools that receive fees to cover transportation, food, music and other specific programs)
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