The deliberative mood continued with consideration of Article 4: Appropriations for the Municipal Operating Budget presented by Select Board member Alissa Nicol who moved that the Town appropriate $42,322,565 to be expended by the Town Manager to fund the fiscal year 2027 municipal budget. Speaking to her motion, Ms. Nicol explained that this appropriation was three percent higher than last fiscal year and that all the services residents have approved in the past are still available. She also noted that while the primary source for the budget is the tax levy, the budget is supported by approximately $5 million in a combination of state and federal earmarked funds and grants. The Finance Committee recommended the budget.
Town Meeting supported the motion by a vote of 357 ayes to 38 nays. Ms. Nicol shared the following observation: “I was somewhat surprised there were no questions or comments from Town Meeting members. I’m proud of the municipal budget we brought to Town Meeting. We have a very modest total spending increase of 3% over last year, despite beginning the budget process last fall with a sizable deficit. It’s a testament to the fact that spending is very tightly managed and well-leveraged with other revenue sources to offset property taxes. Acton receives exceptional service value for our tax dollars, and I think most residents understand that.”
Select Board Chair Dean Charter presented Article 5: Appropriations for Town Capital Equipment and Projects. His motion sought to appropriate $1,051,136 for a variety of items to be purchased or leased on a one-time basis. Funds came from two sources: free cash and previously authorized, unused appropriations. Projects ranged from supporting ongoing efforts such as sidewalk construction, culvert replacements and building improvements, to one-time purchases including police cruisers and replacement fire hoses. Additionally, the list included investments in information technology, for example software for the police department and switch and firewall replacements, and a reuse planning study for Morrison Farm. The Finance Committee recommended the article, but did give notice that for future years FinCom will want culvert replacements to continue to be incorporated in the Town’s regular budget rather than funded through special fees.
Unlike the Municipal Operating Budget, a few of the projects raised questions for clarification, but again the Meeting members overwhelmingly supported the article, 365 to 42.
Pat Clifford is on the Letters Committee of the Acton Exchange and on the Town of Acton Planning Board. She steps forward each year to contribute to Town Meeting coverage for the Acton Exchange.
