The March 17 meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board was a continuation of meetings with department heads to review all things budget. On this night, they met with Highway Superintendent Garrett Bauer, Health Agent Gail Joseph and Fire Chief Andrew Murray.
Joseph reported that the public health nurse was requesting administrative assistance due to the avalanche of paperwork and reports she is required to manage. Joseph wondered if a senior tax work-off resident with appropriate skills might be possible to fill the request. The board took that under advisement.
The line item for recyclable material pick-up is $315,000 and SEMAS is $346,057. There is an overall increase of 1.80-percent Joseph reported. Joseph also noted that cardboard is recyclable as are water bottles (most plastics are not acceptable for recycling.) Rubbish pick-up stands at $404,710.
Regarding stickers for use at the Transfer Station, there was a discussion about updating that process now with a possible link up with stickers used for beach and parking purposes. Further exploration was generally agreed.
Murray’s operating budget is $974,560. He said that gear containing PFAS (known carcinogens) must be replaced in the coming months. He is requesting $18,000 for several sets and plans to seek grants for other purchases.
Bauer said his capital requests include $350,000 from free cash for annual roadway repairs, $1,300,000 for Oakland Street upgrades to be financed via a bond, $75,000 for a roadside mower from free cash, $3,200,000 upgrades to Highway Department Building via debt, and a flatbed aluminum pickup truck bed $25,000.
In a follow-up with Lorenco he provided the following update. Debt is rolling off in FY27 and FY28.
Water Department Water Well #2 Refurb $168,100 annually, Village Water Main Replacement $42,025 annually (FY28) Water Tank Rehab $103,200 annually.
Sewer Department, Sewer Brant Beach $176,146 annually, Sewer Matt River Basin $6,200, annually, Sewer Treatment Plan (UV System) $7,725 annually.
In FY28 several other large expenses will roll off including Fairhaven water improvement at $11,500 annually.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board was not announced upon adjournment.
Mattapoisett Select Board
By Marilou Newell