With just a few weeks to go until the May 8 Annual Town Meeting takes place in Mattapoisett, the Finance Committee and financial offices in Town Hall continued their review of the FY24 budget on April 6.
Giving a summary report to the committee was Town Administrator Mike Lorenco. At the top of the summary list was the town budget coming in at 3.1% over last year or $967,674 for a total of $31,686,847.
Lorenco commented that this figure is “the lowest levy increase in total dollars since 2015.” He stated that the figure includes savings for such expenses as $160,000 for the School Stabilization Account and $175,000 for the town’s OPEB liability. Another cost-savings strategy is lowering the reliance on available funds by using the Ambulance Revolving Fund and the Capital Debt Stabilization Fund both by $50,000.
Under the title of Investments in the Budget, Lorenco called out increases in both the Fire and Police Department budgets.
Coming in at 9.6% over FY23 or $80,053, the explanation for the increase included the need for a third staff member during morning shifts for public-safety reasons. Equipment and clothing costs were also mentioned.
The Police/Paramedic budget rose 3.71% or $94,000. The increase represents union contract increases and leaving room for leadership promotions under the chief. The Paramedic budget also climbed by $44,000 or 9.75%.
At least one new staff position impacting the General Government sector by $8,220 will be in the Assessing Department, while the still vacant Planner/Conservation Agent at $44,700 will remain in the budget as the Select Board continues to try and fill that slot.
New to the Town Hall is a Human Resources director. The town has had a benefits coordinator in the past but never a Human Resources professional. Lorenco said the position’s salary is pegged at $70,000.
The Council on Aging is looking to add one, part-time staffer to assist with community outreach and other programs for $20,930.
Healthcare costs are up $97,280 or 4%, which includes a small buffer for unanticipated increases in FY24.
The retirement contribution calculated by the Plymouth County Retirement Board is up 10.50% or $169,516. The figure is based on actuarial studies with full funding mandated by 2029.
Some of the Capital Requests planned for the voters’ consideration are $170,000 new backhoe/loader, $250,000 roadway repairs and improvements and one police cruiser $50,000. Not to be forgotten is $1,437,000 in Debt Exclusions for the Oakland and Pearl Street roadway improvements.
School budgets stand at local schools $7,845,807, Old Rochester Regional $6,353,695 (down $34,191) and Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School $852,328 (down $23,391.)
On Thursday, April 20, the Mattapoisett Finance Committee will meet with the Select Board in a public meeting to review the budget in its entirety one more time.
Mattapoisett Finance Committee
By Marilou Newell