Town budget discussions to begin Tuesday

WESTFORD — With projected budget shortfalls of approximately $8 million in FY25 and beyond, two budgets — one with a Proposition 2 1/2 override in mind and one without — are scheduled to be presented to the Select Board on Tuesday.

The town is facing increased costs in several areas outlined by a recent report issued by the Budget Task Force, including:

• Increased labor, energy and service contract costs.
• Inflationary pressures.
• Increasing health care expenses.
• Increased education costs, including bus contract and special education tuition increases.

What is a Proposition 2 1/2 override?

A Proposition 2 1/2 override is a legal mechanism that allows the town to raise its total tax levy above a 2.5% cap. This measure requires a majority support during the March 23, 2024 Annual Town Meeting and May 7, 2024 ballot.

This override could see a median single family home assessed at $756,500 pay an additional $112.32 in taxes for each $1 million override.

The total levy for FY24, including debt exclusions and new growth was approximately $92.7 million.

FY25 budget without an override

Without an override, total revenue is projected to increase by approximately $3.5 million, which includes a $2.2 million increase in tax revenue under Proposition 2 1/2 constraints, as well as $750,000 in new growth.

A majority of this new revenue — approximately $1.79 million — would be allocated to employee benefits and general insurance. $1.3 million of this funding would be allocated towards Westford Public Schools, with the remaining $400,000 allocated towards debt service and the town operating budget among other items.

Under this budget, town departments would be allocated an additional $364,088 — a 1.3% increase from FY24. Despite this, a number of possible cuts are projected in public safety under the proposal, including two police officers, two firefighters, one dispatcher.

Additionally, positions such as the community wellness coordinator, sustainability coordinator, and a heavy equipment operator could also be cut, among others.

WestfordCAT previously reported that Westford Public Schools would also see a reduction in 70.2 full-time equivalent positions under the budget proposal.

Officials say these cuts could lead to temporary closures at Rogers Fire Station, reduced operating hours at the J.V. Fletcher Library and potential delays in road maintenance, among other potential service changes.

FY25 budget with an override

If an override is supported by voters, an additional $8 million is requested to account for budget shortfalls.

Town departments would see an additional $1,380,567 — a 4.94% increase over FY24. This proposal would not create any new positions and would not accommodate new staff, maintaining current service levels.

The majority of additional funding would be used to fund FY25 shortfalls, however, approximately $2.7 million would be set aside to offset FY26 and FY27 expenses.

Additionally, future growth opportunities such as proposed multi-family zoning could alleviate future budgetary shortfalls if supported by voters in March.

Discussions to begin Tuesday

Town Manager Kristen Las will present both budgets to the Select Board during their Dec. 12 meeting at the Millennium School.

Budget discussions are slated to continue at the board’s Jan. 9 meeting. The Finance Committee is slated to begin its budget hearings on Jan. 11 and continue through Feb. 1.

Voters will be presented both budget proposals at the March 23 Annual Town Meeting.