Kristina Greene, Westford Finance Committee Chair
Each Fall, the Town starts discussions for the next fiscal year’s budget. Special Town Meeting (STM), Monday, October 27, at Westford Academy, 7 pm, is a good place to get a feel for current budget conditions. The FY27 discussions will begin the next evening, Tuesday, October 28, with a Tri-Board meeting, outlining the budget process and highlighting areas where budget pressures are greatest.
For detailed information regarding all items that will be voted on at STM: https://westfordma.gov/
Article 3 – Approve Capital Appropriations – is the largest financial article at STM and could benefit from some further explanation.
Capital items are major one-time assets or projects costing more than $10,000. These items can be paid for directly with cash on hand or by borrowing the funds. Motions containing the words “Free Cash” or “Enterprise Retained Earnings” and requiring a simple majority vote use cash on hand. Motions containing the phrasing “authorized to borrow” and requiring a 2/3 majority will be borrowed (called a bond).
The town is considering a $376,300 Free Cash appropriation for three projects: $36,300 for network firewall upgrades, $300,000 for a sidewalk tractor, and $40,000 for a used compact loader with snowblower. The Select Board and Capital Committee recommend all 3 items. The Finance Committee recommends funding only the network upgrades and compact loader. They do not recommend the $300,000 sidewalk tractor. They are concerned with the lack of a clear and complete plan and policy for sidewalk clearing, as well as the fact that many of Westford’s 63 miles of sidewalk are too narrow to be serviced by the proposed tractor. Given these factors—and the town’s increasing costs in other areas—the committee felt that expanding services at this cost is not justified at this time.
The Town is asking to bond $1.15 million to replace the artificial turf at Nutting Road Community Field. This article was presented at Annual Town Meeting in March 2025, originally estimated at a cost of $2.1 million. It failed and the Town was asked to consider a natural grass field instead. An analysis conducted on this option revealed that, over a 50-year lifespan, artificial turf is less expensive, easier to maintain, and provides more playing time. The initial $2.1 million was provided by consultants, but actual bids were received at this lower price point. The Select Board and Capital Planning Committee recommend this article unanimously. The Finance Committee recommended in a 4-1-2 vote. The members voting against and abstaining expressed concerns over the environmental impacts of artificial turf.
The Town is also asking to borrow $2.45 million for 2 fire trucks. Two of the fire departments’ trucks have recently been taken out of service, hindering their response times. One truck could be purchased almost immediately for $1 million. The second truck will be ordered and not expected to be delivered for almost 4 years. By appropriating the funds now, the Fire Department will be able to order the truck at this year’s pricing instead of an expected increase in the spring. The Select Board, Capital Planning and Finance Committee all voted unanimously to recommend.
Please consider taking an active part in Westford’s budgeting process and make your voice heard.
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