Attleboro City Council approves $1.37M for new vehicle purchases and budget allocations

The Attleboro City Council convened on June 10, 2025, to discuss several key financial appropriations that will significantly impact the community's infrastructure and services. A major highlight of the meeting was the motion to allocate $1,374,020 from the city's free cash reserves to purchase essential vehicles for various departments, including the Department of Public Works (DPW), fire, and police services.

The proposed purchases include three dump trucks, a sweeper truck, a fire command vehicle, two police motorcycles, and vehicles for parks and forestry and animal control. Notably, the three dump trucks are over 30 years old, and the sweeper truck has failed inspection, underscoring the urgent need for these replacements. The council emphasized the importance of utilizing free cash to avoid borrowing, which would incur additional costs. This proactive approach aims to ensure that Attleboro can secure these vehicles before other municipalities begin their purchases in the new fiscal year.

In addition to vehicle purchases, the council also discussed contributions to the city's stabilization fund and special education. A motion was passed to appropriate $2,001,653.42 to the stabilization fund, increasing its total to $11.6 million, which is approximately 6% of the city's annual budget. While this is a positive step towards maintaining a healthy financial reserve, council members acknowledged that the goal is to reach at least 11-16% to ensure fiscal stability.

The meeting also included motions to rescind unused debt authorizations for completed projects, including significant savings from the remodeling of the Attleboro Public Library and other school facilities. These rescissions reflect the city's commitment to responsible financial management and transparency.

As the council moves forward with these decisions, residents can expect improvements in public safety and infrastructure, as well as a more robust financial foundation for the city. The next steps will involve finalizing these appropriations and continuing to monitor the city's financial health as it prepares for the upcoming fiscal year.