County Director Tim Cronin told the Norfolk County Commissioners on July 23 that preliminary figures show an estimated $1.5 million surplus for fiscal year 2025 and that he will propose dividing the funds roughly half for capital and half for supplemental needs.

"It's a little early, but over the next several weeks, I'll be working to firm that number up and begin laying the groundwork for your consideration of a supplemental for the September meeting," Cronin said. He said more detailed proposals for capital requests will be solicited from departments and that a supplemental appropriation will come before the advisory board and commission.

Cronin also reported the Dedham District Court building management system installation is virtually complete; the vendor indicated two minor outstanding change-order items remain and the county plans to commission the system and begin user training. He highlighted an upcoming dedication in the town of Wrentham (scheduled for 5 p.m. tomorrow) for Sweat Park, which was renovated with ARPA funds the county awarded to the town. He noted the RSVP volunteer recognition ceremony is scheduled for Aug. 14 and that the county’s first advisory board meeting for FY26 is Sept. 17 at the Agricultural High School.

Why it matters: An unexpected surplus and the decision to create a capital budget would affect the county’s near-term spending priorities and department planning. Commission approval will be required for any supplemental appropriations.

Additional details: Cronin said the $1.5 million preliminary surplus is nearly double the previous year’s surplus and that staff will refine the number before formal proposals are developed.