Southborough capital committee backs FY26 warrant but urges buying, not leasing, of utility dump

The Town of Southborough Capital Improvement and Planning Committee voted unanimously March 10 to support the general-fund appropriations, waterfront items and bonded projects proposed for the fiscal 2026 capital warrant, but also approved a second motion urging the Select Board to avoid lease financing for certain vehicles and to purchase a utility dump truck outright.

The committee’s support motion passed on a roll call of three: Tony (aye), Steve (aye) and Mark (aye). A subsequent motion — recorded and approved by the same roll call — “strongly discourages the use of lease funding” for some equipment and calls for the utility dump truck to be purchased outright, with strong consideration given to buying the front-end loader outright as well.

Why it matters: The warrant includes multiple capital projects and two bond proposals that would represent the largest single items on the capital list: $3,075,000 for Willow Street culverts and sinkhole work and $900,000 for John and Mitchell Street sinkhole repairs. The committee’s recommendations and the Select Board’s choices on funding (lease vs. purchase, free cash vs. bond) will affect FY26 appropriations and future operating budgets.

What the committee reviewed: Committee members walked through the town’s capital list and proposed FY26 warrant. Key items discussed included: - Capital maintenance funds (recreation and facilities) remaining at proposed levels. - The Department of Public Works roof project being pushed back…