Sudbury manager swears in new fire chief, flags Municipal Empowerment Bill and possible federal funding pause that could exceed $1 million

Town Manager Andy Sheehan told the Select Board on Feb. 4 that Tim Choate was sworn in as Sudbury's new fire chief and that Chief John Whalen retired after a long career in the service.

"Tim took office today, following the retirement of Chief John Whalen," Sheehan said, thanking Whalen for a 45-year career in the fire service and 14 years serving Sudbury.

Sheehan also briefed the board on state and federal developments that could affect the town's finances. He said Gov. Healey released a Municipal Empowerment Bill that contains a range of proposals to give cities and towns more revenue options; staff will track whether the package passes as a single bill or in parts and whether provisions would take effect for fiscal year 2026 or later.

Sheehan told the board there is ongoing uncertainty from the Office of Management and Budget in Washington. "OMB paused certain funding and then they retracted the letter that paused the funding and then there were further statements that the pause is still in effect," he said. Based on current information, Sheehan said Sudbury could face an impact of more than $1 million across the current and next fiscal year from suspended federal monies that arrive in multiyear allocations.

The manager also noted the Legislature is considering whether pandemic-era open-meeting law relaxations that allowed hybrid and virtual meetings will be made permanent; Sheehan said that change could be part of the Municipal Empowerment package.

Public comment during the meeting reflected related budget concerns. Resident Manish Sharma thanked board members and staff for meeting with him and urged the town to pursue grant and recovery opportunities, to review banking scenarios and interest arrangements, and to seek reimbursements where available. Sharma asked staff to review department grant-writing activity and to assess whether the town could recapture cost adjustments tied to changes in commodity prices.

Votes and formal actions at the start of the meeting included the Select Board's approval of two consent-calendar items: a new common victualler license for Zayas Tapas and Bar at 620 Boston Post Road, and acceptance of an Executive Office of Public Safety, Department of Fire Services FY25 Firefighter Safety Equipment grant for $11,745.99. The board approved both items by roll call.

Ending: Sheehan and the board said they will continue monitoring the OMB guidance and the Municipal Empowerment Bill; staff will return with more details as state or federal positions solidify and as counsel and department heads provide guidance for any warrant items that carry budgetary effects.