Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Budgeting topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Millis finance director outlines budget approach, free cash and HCA priorities
Summary
Millis finance director Jody Kersey described a budget season focused on transparency, prioritizing capital requests, distinguishing level services and above-level requests, and planning for host community agreement funds to be certified to free cash.
Jody Kersey, Millis finance director, told the Finance Committee the FY2026 budget process will emphasize simplicity, transparency and a clear presentation of department-level needs.
"We're looking at historical models of things, make sure that they continue to make sense within the present day," Kersey said, adding the administration will mark above-level service requests separately so the committee can see baseline needs and additions. She said the administration is examining capital requests, level services and where Host Community Agreement (HCA) funds and free cash might be available for appropriation early in the fiscal year.
Kersey said departments have been asked to identify capital needs and above-level items; the office will summarize the large volume of material for decision points the committee can act on. "We're looking at what HCA funds have been requested over the past few years and what's gonna be requested for FY '26," she said, noting the most recent HCA payment is expected to be certified to free cash and available for appropriation.
Committee members asked about how above-level requests are presented and the difference between inflation-driven cost increases and new program requests. Kersey and staff said they would provide clearer crosswalks between fiscal years so changes in line items can be tracked and justified to the public.
