Braintree town clerk proposes $512,538 FY26 budget, cites roughly $92,000 in state election reimbursements

Clerk Casey, the Town Clerk for the Town of Braintree, told the Committee of Ways and Means on May 6 that the town clerk's proposed fiscal year 2026 budget is $512,538, a reduction of about $49,000 (8.7%) from the current fiscal year. The presentation ran through staffing, election-related costs, and an itemized list of reimbursements the town received after the 2024 elections.

The reduction from FY25 is primarily attributable to lower projected early-voting costs after the council exercised an opt-out for early mail voting, Clerk Casey said. "In total, I received 92,000 a little over 92,000 in reimbursements," Casey said, referring to state reimbursements that offset election expenses and are returned to the general fund.

Nut graf: The clerk's office asked the committee to note that while the proposed FY26 operating budget is lower than FY25, the office continues to face growing responsibilities tied to state-level legislative changes and election administration; Casey told the committee that those demands may require part-time staffing or capital funding to digitize records.

According to Casey, projected year-end expenditures for FY25 will be near, but likely less than, $561,000; $157,000 of the FY25 appropriation was for elections. Casey listed specific state reimbursements: $36,243 for early-voting-related expenditures and a $54,104 reimbursement for a high-speed tabulator used for early voting (about 93% of the tabulator cost). Casey said the reimbursements are returned to the general fund and reduce the net local election cost. "That was worth every penny that we pay for it," Casey said of the tabulator.

Committee members asked about operational risks and resource needs. Councilor Reynolds praised the clerk's office performance and noted record retention and storage as ongoing concerns; Reynolds asked whether the clerk anticipated needing additional space or digitization funding. Casey said election equipment is currently stored at 90 Pawn Street and that mobile carts purchased with council approval have improved logistics. On paper records, Casey said the vault is packed and reiterated a prior capital request to digitize records, which she said would reduce staff time spent locating historical records; she called the project costly.

Councilor Flaherty asked about training and travel for changing election procedures. Casey confirmed $600 is budgeted for in-state meetings and seminars and said out-of-state travel has no funding. Casey also described recurring failures of an ADA voting device and said the state has promised replacement equipment but has not yet confirmed cost or reimbursement arrangements.

Councilor Morin and other members complimented the clerk's office for running elections efficiently and for appropriately adjusting the FY26 request to reflect fewer elections in the coming year. Casey told the committee she may return next year seeking additional funds if the town must support two election years instead of one.

Ending: The Committee took no final appropriation action during the hearing; the presentation will feed into the broader budget review and the annual town meeting on May 27, when public comment and votes on appropriations will occur. Committee members were directed to send budget questions to towncouncil@braintreema.gov.