Easton committee approves PACE community compact alongside town budget warning

The Easton School Committee voted unanimously Thursday to approve a community compact developed by the Promoting a Sustainable Easton (PACE) committee, a document PACE framed as a companion set of commitments should voters approve a proposed operational override.

The compact, presented by PACE members Tom Broussard and Nancy Donahue, would bind the town and schools to a set of fiscal and policy commitments intended to limit future operating growth and encourage measured economic development. "Be curious, don't be judgmental," Broussard told committee members as he urged residents to study the town's budget challenges and engage in local meetings.

PACE described a long-running structural revenue problem for Easton, saying the town is constrained by Proposition 2 1/2 and receives less in state aid than large cities. Broussard and Donahue told the committee the PACE group settled on a revenue recommendation after nine months of meetings and public outreach. The committee presented two headline figures: a recommended operational override figure discussed in meetings of roughly $7.3 million, and a broader "total challenge" estimate the PACE group said was about $8.1 million over multiple years to stabilize operations.

The compact contains six principal commitments PACE says should accompany an override, including: a moratorium on new debt exclusions for five years while an operational override (if adopted) runs for at least four years unless unforeseen circumstances arise; a strengthened economic development focus to encourage appropriate new growth; targeted measures to reduce impact on vulnerable residents (seniors, veterans, people with disabilities); annual budget caps tied to a rolling two-year average not to exceed 4% growth (with limited exceptions for mandated services); protections for the town's financial reserves and bond rating; and enhanced public reporting and accountability requirements.

Donahue framed the compact as "extra credit" — actions beyond the committee's charge intended to give voters more assurance about fiscal responsibility if an override proceeds. She said the compact would allow signatory boards (select board, school committee, finance committee) to revisit commitments publicly if extraordinary events require modifications.

Committee members asked questions about how the compact would protect vulnerable residents and what specific municipal or school changes it would require. School Committee member Lauren Loomis said she would continue pressing legislators for more state aid, and others urged residents to engage with planning and conservation boards to discuss the town's long-term land-use trade-offs.

The committee voted 4–0 to approve the compact as presented. Jackie Wiseman seconded the motion after Chair (motion made on the record) moved the item; roll call recorded Taluca, Wiseman, Star and Loomis as voting "yes." The vote formally registers the school committee as a signatory of the compact.

PACE members said the compact and related voter education work will continue ahead of two required steps if an override is advanced: the appropriation at town meeting and a subsequent ballot vote. Donahue said the ballot vote date is scheduled for June 10, and Broussard warned that a May 19 milestone (when voters could see the operational effect locally) will make the impact tangible for some residents. "No matter what happens on May 19, there will be somebody that will be materially, detrimentally impacted," Broussard said, urging outreach and assistance programs for those affected.

The PACE presentation included an overview of extensive public engagement — multiple open houses, library events, morning sessions at a Dunkin' Donuts and other outreach — and PACE requested the school committee’s continued help in connecting with residents. PACE also noted that the town had gained temporary labor savings through a one-year extension with most unions and budget savings from joining the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) and other efficiency measures.

The compact does not itself authorize any new spending; instead PACE presented it as a public commitment to be enacted if residents approve additional operating revenue. Broussard and Donahue repeatedly framed the package as one part of a larger public conversation about revenue limits, state aid and how Easton balances services, tax rates and open-space priorities.

The school committee's approval makes the committee a formal signatory to the compact. PACE leaders and committee members said they will continue public engagement ahead of the town meeting appropriation and the June 10 ballot vote.

Ending: The compact will now be available as a public document for voters and other town boards as Easton moves through budget season. PACE members encouraged residents to attend public meetings and to ask questions about both the compact's commitments and the financial outlook they say the town faces.