The Town of Hubbardston Finance Committee on Jan. 7 received an update on FY26 finances, ongoing bookkeeping errors and staffing gaps and was told the Select Board has hired temporary help while recruitment proceeds.

Select Board member Heather Monroe said the town recently filled the treasurer/collector position (three weeks on the job) and is actively recruiting an assistant treasurer/collector and an executive assistant. To help close out FY25 and prepare FY26/FY27 work, the board hired a former treasurer and Division of Local Services employee, Marsha (surname variably transcribed), as a consultant at $100 per hour. Monroe said Marsha will clean up FY25 (including a roughly $1,200 discrepancy), certify free cash, prepare Schedule A, help with FY26 bookkeeping and develop a five‑year forecast.

Monroe also told the committee that the Select Board hired an interim town administrator, Sean Fitzgerald, who began work the day before the meeting and will assist with financial oversight and coordination with auditors and state offices. “We talked to our rep today,” Monroe said, referring to the Department of Revenue and Division of Local Services, and added the interim administrator should notify the auditor about the plan.

Committee members asked about outstanding vacation payouts from the prior administrator; Monroe said about six weeks of unpaid vacation had been paid at the conclusion of employment but that additional year‑end transfers could be required if free cash or reserves are insufficient.

The group also discussed capital-debt procedures: Monroe explained that certain items (for example, the previously authorized fire truck) were approved at town meeting and on the ballot as debt exclusions and must be recorded and processed through a DE1 (debt exclusion) form with the Department of Revenue. She said the omission in processing appeared to be an oversight and that the Select Board will report back with total amounts and tax‑impact estimates.

Monroe warned the committee that snow-and-ice costs are likely to exceed budgeted amounts this year because of repeated storms and overtime; some equipment repairs should be covered by insurance, with the town responsible for deductibles, but overall the town may face a year‑end deficit in that line.

Monroe said once the consultant has time to reconcile accounts the town will produce clearer reports and the finance committee and Select Board may schedule joint sessions to review budgets and forecasts.

The meeting closed after administrative items and a motion to adjourn.