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Hubbardston Select Board backs move to zero-based FY27 budget
Summary
The Select Board agreed to pursue a zero-based budgeting approach for the Town of Hubbardston's FY2027 budget, citing the need for clearer line-item transparency and improved internal controls; the motion passed with one abstention.
The Town of Hubbardston Select Board voted Feb. 9 to move forward with a zero-based budgeting process for the FY2027 budget, a change officials said would provide more line-item detail and improve internal controls.
Town finance staff and an outside CPA have been reconciling fiscal records and identified gaps in account coding and fund balances. Speaker 4 told the board the outside CPA "has the experience" and will help the town "identify where things really need to be buckled up to ensure that the town doesn't have to go through this again." He added that a more detailed budget will help the board and public understand contractual obligations and spending drivers.
Speaker 3 introduced the motion: "I'd like to make a motion to support Sean's initiative to move forward with the 0 based budget direction for the FY '27 budget year." The motion was seconded and the board voted to approve the direction; the record shows the motion carried with one abstention.
Supporters said the process would require more work from department heads and the finance committee but would allow the town to match budget line items to the chart of accounts used in its accounting system. Speaker 4 said the town should expect five years of actuals in a zero-based approach and that monthly and quarterly financial reports would follow.
Next steps include the town administrator and finance staff working with department heads to draft the zero-based templates, consider procurement options to extend CPA assistance if hours exceed the current scope, and present a revised FY27 budget schedule at the next meeting. The board did not adopt final budget numbers at this meeting.
