Appropriations Committee approves $35,000 reserve transfer to cover streetlight shortfall

The Town of Northborough Appropriations Committee voted unanimously May 26 to approve a $35,000 reserve fund transfer to close a budget shortfall in the town’s streetlight account.

Finance Director Jason Little told the committee the LED streetlight project—originally funded with ARPA funds—was delayed, creating a deficit that the town now needs to address. "We're seeking a $35,000 transfer to bring the budget up to what we had the budget at last year, $200,000 for streetlights," Little said. He added: "The good news is that the lights are now installed," and that the town expects to see lower charges once National Grid finishes final paperwork and an incentive payment from National Grid will arrive next year as general fund revenue.

Little explained National Grid bills the town on a single estimated account rather than installing a meter on each light, and said the town should see billing changes in June or July. He estimated the town has roughly 500 streetlights and said the town has reduced the FY27 line for streetlights to $100,000 while earlier-year budgets were at $200,000.

Chair Scott Rogers read the motion to approve the transfer pursuant to Massachusetts General Law chapter 40, Section 6. After a motion and a second, committee members Jeff Knight, Tim Kalin, George Prinkle and Scott Rogers voted aye. The motion passed.

The committee also discussed that additional year-end transfers may be necessary; Little said an estimated snow-and-ice deficit is near $400,000 and that a June 22 joint meeting with the Select Board is planned to consider any further transfers. Little said staff will seek to draw transfers from available surplus lines rather than carry deficits into the next fiscal year.