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Acushnet warns of budget shortfall and possible spending freeze; town expects $150,000 for Hamlin Street
Summary
Town officials told the Board of Selectmen they may need a spending freeze as winter snow-and-ice costs and departmental increases strain free cash; officials said they expect a $150,000 state earmark to help reclaim and repave Hamlin Street.
Town officials warned the Acushnet Board of Selectmen on April 14 that the town faces budget pressure this fiscal year and may need to consider a spending freeze to protect free cash.
Outgoing town administrator James Kelly briefed the board on the warrant and operating budget. He said the town has “over 300K in free cash” but cautioned a large snow-and-ice deficit and overtime costs threaten reserves. Kelly told the board officials were reviewing departmental requests — excluding schools, he cited roughly a $1,345,000 increase in departmental asks — and that shortfalls from winter costs and overtime could be on the order of “half a million dollars,” prompting talks of a spending freeze if needed.
Adam La Montagne, the town administrator, and board members agreed to meet with department heads and continue work before town meeting so the warrant reflects a balanced budget, as required by law. Kelly urged caution in using free cash for one-time items while near-term deficits remain.
In the same meeting Selectman David E. Wonacott and staff said they responded to a state supplemental request from Senator Montigny’s office and expect a $150,000 earmark for reclamation and paving of Hamlin Street. Officials said the earmark would significantly reduce the town’s share of what they described as roughly a $650,000 reclamation project.
Votes at a glance: the board approved several administrative motions during the meeting, including appointments and transfers (senior clerk Nicole Smith; temporary ZBA clerk Paul Sullivan), rescinding prior signatory authority for the assistant town accountant with the authority moving to the town administrator, and transferring the golf-course liquor-license signatory to Adam La Montagne. The board also voted to place two citizen-petition articles on the town warrant after certified signatures were submitted.
The board set follow-up meetings with department heads and financial staff to refine revenue estimates and evaluate any proposed spending freeze before the town meeting.
