Saugus finance committee flags snow-and-ice deficit while reviewing FY27 DPW budget

The Saugus Finance Committee reviewed the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget for the Department of Public Works on April 1, with officials warning the town faces a substantial snow-and-ice deficit even as most DPW lines remain largely level-funded.

Chairman Ken DePatto opened the meeting and said the DPW had worked “tirelessly on snow removal efforts” during an unusually difficult winter. Finance Director and Treasurer/Collector Wendy Hatch said staff had not yet completed final billing for winter work, and Town Manager Scott Crabtree told the committee, “the Town is facing a significant snow-and-ice deficit,” but added the town can cover the expense in the current fiscal year rather than carry an illegal deficit forward.

Committee members pressed department heads on staffing and cost drivers. DPW Director Brendan O’Regan said the Forestry Division has two funded positions with one vacancy and that the Forestry expenses line is proposed to increase by $5,000. He described Highway Department staffing as five filled positions, including a foreman, and reported vehicle repairs this year exceeded $200,000, a figure lower than in prior years. Chairman DePatto noted Highway expenses are proposed to increase by $25,000 for FY27.

Committee members were told DPW administration salary increases reflect contractual obligations and that DPW administration expenses are projected to rise by $1,200 in FY27. Parks expenses show roughly a $10,000 increase and Cemetery Department salary lines a small uptick, though most of those budgets are otherwise level-funded.

On operations, O’Regan said the motor pool has a single employee and that the town participates in a purchasing consortium to reduce exposure to short-term fuel price spikes. On waste collection, Town Manager Crabtree said the salary jump shown in the budget was a correction from the prior year and noted the town switched haulers just as employees with the previous contractor went on strike. He also said a committee is studying a switch to automated collection using toters with lids and that the town’s contract allows such a transition, which could reduce costs.

The committee asked for updated staffing lists; O’Regan agreed to provide specifics, including for cemetery and waste collection positions. The meeting concluded at 8:11 p.m.

The committee did not take formal votes on the budget at the meeting; review and adjustments will continue ahead of Town Meeting processes.