Council questions DPW, sidewalk and facilities spending as budget resumes

The Finance Committee continued its review of public services budgets, focusing on streets, sidewalks, garage staffing and facilities repairs.

Councilors pressed staff on snow-removal funding after noting a $50,000 addition to materials and supplies. Public Works staff said snow-removal has historically been underfunded and heavy winters force the department to draw on reserves; the council discussed whether to elevate the baseline in future budgets.

Sidewalk work sparked questions after a councilor noted the 2026 budget showed zero 'actual' for sidewalks even though crews completed work. Public Works explained ADA ramp work was primarily charged to Chapter 90 federal/state paving funds; about $40,000 of contractual sidewalk work was misposted to 'outside services.' The department warned major ADA ramp expenses tied to MassDOT paving projects (Garden Street and Margin Street) would absorb much of the FY27 sidewalk allocation.

Facilities incurred large one-time costs that also drew scrutiny. Directors listed asbestos abatements for recent demolitions, updates to AHERA asbestos reporting, and emergency replacement of dozens of exhaust fans to meet state code. One councilor noted a $180,000 year-to-date increase in the public property maintenance budget tied to asbestos and other unanticipated repairs. Facilities also proposed a new uniform program (t-shirts and sweatshirts), explaining an 87.5% rise in the uniforms line.

Councilors asked for follow-up detail and line-item backup; staff offered to meet one-on-one to walk members through the spreadsheets.