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Town departments report rising use and modest FY27 requests; library seeks revolving fund cap increase
Summary
Elder & Social Services reported a surge in service demand (requests up more than 110%) and strained parking at the new Library–Senior Center; the library projects 10–15% growth and asked to raise its revolving fund cap to $10,000 and to add staff hours, while no new positions were requested for FY27.
At a joint session with the Finance Committee on March 24, Upton department leaders described increased service demand and modest budget requests for FY27.
Director Tanya Paparazzo told members the new Library–Senior Center has increased daily foot traffic and created frequent parking shortages. She said social service requests have risen more than 110 percent in two years and often require intensive follow‑up, advocacy and crisis support. The state Formula Grant remains roughly $27,000 with $15,000 dedicated to the coordinator position; $2,500 in transportation savings was redirected to programming and Cultural Council grants will support three new programs.
Library Director Matthew Bachtold reported continued growth in visits, program participation and passport services and projected a 10–15 percent increase in FY27. He requested a small increase in staff hours to maintain service quality but said no new positions were needed this year. The library’s revolving fund is expected to reach its FY26 cap and a warrant article seeks to raise the FY27 cap to $10,000. Directors said volunteers can supplement programming but cannot replace trained staff.
Select Board members acknowledged ongoing space and staffing constraints and said long‑term needs will be evaluated as part of broader budget planning. No formal votes occurred on departmental requests at the meeting.
