Easton Board of Finance approves $225,819 in salary line-item transfers

The Easton Board of Finance voted Jan. 6 to transfer $225,819.11 between salary line items to reflect recent wage increases and contract adjustments across several town departments. Finance Director Chris Neary presented the transfers, which covered positions including police officers, firefighters, public works staff, library personnel and Senior Center employees.

"These transfers reflect the remainder of salary increase–related adjustments beyond those addressed at the December meeting," Chris Neary said. The board approved the full package on a motion by Mike Gutowski, seconded by Colin Cote; the motion passed 6-0.

The transfer document, titled "Salary Line Item Transfers BOF Meeting 1/6/26," lists individual reallocations for numerous accounts — for example, $45,632.91 moved into the Police Officers account and smaller reallocations for dispatch, Senior Center van drivers and library staff. The transfers were presented as covering both union contract changes and non‑union wage increases.

Board members and the finance director discussed specific chargebacks and coding questions during review. Art Laske asked whether large transfers indicate that some budget lines were overbudgeted initially or if recipient accounts were underbudgeted; Neary said explanations vary by department. The board requested more detailed comparisons of actual expenses in upcoming budget materials.

The transfers were approved as presented. The board did not modify the amounts or add conditions to the approvals.

The board also asked that during the FY2026–27 budget process members consider focusing on particular budget areas to allow closer scrutiny of recurring large line‑item movements. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2026.