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Braintree council approves $3.5M in FY2026 supplemental appropriations and transfers
Summary
The council approved a FY2026 supplemental package totaling roughly $3.5 million to close the fiscal year, including $1.134M for snow and ice costs, $1.039M to reserves (including an estimated $275,000 in state storm assistance), $634,000 for school collective bargaining, and multiple departmental transfers.
The Town of Braintree Council voted on July 7 to approve a FY2026 supplemental appropriation package totaling roughly $3.5 million in gross appropriations and transfers intended to close out fiscal 2026.
Finance representative Mike Esmond summarized the package and said an estimated $1.9 million of the support came from certified free cash. He told the council that the largest single item was a $1,134,815 transfer to the DPW snow and ice program to cover an unusually costly winter. Esmond said the state’s June supplemental budget included a $100 million statewide allocation for storm response and estimated Braintree’s share at about $275,000, to be set aside as a fiscal‑year 2027 reserve.
Other notable items included a $1,039,000 transfer to a fiscal year 2026 reserve (partly free cash and chapter 70/78 receipts), $634,000 for school collective bargaining costs (made from chapter 70 and free cash), transfers for DPW street lighting and school utilities, smaller transfers to police and fire building maintenance funds, golf course operations, and reappropriation of $3,980 to pay unpaid bills to Kelly & Ryan incurred prior to July 1, 2025.
Esmond said the town closed the year with roughly $12.5 million in reserves — an amount he described as the largest in recent years and equal to about three times the close of fiscal 2023. Councilors asked clarifying questions on the use of one‑time free cash and the process for handling snow and ice deficits; Esmond reiterated free cash is a one‑time resource and executives have been prudent about its use.
The council opened and closed the public hearing on the supplemental appropriation; each of the 14 discrete transfer motions listed in the order was moved and approved in sequence, with recorded voice votes noted as unanimous where indicated in the meeting transcript.
What happens next: The transfers and reappropriations become a part of the town’s fiscal records for FY2026; the administration will track any state allocations that offset costs (such as storm aid) and will report accordingly to the council and the public.
