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Select Board reviews FY28 budget roadmap; considers stormwater enterprise and regional dispatch options
Summary
Staff presented the FY28 budget timeline and strategic initiatives, including a potential stormwater enterprise fund (estimated ~$500,000 annual shift) and regional dispatch/communications upgrades (estimated ~$3 million). Board members discussed debt capacity tied to a possible $60–70 million school project and next steps for formal participation in regional dispatch studies.
Town staff presented a roadmap for the fiscal year 2028 budget and a set of strategic issues the Select Board will need to address over the coming months.
Stephanie Bacon (presenter listed on the agenda) outlined the timeline: department requests in September, revenue certification in October, joint reviews in November–December, and balancing and Town Meeting preparations in February. She said major variables that will drive the FY28 picture include retirement costs, health-insurance rates and the school assessment, and that staff will present budget guidance to the board in August.
Among strategic initiatives staff flagged was a potential stormwater enterprise fund. Bacon described that a dedicated enterprise could “shift approximately 500,000 annual costs out of the general fund,” creating a steady funding source for stormwater infrastructure rather than relying on general taxation. No decision was requested; the board agreed it warranted further evaluation.
The board spent significant time on public-safety communications and regional dispatch. Staff estimated the communications capital need at roughly $3,000,000 for equipment and upgrades; members weighed pursuing a state grant versus funding capital locally. Several neighboring towns (Westborough, Southborough and others) are conducting feasibility studies on regional dispatch, and board members discussed whether Northborough should formally participate. Questions included equipment compatibility (noted standards such as UHF), potential host communities, the feasibility timeline and how regionalization might change capital and operating costs. Board members asked staff to add regional dispatch as an August agenda item and to involve the police and fire chiefs in the next discussion.
On the capital plan and pending school project, staff said a modeled school component in the $60–70 million range would push the town’s modeled debt level to the board’s 10% policy limit (from a current modeled level near 6%). Members discussed rating-agency reactions, prioritization of capital projects and the use of a numerical ranking system for capital requests.
Next steps: staff will return with more detailed financial modeling, a proposed budget directive for board vote in August, and additional analysis of grant opportunities and regional dispatch participation options.
