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Select Board reviews FY28 budget roadmap; discusses regional dispatch and communication upgrades
Summary
Town Administrator Stephanie Bacon presented the FY28 budget timeline and strategic initiatives, including a potential stormwater enterprise fund (estimated $500,000 shift) and communications upgrades tied to regional dispatch discussions; board members asked to be more formally engaged in regional dispatch feasibility and to consider August agenda items on tax classification and regionalization.
Town Administrator Stephanie Bacon briefed the Select Board on FY28 budget timing and major variables — retirement, health insurance, school assessment, and state aid — and outlined a month-by-month timeline for budget reviews, department submissions, and final recommendations to town meeting. Bacon highlighted two strategic initiatives under evaluation: a potential stormwater enterprise fund that could shift approximately $500,000 in annual costs off the general fund into an enterprise, and a multi-track approach to upgrading emergency communications, which could involve seeking a grant or pursuing regional dispatch with neighboring towns.
Regional dispatch discussion: Bacon and finance staff said the town’s communications deficit is roughly $3,000,000 in needed upgrades; a grant could contribute up to $1,000,000. Several surrounding towns (Westborough, Southborough, Grafton, Boylston) are conducting feasibility studies and looking at potential host communities. Board members expressed interest in formalizing Northborough’s participation and suggested bringing the fire chief and other staff to an upcoming meeting; staff recommended adding regional dispatch to the August agenda and continuing research even if the grant is not secured.
Stormwater enterprise fund: Bacon said a stormwater enterprise could provide a dedicated funding source for stormwater infrastructure, improve long-term financial sustainability, and shift costs currently borne by the general fund into a fee-based structure. The board asked for further analysis and discussion during budget guidance in August.
Next steps: The administrator will place tax classification and regional dispatch on the August agenda, continue coordination with neighboring towns and the financial planning committee, and return with options for board direction in the fall.
