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FinCom flags levy shortfall, Free Cash uncertainty and union overtime as risks to FY27 planning
Summary
Finance Director and FinCom members discussed an estimated levy shortfall (~$2.4M), an unfinished FY25 close with Free Cash only provisionally guesstimated at $58M, and union‑driven overtime/shifts that complicate departmental budgets; FinCom requested more foundational financial data and follow‑up interviews.
Finance Director Elena De Foe and FinCom members described an uncertain fiscal picture heading into FY27. The committee estimated a potential levy shortfall of roughly $2,400,000 and noted that FY25 had not been closed, with Free Cash described during discussion as guesstimated at $58,000,000 but subject to revision once FY25 closed. Members emphasized the high proportion of fixed costs (salaries, benefits, utilities) and the budgeting complexity created when vacancies and required overtime are both included in department requests.
Union contract provisions — including overtime rules, on‑call stipends, and paramedic shift restrictions — were noted as drivers of increased personnel costs. FinCom requested that the Accountant be included in union negotiations or that a professional negotiator be hired and that once contracts are signed a full financial implications report be produced. The committee set follow‑up interviews with the Town Clerk and Personnel and asked departments to provide five‑year staffing projections, levy and free cash estimates, and fee revenue projections ahead of the FinCom recommendations deadline and Town Meeting.
