The recent essay published by Westford Common Ground, titled:

"Westford Town Budget: A Path Towards Fiscal Responsibility,"

couldn't be further from the truth.

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 When I say “couldn’t be further from the truth', I am referring to the notion that our town's leadership has heeded the pleas of its residents to optimize their departments by reducing expenses, implementing procedures to better utilize town assets, reconsidering the necessity of expensive projects that cater only to a select few, and, most importantly, practicing fiscal responsibility by managing our town within its financial means. The mindset of 'tax and spend' must come to an end.

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The current Town Administration and its supporting cast are merely delaying the inevitable consequences of their reckless spending. The meager savings achieved were only meant to appease residents who rejected the recent Prop 2 ½ override attempt. Town Management has not changed any of its bad business habits or excessive spending practices. As proof of this, a recent budget review included "Unclassified Expenses" costing thousands of dollars.

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During the meetings of the 3 committees, (School Board, Select Board, & Finance Committee, aka; The Triumvirate); it's evident that these board members are patting themselves on the back for the minimal progress made in reducing the Town budget. They've done the bare minimum but expect accolades for steps that should have been taken years ago. Don't be fooled; it's been stated by Select Board member Thomas Clay, that another Prop 2 ½ override request will most likely be proposed to support the FY27 budget.

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Here are some obvious examples of Town Management's failure to show initiative and vision:

1. The persistent lack of passion for cost reduction, expense containment, and overall long-term budget reduction strategies is alarming.

2. In a triumvirate meeting, the Town Manager claimed, "Efficiencies don’t always yield cost savings." Such a statement would be laughable in a basic business management course.

3. Despite the budget shortfall, the Town continues wasting money on the "Sidewalks to Nowhere" project, a slap in the face to every taxpayer.

4. The 12 North Main Street project has lingered for over a decade. Our leadership has wasted tax payers' money with with no true end strategy.

5. There is still no publicly accessible database detailing all town assets, including cost, purpose, and expected life cycle. This type of data would be valuable in determining future budget requirements. Residents, including this author, specifically, have been requesting this information for nearly two years, only to be met with excuses about software difficulties. It appears as though the information is being intentionally withheld from residents. There's been little attempt to determine if all assets are necessary.

6. The Finance Committee is powerless to affect necessary fiscal budget reductions. Some vocal members of this committee have admitted that the majority of FinCom members function merely to provide a rubber stamp for expenditures on select items.

7. The Capital Planning Committee serves as nothing more than a means to rubber stamp the agenda of Town Manager. At every CPC meeting this author has attended, all members of this committee appear to have vested interests in getting their requests approved. Watching these meetings is excruciating, as there is no protocol in place to streamline how requests and subsequent reviews are processed. Rarely does anyone ask critical questions, like "What is the impact if we don't purchase this item?" or "Is there a more cost-effective alternative?"

8. Keep in mind, the Capital Planning Committee is appointed by the Town Manager. Included in the membership is a Select Board member and member-at-large, occupying seats that could be filled by a taxpayers who might bring fresh ideas for cost containment. Concerns raised by residents about this potential conflict of interest have been ignored. The Capital Planning Committee's role should fall under the Finance Committee's purview. (Note: The Capital Planning Committee meets at 8:30 AM, unfairly limiting resident attendance.)

9. The School Department should not be exempt from scrutiny. It is rare to see the School Committee or the School Department offering much in the way of cost containment or reduction. This raises the question of whether all feasible measures are being taken to maximize efficiency and minimize costs.

10. The excessive use of consultants, including a survey company whose questions are seemingly written to evoke answers that support whatever project or narrative of our leadership, is a matter of concern. Why do we invest in the further education of our employees when almost every project brings in a new set of consultants? This practice not only adds unnecessary costs but also underutilizes the skills and expertise of our own workforce.

11. Westford's water rate just increased once again. According to a WestfordCAT article, the reason given for the increase is "A dramatic increase to operating expenses caused by inflationary pressures, combined with reduced revenues and the need to pursue PFAS treatment." The only things left out of the explanation were famine and volcanoes! This is yet another example of the need to examine and justifying current spending, which further begs for greater transparency and a closer, more definitive examination of the need for such increases.

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It is crucial that we remain vigilant in monitoring these trends and raising questions about potential areas where improvements can be made. Without near term expense containment, cost cutting, asset utilization analysis and re-justification of previously committed and funded Town projects, we will surely be asked to approve another massive Prop 2 ½ Override to support the FY27 budget.

 

Ask yourself some important questions:

• Did you notice the substantial increase in your current property tax bill? Your home was most likely re-assessed to current market value in order to fund the FY26 budget.

• Can you afford another property tax increase?

• How close are you to being forced to sell your home because of Westford’s property tax burden?

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Please think about how our town’s leadership is affecting your quality of life in Westford. Think about the reality of yet another property tax increase and how it will affect your family and your ability to remain in your Westford home.

 

Respectfully, 

A Concerned Taxpayer