FY26 Westford Town Budget:
A Path Towards Fiscal Responsibility
During the recent Select Board meeting, a significant shift in our town's leadership's approach to managing finances was acknowledged. The transition from FY25 to FY26, without relying on the failed Proposition 2½ override, has compelled department heads to streamline their budgets, aligning expenses with the standard, uncontestable 2.5% property tax increase. This necessary step towards fiscal responsibility was accomplished through increased revenues, including higher state aide, investment income and fees; use of revolving and one-time funds; changes to the school's tuitions and forecasts; and improved operational efficiency.
The messages conveyed were loud and clear:
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There will not be a request for another Proposition 2 ½ Override at the next Town Meeting.
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The public demanded financial accountability, and town leadership responded by identifying industrious ways to balance the budget.
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Board member Thomas Clay was quick to emphasize that the FY26 budget planning process was “a one-time effort in using funds that will not be available during the next budget cycle.”
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Though the community has averted a Prop 2½ override for the upcoming year, we must ask our leadership to continue their efforts to formulate balanced budgets without the use of Prop 2 ½ overrides.
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Property owners will likely be forced to absorb a yearly 2.5% increase in property taxes – forever! This, for now at least, seems inevitable given the past behavior of Westford’s leadership. The 2.5% uncontestable property tax increases continue to hurt those of us feeling inflationary pressures, residents on fixed incomes and virtually every family that has to watch their expenditures.
While our town's leadership has demonstrated an understanding of the need for fiscal restraint, it's crucial to maintain this momentum. Ongoing efforts to contain expenses will be necessary to avoid another override request. As Westford embarks on ambitious urbanization projects, encompassing sidewalks, playgrounds, MBTA housing, and road renovations, it is of utmost importance to strategically prioritize and allocate resources, thereby alleviating the financial strain on property taxpayers who have yet to bear the full weight of the impending library project.
As we move forward with the FY26 budget, I'd like to express gratitude to the town’s leadership for presenting a balanced budget that avoids another challenging override discussion. Many cost-saving suggestions from community members have been implemented, and the exploration of additional ideas is ongoing. While we recognize the need to utilize reserves or one-time funds to address projected gaps, continued collaboration is essential in identifying further savings and revenue opportunities for future budgets. It is crucial that we maintain this commitment to fiscal responsibility, ensuring that our town remains diverse and accessible to all residents by avoiding excessive tax increases.
You can view the FY26 Budget presentation at this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWiDYNpXsJs
Pay particular attention to the segment at this time slot: Minute 48:50 to 50:26 where Thomas Clay speaks to the likely reality of yet another Proposition 2 ½ Override for the FY27 Budget.
Best wishes for a Merry Christmas!
A Hopeful Westford Resident