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Selectmen will meet with department heads going forward to discuss their long-term needs and capital requests as the board considers putting a Proposition 2 ½ override question on the ballot next spring.
At its first special meeting on the topic, Town Administrator Jeff Bridges emphasized the importance of hearing about the merits of each department’s requests, the timeline that would be needed to carry them out and the consequences of going without.
Bridges said there are two categories—”things you want to add and things you want to keep.”
The Board of Selectmen was reviewing a “wish list,” provided by town departments which Bridges clarified was not developed in the context of asking for an override. Instead, it was meant to start a conversation about long-term needs and was created a few years ago, just prior to COVID.
He said two “drivers,” are impacting the budget annually, pension contributions resulting in a $150,000 increase and the minimum budget for schools designed by a Commonwealth formula that brings about a $450,000 to $500,000 increase each year.
“We’re in the hole with just those two numbers,” Bridges said.
The town administrator recommended the board develop an objective way to score each request—keeping in mind some things are mandated and others are not. It is also important to remember, “Every town is unique,” he said, noting considerations should be applied to Spencer’s circumstances.
Bridges noted other decisions to make include when implementation would take place—over a period of years versus an “a la carte version,” which the town has used in the past.
“Outline how you want to vet, what goals do you want to accomplish with these funds and what will you ask the public to help (the town) accomplish?” he said.
Selectman Ralph Hicks said “there is no way in thunderation,” he would ask the residents to pay for everything (on the list).
“It’s kind of a wish list. We can’t be on a spending spree. Santa Claus exists on the North Pole not in Spencer,” he said.
However, Hicks said he wanted to keep up with collective bargaining agreements, retirement payments and health insurance for employees. He is concerned that Spencer keeps losing its personnel to other communities because they pay higher salaries and percentages of health insurance.
“That sends them over the brink and think it is worth driving to Westborough, Southborough, etc. (for jobs),” Hicks said.
Chair John Howard said that public buildings ranked high on his list—citing items like a fire station replacement, heating, ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) at the library, general repairs and a backup generator at the Council on Aging, $100,000 in repairs at the utilities department and several others.
Bridges recommended that the first departments to come before selectmen should be police, fire and ambulance.
He said although “nobody wants this conversation,” it is necessary to identify what would have to be given up “if push comes to shove,” when town departments make their presentations.
“The board may say, `you aren’t going to touch this…’” the town administrator added.
Hicks noted that three firefighters were hired and paid for by a grant and it would be “unconscionable to get rid of them” when the grant money runs out.
“I hope public safety is the last thing we touch,” Hicks said.
Ultimately, the decision must be made by residents, he said. “They have to tell us what they want us to do.”
The next regular Board of Selectmen’s meeting is August 12. Selectmen hope to schedule the next workshop to talk about a Proposition 2 ½ override in August as well.
