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SPENCER — With the May 1 town meeting and May 13 election fast approaching, Town Administrator Jeff Bridges and local department heads are urging residents to take a closer look at two override questions that could shape the future of essential town services.
In a recent video presentation, Bridges and other town department heads broke down the ballot measures—one focused on preserving current services, the other on enhancements—and what their passage would mean for residents’ wallets and quality of life.
Question One: Maintaining Current Services
The first override seeks $1,348,390 to maintain the town’s existing level of services. The lion’s share—$830,000—is earmarked to cover Spencer’s state-mandated contribution to its regional school districts, a figure determined annually by Massachusetts law. As Bridges explained, “It’s a structural deficit. The state says we owe more than we can raise under Proposition 2½. This override helps close that gap.”
Also included in this request:
- $150,000 over three years for the Spencer Rescue Squad
- $368,390 to retain four full-time firefighters currently funded by a federal grant set to expire in 2027
Rescue Squad: A history of service and a call for support
Vincent Cloutier, a director of the nonprofit Spencer Rescue and Emergency Squad, traced the group’s roots back to 1959 and detailed the financial pressures it now faces. From skyrocketing ambulance prices to insurance premiums, the Squad’s costs have surged while reimbursement rates remain painfully low.
“We billed $3.6 million in 2024,” Cloutier noted. “But $2.4 million had to be written off due to mandated insurance write-offs. We’re operating on slim margins and need the town’s support to continue.”
Fire Department: 24/7 coverage at risk
Fire Chief Robert Parsons echoed the concern. Without the override, four firefighter positions—and the 24/7 coverage they provide—would disappear when the current grant funding ends. “Before the grant, our firefighters only worked during the day,” Parsons said. “Now, with 24-hour coverage, we respond in 3–4 minutes instead of waiting up to 15 minutes for on-call staff. That’s critical in emergencies.”
Question Two: Enhancing town services
The second override asks for an additional $211,500 to bolster town operations:
- $88,500 to hire an additional highway department worker
- $123,000 for a second police detective
Highway Department: Filling gaps in plow coverage
Highway Superintendent Pete Boria highlighted the impact of limited staff during storms. “We have 20 plow routes and only 10 staff,” he said. “This means delays for residents. One more employee could make a big difference.”
The new hire would also support park maintenance during warmer months, assisting with upkeep of facilities like Powder Mill Park, Ogara Park, and Luther Hill Park.
Police Department: A second detective for a growing caseload
Spencer Police Chief Michael Befford outlined how an additional detective would relieve pressure on investigations, enhance mental health response, and increase fraud prevention—especially as scam incidents spike post-pandemic. “This position is about helping victims and preventing future crimes,” Befford said.
What will this cost me?
According to Bridges, if both override questions pass, the average Spencer home valued at $393,739 would see a tax increase of approximately $347.31 per year in Fiscal Year 2025—roughly $0.88 on the tax rate. However, the total impact is spread over three years, designed to match the gradual spending increases associated with each initiative.
Notably, the fiscal year 2027 increase includes not only override funds but also additional debt service for the ongoing high school renovation project.
A detailed property tax calculator is available on the town’s website: SpencerMA.gov/override-information.
A rare ask from town officials
Overrides are not a frequent request in Spencer. Aside from a 2024 cemetery-related petition and a 2009 general purpose override, these measures mark a rare appeal for expanded funding.
“We ask only for what we need,” Bridges emphasized. “And now, we need to sustain essential services and prepare for the future.”
The override requests require a two-part approval: a majority vote at Town Meeting and at the May 13th election. Residents are encouraged to review the presentation materials online and reach out with any questions.
“These decisions are in your hands,” Bridges concluded. “We hope the community sees the value in these requests and what they mean for Spencer’s future.”
