Budget, Capital Needs, Debt
- The Mattapoisett Select Board convened on March 17 for a session dedicated to budget reviews with key department heads.
- Gail Joseph highlighted a critical need within the public health sector.
- Joseph also provided a detailed overview of recycling and waste management costs.
Mattapoisett Select Board Tackles Budget, Capital Needs, and Debt
Table of Contents
The Mattapoisett Select Board convened on March 17 for a session dedicated to budget reviews with key department heads. Highway Superintendent Garrett Bauer, Health Agent Gail Joseph, and Fire Chief Andrew Murray each presented thier departmental needs and financial requests.
Public Health and Recycling Initiatives
Gail Joseph highlighted a critical need within the public health sector. The public health nurse is facing an overwhelming workload of paperwork and reports,prompting a request for administrative support. Joseph suggested exploring the possibility of engaging a senior tax work-off resident with the necessary skills to alleviate this burden. The board acknowledged the request and committed to further consideration.
Joseph also provided a detailed overview of recycling and waste management costs. The line item for recyclable material pick-up is $315,000, while the SEMAS (South Eastern Massachusetts Alcoholism Services) allocation is $346,057. She reported an overall increase of 1.80-percent. Joseph emphasized the importance of proper recycling practices, clarifying that cardboard and water bottles are recyclable, while most other plastics are not. Rubbish pick-up costs currently stand at $404,710.
discussions also touched upon the process for Transfer Station stickers, with potential updates to align them with beach and parking stickers. The board agreed to explore this integration further.
Fire Department Budget and Equipment Upgrades
Fire chief Andrew Murray presented an operating budget of $974,560. A meaningful concern is the need to replace gear containing PFAS, known carcinogens. Murray is requesting $18,000 to purchase several new sets of gear and intends to pursue grant opportunities to fund additional equipment acquisitions.
Highway Department Capital Requests
Highway Superintendent Garrett Bauer outlined several capital requests, including:
- $350,000 from free cash for annual roadway repairs
- $1,300,000 for Oakland Street upgrades, to be financed through a bond
- $75,000 from free cash for a roadside mower
- $3,200,000 for upgrades to the Highway Department Building, to be financed through debt
- $25,000 for a flatbed aluminum pickup truck bed
Debt and Future Financial Outlook
A follow-up provided by Lorenco offered insights into the town’s debt structure. Debt is projected to roll off in FY27 and FY28, providing future financial flexibility.
Water and Sewer Department Expenses
Key expenses for the Water and Sewer Departments include:
- Water Department Water Well #2 Refurb: $168,100 annually
- Village Water Main Replacement: $42,025 annually (FY28)
- Water Tank Rehab: $103,200 annually
- Sewer Department, Sewer Brant Beach: $176,146 annually
- Sewer Matt River Basin: $6,200 annually
- Sewer Treatment Plan (UV System): $7,725 annually
In FY28, several other significant expenses are slated to roll off, including Fairhaven water betterment costs at $11,500 annually.
Looking Ahead
The date for the next Mattapoisett Select Board meeting was not announced at the close of the session.
Mattapoisett Select Board Meeting: Key Takeaways on Budget, Infrastructure, and Finances
The Mattapoisett Select Board recently convened to discuss the town’s budget, capital needs, and financial outlook. Here’s a breakdown of the key topics and decisions.
Public Health and Waste management
What are the major concerns and requests for the public health sector?
The public health nurse is facing an overwhelming workload. health Agent Gail Joseph requested administrative support to alleviate this burden. The board is considering engaging a senior tax work-off resident with the necessary skills to help.
What are the costs associated with recycling and waste management in Mattapoisett?
Recyclable material pick-up: $315,000
SEMAS (South Eastern Massachusetts Alcoholism Services): $346,057
Rubbish pick-up: $404,710
There was an overall increase of 1.80-percent. Joseph emphasized the importance of proper recycling practices. Cardboard and water bottles are recyclable, while most other plastics are not.
What is the current status of Transfer Station stickers?
The board is exploring potential updates to Transfer Station stickers to align them with beach and parking stickers.
Fire Department Budget and Equipment
What is the Fire Department’s budget, and what equipment upgrades are needed?
Operating Budget: $974,560
Equipment Need: Replacement of firefighting gear containing PFAS, known carcinogens.
Funding Request: $18,000 to purchase several new sets of gear. The Fire Chief intends to pursue grant opportunities for additional equipment.
Highway Department Capital Requests
What capital requests were made by the Highway Department?
The highway Superintendent,Garrett Bauer,presented the following capital requests:
$350,000 from free cash for annual roadway repairs
$1,300,000 for Oakland Street upgrades,to be financed through a bond
$75,000 from free cash for a roadside mower
$3,200,000 for upgrades to the Highway Department Building,to be financed through debt
* $25,000 for a flatbed aluminum pickup truck bed
Water and Sewer department Expenses
What are the key expenses for the Water and Sewer Departments?
The following table summarizes the annual expenses for the Water and Sewer Departments:
| Expense | Annual Cost | Funding Source |
| :—————————————- | :———- | :————- |
| Water Department Water well #2 Refurb | $168,100 | |
| Village Water Main Replacement | $42,025 | |
| Water Tank Rehab | $103,200 | |
| Sewer Department,Sewer Brant Beach | $176,146 | |
| Sewer Matt River Basin | $6,200 | |
| Sewer Treatment Plan (UV System) | $7,725 | |
| Fairhaven Water Betterment (FY28) | $11,500 | |
Debt and Future Financial Outlook
What is the town’s debt structure,and what is the financial outlook?
Debt is projected to roll off in FY27 and FY28,providing future financial versatility.
Looking Ahead
When is the next Mattapoisett Select Board meeting?
The date for the next Mattapoisett Select Board meeting was not announced at the close of the session.