Town Administrator Rick LaFond stated that “the town’s budget for the new fiscal year will be using $1.3 million from free cash, the same as last year. We’re not compounding vs. last year’s numbers. We’re not building a larger structural deficit between our recurring revenues and our projected expenses. We’re using our savings. With our police department, we’ll be able to add one new officer but we are in need of another eight officers. We’re unable to add eight new personnel but we’re going to try and start that this year.”

LaFond stated that the town’s financial future depends upon state aid and that everyone’s on board that the town has to move in a better direction. With the school budget, special education is the big driver. The town did slightly better this year with its state aid because the state funding follows the student. Attrition is what’s keeping the schools from making more cuts.

The Brian Road access for a large building project in Thompson, Connecticut has had recent updates. Thompson’s First Selectmen and Planner have contacted LaFond to schedule the long-awaited meeting with the proponents of the project, the Sharma family. LaFond expected to be sitting down (without attorneys) very soon. As of this writing, Thompson legal counsel still had not responded to Webster’s motion to strike portions of the record that contain documents created after the decision and timeline for submission of briefs. This particular matter will likely be concluded at a court hearing to be held soon. Webster’s attorney expects the court will rule on Webster’s motion without a written reply from Thompson or following an oral argument from Thompson. Once this matter is resolved, a date will be set for pre-trial briefs. Thompson would then have 45 days to reply to that brief. This timeline may be extended if either party requests. The project consists of 16 multi-housing single family homes, 4 duplexes, and a community building. 

The Town Clerk’s office and the Town Administrator’s office have switched locations. The Town Clerk has now been moved to the first floor of the town hall. The Town Administrator’s offices will soon move from its temporary location in the auditorium to the second floor.

Reconstruction and replacement of the town hall’s front and side entries began recently. The project will be completed in phases to always allow for public access. The parking lot entry

will be the last section to be completed to minimize the time that alternative handicap access will be necessary.  The town’s solar field funds in the amount of $50,000 will assist with this project. The funds were specifically designated for repair and maintenance of the town hall.

Collective bargaining has begun with two of the town’s three employee unions. Contracts expire on June 30. 

Additionally, Water and Sewer Superintendent Tom Cutler has been recognized by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s Drinking Water Program for his “outstanding performance” in 2025. The award cites his service in the industry, qualifications, managing many of the critical system upgrades since his hiring in 2021, and efforts and assistance in securing significant funds through the State Revolving Fund Grant to help offset the costs of upgrading the facilities at Memorial Beach and Bigelow Road to address PFAS regulations (PFAS are “forever chemicals” that have contaminated many drinking water sources). This is brief synopsis of his recognition. Tom will be honored at an event in Shirley on May 5. The town is honored to have Mr. Cutler’s expertise and knowledge to ensure its drinking water’s safety and quality.