To the Editor,
The Town Meeting on Monday May 4 will be one of the most important in recent history. For the first time in eight years residents will be asked to approve a budget override. In prior years I served seven years on the Warrant Committee, I can attest to the diligence with which the annual budgets were prepared by both town and school officials.
While costs have increased and state and federal aid has been reduced the town and schools have controlled costs within the constraints of Prop 2 ½ while maintaining the high level of services our citizen’s desire. As personnel costs rise, particularly around health insurance, coupled with the town’s limited revenue sources, it has been increasingly difficult to achieve a balanced budget. Each town department, including the schools has adapted by limiting spending and investing only that which is most critical to safety and service. As health insurance cost continue to rise at double digit rates it is no longer possible to meet limited spending and investments within the constraints on revenue growth. Without an override, current service levels will be affected.
In the weeks leading to the town meeting, I urge each town voter to become educated in the town’s fiscal issues and the override related Articles. The budget process began back in the fall of 2025, when the FY 2027 budget issues were identified. Since that time under the leadership of the Warrant Committee each town board and department has been engaged in preparing its budget. The final proposal is being developed by a committee made up of representatives of the town, schools and Warrant Committee.
In the coming weeks information from the town and schools will be coming to residents. It is very important for each of us to become familiar with the facts that have led to this override and come to participate at town meeting. While any proposal to increase taxes should receive the highest level of scrutiny, it is also our responsibility to engage and educate ourselves. The information is available and I urge you to study the factors leading to the budget issue and consider the impact the failure to support an override will have on the town and school services.
Town Meeting government is the highest form of democracy but only if we engage, use your vote as an educated participant and responsible citizen for your good and the good of the town.
Bob Sliney
Medfield
