Abington Faces Budget Challenges, Prepares for Trash Fee Proposal
Town avoids override vote for now, but officials warn of difficult decisions ahead as neighboring communities seek millions in additional tax revenue
ABINGTON - March 24 - Abington officials are preparing residents for a challenging financial future as the town faces increasing costs and limited revenue growth.
At a recent Board of Selectmen meeting, Town Manager Scott Lambiase presented a balanced budget for fiscal year 2026 but warned that it relies on one-time revenue sources that aren't sustainable long-term.
"This has probably been one of the most difficult budget years that I've ever been involved in, and we've had to make some pretty tough decisions," Lambiase says. "We are recommending that we use a small portion of stabilization money and some free cash to balance this budget, which is something that we typically would not do."
The board voted to reduce staffing in the Selectmen’s office by one position, signaling the start of potential service reductions across town departments.
"We're going to be in dire financial straits in the future. We're trying to get ahead of the curve," says board member Roger Woods. "This is the start of it, and we're starting in our own department."
Chair Kevin Donovan emphasizes the need for proactive leadership as the town faces financial challenges that have already prompted neighboring communities to seek tax overrides.
"Milton is going for a $9.5 million override. Duxbury had requested $5.8 million. That just failed at the ballot on Saturday. Hanson is going for a $3 million override. Norwell, $4.1 million. Hanover, $3.5 million. Whitman, $2.5 million," Donovan says. "This is what's coming down the pike for us next year."
The town's financial challenges stem from multiple factors, including rising costs for services and limited growth in state aid, which increased only 1.6% in the current fiscal year compared to 17.9% in previous years.
Residents will vote on a proposed trash fee implementation plan at the April 7 town meeting. The proposal comes as waste management costs have increased by approximately $500,000 in recent years, a 56% jump.
The plan calls for a gradual transition from town-funded waste management to a fee-based system over five years:
- Year 1 (FY26): 100% town funded
- Year 2: 75% town funded, 25% fee-based ($24.26 quarterly per household, $12.13 for seniors)
- Year 3: 50% town funded, 50% fee-based
- Year 4: 25% town funded, 75% fee-based
- Year 5 (beginning July 1, 2029): Fully fee-based at $97 quarterly per household ($48.52 for seniors)
The Selectmen approved an article to establish a Residential Waste Pickup and Hauling Enterprise Fund to manage the new fee structure.
Informational meetings about the trash fee proposal are scheduled for Wednesday, March 26 at 6 p.m. at the Senior Center and Saturday, March 29 at 10:30 a.m. at the library.
The Select Board approved several other articles for the April 7 town meeting warrant, including:
- Acceptance of a 20-acre land donation from the Trufant family near Strawberry Valley Golf Course
- Demolition of a house at 22 Bedford Street rather than selling the property due to Article 97 land designation requirements
- Funding for the Chestnut/Hancock Street Improvement Project, which will create a roundabout at one of the town's most dangerous intersections
- Reduction of the town meeting quorum requirement from 150 to 75 people
- Approval of an accessory dwelling unit zoning bylaw
- Allocation of $200,000 from free cash to decrease the snow and ice deficit
Department of Public Works Director John Stone presented updates on several infrastructure projects, including:
- Improvements to the town's most dangerous intersections, with the Hancock/Chestnut Street roundabout project expected to begin construction next year at a cost of approximately $7 million, funded through state and federal programs
- Completion of the Washington Street sidewalk project, which created 2,000 feet of concrete sidewalk and granite curbing using a $500,000 Complete Streets grant
- Planned rehabilitation of the Center Ave Bridge using state grant funding
- A new Summer Street sidewalk project to fill a gap between Walnut and Progress streets, funded by a $500,000 grant
Recreation Director Kelly Johnson reported that Eager Beaver program participation has increased substantially over the past decade and now represents about 66% of recreation revenue, while Island Grove memberships have declined.
The annual town meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 7, at 7 p.m. at Abington High School. The annual town election will take place on Saturday, April 26, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.