Whitman Faces $1.7 Million Budget Deficit, Override Likely
Town officials project shortfall for fiscal year 2026, consider options to maintain services
WHITMAN - December 17 - Whitman officials are grappling with a projected $1.7 million budget deficit for fiscal year 2026, signaling that a town-wide override may be necessary to maintain current service levels.
During a recent Select Board meeting, member Shawn Kain presented a financial forecast indicating the town's expenses are outpacing revenue growth.
"Total revenue is just $45,784,000. Total expenses are $47,514,000, which means we have a current deficit of $1.7 million," Kain reported. "The preliminary budget numbers indicate that an override is necessary to maintain level services."
The deficit projection comes despite conservative revenue estimates and attempts to limit expenditure growth. Kain noted that department heads were instructed to include only a 2.5% increase for non-union employees and to level-fund expenses.
Several factors are contributing to the budget crunch. The Plymouth County retirement assessment is up 11%, an increase of over $300,000. Health insurance costs are projected to rise 7%, adding another $126,000 to expenses.
Select Board members acknowledged that the town has been approaching this financial cliff for several years. Board member Justin Evans noted, "We've been right on the cusp for a number of years, and this seems like it might be the time to really analyze what it's going to take to get us through."
The board emphasized that Whitman is not alone in facing these challenges. Board member Dan Salvucci pointed out, while calling out the South Shore News, "All the South Shore towns ... are saying that this is, the years have gotten tougher and tougher, and I'd say probably 80% of the South Shore is going to be probably looking for overrides."
Town officials are now considering the scope and duration of a potential override. Kain suggested, "Some of the strategy behind the override might go, you know, should it be a one-year override or should you think like a three-year override?"
The Select Board is looking to the Finance Committee for guidance on the size of the override needed. Board Chair Carl Kowalski expressed hope for more proactive advice from the committee, stating, "That's the kind of advice I've been looking for the finance committee for a long time."
Kowalski emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach, saying, "We're talking about all of the services in the town. We're not saying this is an override just for the fire department, an override just for the police department, an override just for the schools."
Officials stressed that the town has exhausted other options to balance the budget in recent years. Evans noted, "We've made all the cuts. I don't know where else we can cut looking forward."
The regular use of free cash to balance previous budgets has further complicated the situation. "We're already starting to eat into our free cash for the following years because we've been cutting down everything that used to get turned back," Evans added.
Despite the challenging financial outlook, Kowalski expressed optimism about the town's ability to address the issue. "Whitman as a town, when there's been an issue, has almost always come forward to support it," he said.
Disclosure: South Shore News owner Justin Evans is a current member of the Whitman Select Board.