Whitman Select Board Approves $2 Million Override for May Ballot
Board chooses one-year override after debate on financial strategy; Finance Committee unanimously supported shorter timeframe
WHITMAN - April 7 - The Whitman Select Board votes to place a $2 million override question on the May 17, 2025 annual town election ballot after discussion about whether to pursue a one-year or three-year approach to addressing the town's financial challenges.
The board ultimately approves a $2 million, “one-year,” override in a 3-1 vote, aligning with the Finance Committee's unanimous recommendation despite concerns from some officials that the amount may not fully address projected deficits beyond the upcoming fiscal year.
"I think going for the smallest override in one year has the highest chances of passing," says Select Board member Shawn Kain. "I'd rather ask for a little and get a little than ask for too much and get nothing."
The override aims to fund the fiscal year 2026 operating budget, including the town's regional school district assessments. Town officials emphasize that without an override, Whitman faces significant service cuts.
"Our situation, if we don't get an override, is dire," Kain says. "It's not smoke and mirrors. We're not trying to get people out. We really have to come up with this money."
Town Administrator Mary Beth Carter presents financial projections showing that even with the $2 million override, the town faces potential deficits in future years. Her analysis indicates the town would have approximately $302,000 in excess levy for fiscal year 2026 but would be short $587,000 in fiscal year 2027 and $1.8 million in fiscal year 2028.
The board considers three potential override amounts: $1.7 million, $2 million, and $2.4 million. Board member Justin Evans advocates for the higher $2.4 million figure, expressing concern about economic uncertainties and potential loss of federal grant funding.
"I'm a little spooked by the market realities right now and making assumptions about how town meeting is going to vote," Evans says.
During public comment, resident John Galvin criticizes the board for considering a one-year override rather than a three-year approach, arguing that all three proposed amounts would lead to deficits in future years.
"All three of those amounts forecast significant deficits in fiscal year 28," Galvin says. "All we're doing is kicking the can down the road to face the same issue again next year."
Galvin notes that police and fire chiefs, along with school officials, had advocated for a three-year override to properly fund their departments.
Finance Committee Chair Kathleen Ottina explains her committee's reasoning for supporting a one-year override despite initially favoring a three-year approach.
"The rationale, or I think the final point that was made by our discussions, was the one-year override stands the best chance of passing," Ottina says. "We'd hate to risk going for the fiscally responsible three-year override and get nothing."
The board also approves specific ballot language clarifying that the override would fund "the fiscal year 2026 operating budget, including the town's regional school district assessments."
Carter announces plans for three public forums to explain the override and potential impacts if it fails. The forums are scheduled for April 16 at 7 p.m. at town hall, April 23 at 10 a.m. at the Council on Aging, and May 1 at 6 p.m., tentatively at the library.
Board Chair Carl Kowalski emphasizes the importance of clearly communicating to voters what would happen if the override fails.
"At the town meeting when people are actually going to vote, it's important for them, those that are there who are having the vote to put it on the ballot, they have to understand and know the effect if it doesn't pass," Kowalski says.
In other business, the board:
- Approves the annual town meeting warrant after discussing several articles
- Increases parking fines, which haven't been updated since 1983, to $30 effective July 1
- Approves an amendment to the host community agreement for The Stories Company Whitman LLC, a marijuana retailer
- Discusses concerns about a proposed winter street parking ban from December 1 to April 1
The board also hears from Town Administrator Carter about the treasurer/collector position. She notes that 88 percent of Massachusetts communities have appointed rather than elected treasurers and collectors, according to the Department of Revenue.
"Having this position appointed instead of elected would better ensure that a competent and qualified person would hold this position," Carter says.
The board votes unanimously to place the question on the ballot.
Disclosure: South Shore News founder Justin Evans is a current member of the Whitman Select Board.