The Town Council meeting on Jan. 13 covered a range of topics, including confirmations to key committees, public hearings on community projects, and a financial condition review by the town manager.
Confirmations
Kim Ciaramicoli was unanimously confirmed to the Conservation Commission. A professional wetland scientist with conservation agent experience in Hopkinton and Framingham, Ciaramicoli stated, “I would love the chance to apply my expertise to the town.”
David Sequeira was unanimously confirmed to the Charter Review Committee. With a background on the Historical Commission, five years of residency in North Attleborough, and experience in parks and recreation in Framingham and Lincoln, Sequeira shared, “I really enjoy working with multiple departments.”
Town Manager Michael Borg remarked that Sequeira’s perspective would be a productive addition to the committee.
Public hearings, discussions and votes
The council deliberated on two key initiatives during the public hearings.
The first initiative was the approval of $139,995.32 from the Capital Improvement Program Stabilization Fund to support the purchase and installation of accessible playground equipment, landscaping and fencing at Joseph W. Martin Elementary School.
The total project cost is $201,000, with $50,000 secured by state Rep. Adam Scanlon and approximately $11,000 funded through donations.
During the discussion, Jeremy Floman, a third grade and special education teacher at Martin Elementary School, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the initiative, saying, “Having an accessible playground will allow kids to grow social skills… The kids will now see that any goal, whether large or small, can be reached.”
Principal Dr. Jennifer Evans emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating, “Every kid deserves to play… This is for the children, it has always been for the children.”
Councilor John Simmons praised the collective effort, acknowledging the community’s role in making the project possible and thanking Scanlon for his contribution. The council unanimously approved the funding, with a 7-0 vote.
The second initiative during the public hearing addressed the purchase of new office furniture for the Senior Center, with funding fully covered by $65,000 secured by Scanlon.
Borg highlighted plans to move the Senior Center to 451 Elm St., noting that the current furniture is outdated and would not survive the transition. The council recognized the necessity of the purchase and approved it unanimously, 7-0.
Town financial condition
Borg provided an update on North Attleborough’s fiscal health. Borg stated, “At the FY25 midpoint, expenditures are aligning with budget projections.”
However, Borg cautioned about a potential deficit due to rising costs.
Medical insurance claims are exceeding premiums, with a projected 10-12.5% increase in FY25. The town is re-evaluating its current insurance provider, Blue Cross & Blue Shield.
Borg also noted that inflation is driving up costs for goods, services, contracts, personnel and utilities.
Further, limited housing stock and a lack of diversity in new construction are impacting growth estimates.
“We see minimal new growth coming,” Borg noted.
New growth refers to developments that add entirely new structures or infrastructure to the town, rather than repurposing existing buildings for new businesses.
Financial snapshot
Current available funds: $6 million (free cash, CIP stabilization, and municipal borrowing).
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- Total project funding requests: $16.8 million.
- General government: $11.8 million.
- Enterprise fund projects: $5 million.
- Total project funding requests: $16.8 million.
Therefore, not all submitted requests canl be funded. Borg emphasized the work that will be done over the next fiscal year, stating, “We will work judiciously to prioritize this work.”
As the council continues to address pressing financial and community concerns, their commitment to inclusivity, fiscal responsibility, and strategic planning remains clear.
