By Geena Monahan–For the North Star Reporter
After months of Town Council and Financial Subcommittee meetings, councilors voted 8-0 in favor of passing a Fiscal Year 2026 budget of $113,298,954 budget on Monday night.
“Every single department was open, forthcoming and transparent,” said John Simmons, Town Council vice president and chair of the Finance Subcommittee. “I’m very pleased with the overall process this year – it seems to be getting smoother and smoother each year.”
Eighteen measures in total were voted on by the council in regards to passing the budget, with all members in attendance except for Councilor Mark Gould. Each measure was passed unanimously, beginning with measure 2025-060 to pass the general fund annual appropriation.
North Attleborough’s tax levy continues to be the top source of funding for the town’s budget, bolstered by $550,000 in projected new growth, for a total of $74.5 million in tax revenue.
State aid (per Cherry Sheet) totaled to just under $26.2 million, with Chapter 70 funding accounting for a majority of those funds. Local receipts came in at just under $9.3 million.
According to Simmons, most of the town departments, such as highway and police, received anywhere from a 1 to 2% budget increase. Simmons noted that the School Department saw a higher budget increase of 4.54%, as it has the largest number of personnel on the payroll who have contractual salary increases.
Rising costs of health insurance, something Town Manager Michael Borg has brought up at recent meetings, has increased that line item by 7.47% from last fiscal year. The Hockomock YMCA is unable to provide the town with open bodied water-certified lifeguards, due to no longer being able to attain insurance coverage. This has resulted in a 30.82% budget cut from the pools and beaches line item, which Simmons further elaborated on.
“There are no losses of service due to budget constraints. There is a loss presently of open water lifeguards on our ponds and beaches. That is not due to the budget,” clarified Simmons. “We have the funds to pay the lifeguards. We do not have access to the insurance.”
Town Council also voted on several capital improvement projects to be funded through free cash, which was certified at $5.54 million. Such projects will include structural repairs to Fire Station One, an elevator repair at the Woodcock Building, the purchase of a compost row turner for the Department of Public Works and district-wide Chromebook replacements for the schools.
From the $15.3 million available in stabilization funds, $2.45 million will be appropriated for additional capital improvement projects, such as replacing the ceiling at Community Elementary School, a fire suppression system for the new senior center and food pantry at 451 Elm St., and fire alarm replacements at Amvet Elementary School.
In his FY26 budget message, Borg credited “prudent use of free cash and stabilization funds to support capital and operational needs” and a AA+ bond rating as key factors in the town’s fiscal management strategy.
“The FY26 budget reflects our continued commitment to managing today’s obligations while preparing for tomorrow’s challenges,” said Borg. “It is a balanced, thoughtful plan that supports our town’s strategic goals, protects taxpayer dollars, and reinforces our long-term financial health.”