Government Ad Hoc Committee for the Budget Meeting Summary

On April 14, 2026, the Government Ad Hoc Committee for the Budget, chaired by Joe Britain, met to review proposed budgets for several city departments. The committee heard presentations from department heads, asked clarifying questions focused on budget figures, and ultimately voted to recommend the full budget to the City Council. A separate motion to authorize a 3% salary increase for the Register of Voters also passed unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Probate Court (page 67): Judge presented the proposed budget. The committee noted the office typically operates under budget due to changes in publication costs and the absence of a large ad buy previously used. No questions from ex-officio members.
• Harbor Management Authority (page 1194): The executive director reported on the GrassCard program, stating that approximately 200 invasive plants were removed each of the past three seasons, with a similar target for the current year. The cost is covered by their reserve budget, not by DEEP. Member municipalities contribute equally—each $132,850—and all five towns have been supportive. A councilmember asked whether any of the $32,000 city allocation goes to First Light or permitting; the director clarified it does not, but First Light contributes a voluntary $50,000 and has helped with vessel purchases.
• Conservation Commission (page 111): No questions.
• Fair Rent Commission ($45): No questions.
• Libraries (Long Ridge and Public): The library director stated that all library programming is funded by the Friends organization, not the city. The Friends contributed $135,000 this year, up from $100,000 five years ago. A councilmember praised the multiple services provided.
• Planning (page 207): Discussion centered on GIS scanning and mapping. The department currently uses consultant services rather than a full-time GIS staffer. A councilmember asked about the status of document scanning; the response noted it was part of a separate project from the EDO, not this budget.
• Registrar of Voters (page 69): The registrar outlined election budgeting challenges. A primary is expected in 2026, but its size is unknown; referendums are not budgeted for in advance. The line item 54301 (office equipment) includes costs for election software from Elections Systems & Software, which have increased significantly—the registrar noted charges were “scored up 12 times” under the state contract. Postage costs rose because the state now requires Spanish translations for legal notices, which must also pass through a TAC committee review. The department issued over 3,000 notices in the last two years. The registrar confirmed they no longer own a voting machine because it was too expensive.
• Town Clerk: Revenue for the clerk’s office is projected at $5.8 million this year, with the mayor’s office forecasting an increase to $6.2 million next year, partly due to increased court fees. A councilmember asked whether the department can provide services under the mayor’s proposed budget; the clerk replied it “depends on future elections.” There is a $27,000 gap between the department’s request and the mayor’s proposal.
• Corporation Counsel (page 96): The corporation counsel reported that two new attorneys have replaced retirees, allowing more work to be done in-house and reducing outside legal spending. Professional services ($800,000) cover specialized litigation, tax appeals, and personnel matters. The mayor’s office confirmed the goal is to continue expanding in-house capacity to further reduce reliance on outside counsel. Salaries are budgeted at $55,000 (likely a typo—actual salary line is higher).
• Mayor’s Office (pages 60–63, including discretionary fund, annual report, city memberships, and economic development): The mayor’s office clarified that the $30,000 lobbying line item will now be paid from the city’s finance department and then reimbursed by the Board of Education to streamline payments. Lobbyists provide weekly tracking updates during session. Regarding budget line items: educational credits ($5,000) are for potential higher education reimbursement for staff; training courses ($5,000) cover certifications; conference expenses ($5,000) are for attending conferences. Professional services were moved to contractual services to cover website maintenance and marketing through a new developer. A councilmember noted that travel mileage decreased by $4,000 in economic development but only increased by $1,000 in the mayor’s office, reflecting reorganization.

Key Outcomes

• Motion 1 – 3% Raise for Register of Voters: A motion was made and seconded to authorize a 3% salary increase for the Register of Voters, effective December 1, 2026, and July 1, 2027. The motion passed unanimously.
• Motion 2 – Budget Recommendation to Full Council: A motion was made and seconded to recommend the full budget as presented to the City Council. The motion passed unanimously.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned without further discussion.