Sudbury Select Board commits final $492,000 in ARPA funds, projects FY28 deficit

SUDBURY -- November 19, 2024, Sudbury Select Board signals override conversation by FY27 as fixed costs outpace Prop 2½. Town Manager Andy Sheehan and Finance Director Victor Garofalo delivered the town's most detailed financial forecast in years on Nov. 19, projecting balanced budgets through FY26 but deficits of approximately $678,000 in FY27 and $2.3 million in FY28, driven by health insurance growth of 7.5 percent, property and liability insurance growth over 11 percent, and three still-open municipal collective bargaining agreements. Sheehan modeled a $3 million override that would add roughly $455 to the tax bill on the average $1,082,000 single-family home, calling it "a discussion point" rather than a proposal. The board separately voted 5-0 to obligate the final $492,000 in remaining ARPA funds, including $135,000 to extend the Go Sudbury transportation program, $25,000 for a previously authorized audit of Camp Sewataro's financials, and $15,000 to fully fund a Route 20 economic development consultant. Member Janie Dretler called the forecast "the best presentation that I have seen here" and pushed for "bigger solutions" before turning to taxpayers.