Canton, Massachusetts · Saved source text
FinCom Minutes 5-11-26 (Approved)
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Source page 1
Canton Finance Committee Meeting
Monday, May 11th, 2026, 6pm
Canton High School Cafeteria
900 Washington Street
In Attendance: Emilio Mauro, Nicholas Corkery, John Leonetti, Evan Patton, Reuki Schutt, Kristin Mirliani,
Ronald Wilson, Cindy Thomas, and Helen Mancuso
William Scollins – Finance Director
Allyson Podgurski – Town Accountant
Absent: N/A
Recording Secretary: Allison Neff
Chairperson Mauro called the meeting to order at 6:08pm.
GENERAL BUSINESS OF THE COMMITTEE IN PREPARATION FOR TOWN MEETING
Sal Salvatori submitted a substitute motion for Article 24 (Amend General Bylaw Article IV Annual Town Meeting –
Moderator). The Finance Committee had no prior warning of this substitute motion or knowledge of its
contents until Finance Director Scollins handed out copies at the beginning of this meeting (which he had only
just received moments earlier).
Chairperson Mauro read the texti of the proposed substitute motion aloud and also noted a clerical error: the
word “meeting” is missing from Section 1A(c) in the second to last line after “Annual Town”.
Chairperson Mauro summarized the proposed motion for the Finance Committee, explaining that the
immediate changes to the motion that was originally proposed by the Bylaw Modernization Committee (BMC)
are that the moderator would continue to be elected on the floor at Annual Town Meeting (ATM), rather than
through a ballot box election, and it would allow two moderators to exist concurrently. Based on Committee
questions, it was clarified that an election for moderator would take place each year and the second
moderator would be a deputy moderator for their first year, then transition into being lead moderator for the
second year while a new deputy serves. In order to put this into effect the current moderator would serve for
two years.
Ms. Mirliani asked if the BMC had seen and discussed this proposal, noting her discomfort with this proposal
feeling like a run-around to her. Mr. Scollins explained that the BMC heard rumors about a proposed
substitute motion, but the text was distributed to the Moderator, Town Clerk, and acting Town Administrator
late in the afternoon on the day of this meeting. BMC Chairperson George Comeau shared it with Mr. Scollins
and Mr. Comeau is in the process of drafting an explanation to compare and contrast this proposed substitute
motion with the original.
Finance Committee members asked whether they would be voting on this substitute motion. Mr. Scollins
stated that he would like to hear both Mr. Salvatori’s and Mr. Comeau’s presentations, respectively, to better
understand the rational behind changing the intent of the motion. Mr. Mauro agreed, noting that this
proposed substitution undermines the original intent of the article. Mr. Leonetti reminded the Committee that
he had concerns about the Moderator being elected in the Town election, but felt the Committee had a good
discussion about the BMC’s proposed motion, while this proposed substitute motion raised even more
concerns for him than the original proposal. He asked for clarity on the procedure for the Finance Committee
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at this point, questioning if this proposed substitute would go to the floor at Annual Town Meeting (ATM) for
consideration whether or not Finance Committee voted to recommend it at this meeting. Mr. Scollins
confirmed this was the case. Mr. Mauro explained that at ATM, normally, an article would be moved, and then
a substitute motion would be proposed during the discussion time before voting, at which point the attendees
could vote to accept the substitution. Mr. Leonetti noted that this means it will go to vote no matter what the
Finance Committee thinks/decides on it at this point, despite the other motions in the warrant having been
discussed by the Committee over the course of months and printed/distributed well before ATM. Mr. Scollins
reminded Committee members that everything discussed and voted on by the Finance Committee over the
past several months are only recommendations to ATM. Mr. Mauro added that the original Article 24
language will be proposed first and this will only move forward with the approval of the voters at the meeting.
He stated it was up to the Committee whether they want to take a position on the substitute motion.
Ms. Thomas stated that some of the aspects of the proposed substitution are understandable, given that it
separates the election of moderator out from the current system (which involves specific political party
committees) while not making the moderator selection an open election, which multiple Committee members
expressed concern about. However, she was unsure if this proposed substitute is a good idea and feels the
Committee should not vote on it without hearing more and having more time to think about it. Mr. Corkery
agreed with Ms. Thomas, noting that he was not in favor of the original motion and feels this is much worse.
Ms. Mirliani also expressed distaste for the proposal but acknowledged that it was an improvement over the
current system, as the several hundred attendees of ATM would choose the moderator rather than the
political party caucuses. Mr. Corkery asserted that this could lead to chaos and confusion if multiple names are
put forward and it makes the bar for moderator knowledge and expertise even lower than the originally
proposed motion. Mr. Patton noted that, under this proposed substitution, the elected person would serve as
deputy moderator for a year, which would allow them to gain some experience. Mr. Mauro stated his
concerns about nominating a moderator on the floor of ATM under this substitute proposal, as it means there
would be no pre-determined initial candidate, and someone could become moderator without training or
planning. He further agreed that this substitute motion could lead to chaos and a prolonged election process
at the ATM with multiple candidates, and he reminded the Committee that Article 24, as originally proposed,
took the election away from the ATM floor, which solved the possible issue of an unprepared moderator. Ms.
Schutt noted that the Finance Committee, as a whole, did not seem to support this proposed substitution, nor
did they wish to vote on it at this meeting, and the Committee agreed.
Chairperson Mauro stated that he will include an explanation of the Finance Committee discussion of the
original article/motion in his comments during the ATM session, and agreed that the Committee does not
have enough information to decide either way on this proposed substitute as they will not have the
opportunity to hear BMC Chairperson Comeau’s arguments against it, nor Mr. Salvatori’s defense of it, before
ATM. Ms. Schutt added that it is not a financial issue, and therefore does not impact this Committee, though
Mr. Mauro noted that the Finance Committee does or does not recommend all warrant articles, and this
article may have a major impact on how ATM is run and the power to appoint committee members to some
key Town committees. Mr. Leonetti agreed with earlier points that an open election at least presents a
candidate who can speak publicly and make their opinions known before being voted on in a democratic
process, whereas this proposed substitute does not offer a real process and could result in a moderator with
no preparation and significant appointment power. He reiterated his opinion that Article 24, as originally
presented by the BMC, is a bad idea, and this proposed substitution is even worse. Ms. Thomas also noted
that this proposed substitute process could make ATM much longer if multiple candidates were to present
their qualifications and debate on the floor, forcing a snap popularity contest.
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Ms. Thomas made a motion to table the substitute motion for Article 24 (Amend General Bylaw Article IV Annual
Town Meeting – Moderator). Ms. Mirliani seconded the motion.
There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 9-0-0.
Regarding other business for ATM, the Committee was informed that Moderator Staiti confirmed with Town
Counsel that the language in Article 26 (Reconsideration) is consistent with Town Meeting Time.
Chairperson Mauro reminded the Finance Committee that members can speak for or against any article at
ATM as individual voters, but not as members of the Finance Committee representing it.
VOTE MINUTES
The minutes of the Finance Committee meeting on March 4th, 2026, were originally voted on at the March 25th
meeting, and, like all votes taken at that meeting, needs to be revoted.
Ms. Schutt made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 4 th, 2026, Finance Committee meeting as
written and distributed. Ms. Mirliani seconded the motion.
There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 9-0-0.
Ms. Schutt made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 18 th, 2026, Finance Committee meeting as
written and distributed. Ms. Thomas seconded the motion.
There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 9-0-0.
Ms. Schutt made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 23 rd, 2026, Finance Committee meeting as
written and distributed. Ms. Thomas seconded the motion.
Discussion: Mr. Patton stated that, at the top of page five, where it says, “Assistant Treasurer goes to the
Treasury […]” it should read, “Assistant Treasurer goes to the Registry […]”.
Ms. Schutt made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 23 rd, 2026, Finance Committee meeting with
the above correction made. Ms. Thomas seconded the motion.
There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 9-0-0.
Ms. Schutt made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 25 th, 2026, Finance Committee meeting as
written and distributed. Ms. Thomas seconded the motion.
There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 8-0-1 with Mr. Leonetti abstaining.
Ms. Schutt made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 30 th, 2026, Finance Committee meeting as
written and distributed. Ms. Thomas seconded the motion.
Discussion: Mr. Patton pointed out that Ms. Nolan was mistakenly titled “Mr. Nolan” on page one, in the first
paragraph under the Canton Alliance Against Substance Abuse Committee Report heading.
Ms. Schutt made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 30th, 2026, Finance Committee meeting with
the above correction made. Ms. Thomas seconded the motion.
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There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 8-0-1 with Mr. Leonetti abstaining.
Ms. Schutt made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 8th, 2026, Finance Committee meeting as
written and distributed. Ms. Thomas seconded the motion.
There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 7-0-2 with Mr. Leonetti and Ms. Mancuso abstaining.
NEXT MEETING DATES
Chairperson Mauro acknowledged Mr. Scollins, stating that he has been Finance Director since 2019 and has
done a fantastic job and ensured that budgets were submitted and correct buckets used, among many other
tasks, and thanked him for his efforts. Mr. Scollins responded that the feeling is mutual and thanked
Chairperson Mauro and the Committee. He then introduced Allyson Podgurski who is the recently appointed
Finance Director/Town Accountant as of July 1st, 2026. He expressed his belief that the Committee and Town
will be in very good hands with her.
Chairperson Mauro asked whether a meeting regarding year-end transfers was needed in June or July. Mr.
Scollins responded that there will be a snow and ice budget deficit of just under $700,000, while the Reserve
Fund contains approximately $600,000, so additional deficit relief will likely be required. The worst-case
prediction for the shortage amount is $150,000, which he believes is a generous over-estimate. A request will
be coming to exhaust the Finance Committee reserve account, which can possibly be handled in an allowable
and appropriate way: the snow and ice deficit can be raised on the tax recap when the tax rate is set. A line
currently exists for it, so it does not have to be appropriated. Mr. Scollins noted that he is not suggesting the
entire $700,000 deficit be put there, but, depending on what other deficits are estimated at, suggested
$250,000 total will be needed beyond the current reserves. He recommended relieving the snow and ice
deficit with $350,000 from the Reserve Fund, with anything beyond that listed on the recap. Since there must
be an offset, the logical one is to look at raising another item on the recap that can be adjusted without
further action: the Overlay. Annually, the Town budgets $800,000 for overlay exemptions and abatements. If
there’s an overachievement of tax growth the Overlay would usually be increased. The Overlay is very flush, so
it would be appropriate to use those funds as he anticipates there will be enough to cover whatever the
Reserve Fund cannot. Effectively, this reduces the amount that would have been put into the Overlay (the
overachievement above $800,000), but that adjustment will not be made until November and the FY26 books
close in June, so the funds are coming out of the new reserves for the next fiscal year. Mr. Scollins went on to
state that the statutory deadline to cure all deficits is July 15, 2026. In order to avoid meeting in early July he
suggested setting a meeting date in late June, noting that it will be a quick meeting with materials sent in
advance. The Committee agreed to meet on June 23rd at 7:00pm via Zoom. Mr. Scollins explained that the
Select Board usually hears the information which will be presented at that meeting before the Finance
Committee, but they will not have the opportunity to do so, meaning the Finance Committee will take their
vote before the Select Board hears the information, if Chairperson Mauro agrees. Chairperson Mauro asked if
the Select Board is likely to make any changes once the information comes before them, to which Mr. Scollins
responded in the negative, noting that the Select Board hearing the information first is how it has been done
in the past, but it is not a requirement given that the Reserve Fund is controlled by the Finance Committee.
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Mr. Scollins went on to explain that the Overlay total will not be known until the new growth is certified in
November. Ms. Mirliani asked if it was known how the School Department is performing currently and if it is
staying on budget, and Mr. Scollins responded that, based on their financial reporting, they are within budget.
The Special Education Reserve Fund has not been used yet, which is common, as it is frequently not tapped
into until June. While the School Department does not appear to be struggling to meet their budget, there is a
hiring freeze currently. Mr. Scollins will be meeting with Mr. Lynch from the School Department later this
week to handle the year-end process and he will have more information that he can share with the Finance
Committee after that meeting.
Mr. Scollins went on to explain that the Senate Ways and Means Committee has presented their budget
proposal for FY27 (though it still needs to go before the Joint Ways & Means Committee and the Governor),
and it currently stands at $500,000 over what the Governor had proposed. The Senate increased unrestricted
general government aid substantially, which is not normally seen. When the article regarding supplementing
the School Department’s budget comes forward at the next ATM most of the increased funding would be
recommended to go there, helping them significantly for next year, but some portion would be recommended
to go to the Municipal accounts as well.
The Committee went on to discuss whether it would review the compensation amounts for certain elected
officials at the June 23rd meeting. Ms. Mirliani asked if the BMC had weighed in on this issue and Mr. Scollins
stated that he would find out and let the Committee know. Ms. Mirliani asserted that the idea of increasing
the compensation amounts has been discussed for a long time, and Ms. Schutt added that it was never really
vetted, only discussed vaguely. Ms. Thomas stated that a fair amount of vetting on this topic was done years
ago, and that information should be looked at, but noted that they had primarily looked into the impacts
regarding insurance benefits rather than the timing and stipend amounts. Ms. Schutt asked why changes were
not made at that time and Ms. Thomas explained that the situation involving Karen Read had just become
major news and the decision was made to table the topic until things had settled down. She recommended
reaching out to the Select Board as it would be helpful for the Finance Committee to know their position on
this subject. Chairperson Mauro stated that he will add this topic to the agenda for the meeting on June 23 rd.
He went on to note that he had also spoken with the School Department Administration about the Special
Education Reserve Account as they stated an interest in working with the Finance Committee, a sub-
committee, or just the liaisons (Ms. Thomas and Mr. Wilson) to reword the name of the account and how it is
presented at ATM, and that topic will also be added to the June 23 rd agenda. Mr. Leonetti suggested also
adding a discussion on the appropriate level of detail that should be reflected in Finance Committee meeting
minutes to the June 23rd agenda, and Ms. Thomas suggested looping the Town Clerk in on that conversation so
they can provide feedback about what is correct and appropriate when it comes to meeting minutes. Ms.
Mancuso would also like to discuss the format of the meetings and whether some selected meetings could be
held in-person.
ADJOURNMENT
Ms. Thomas made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:51pm. Ms. Schutt seconded the motion.
There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 9-0-0.
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Minutes reviewed by: Evan Patton
Respectfully submitted,
Emilio E. Mauro, Jr.
Chair, Canton Finance Committee
REFERENCED DOCUMENTS:
FINCOM May 11 2026 Agenda
ATM 2026 - Substitute Motion for Article 24
Finance Committee Meeting Minutes 3-4-26
Finance Committee Meeting Minutes 3-18-26
Finance Committee Meeting Minutes 3-23-26
Finance Committee Meeting Minutes 3-25-26
Finance Committee Meeting Minutes 3-30-26
Finance Committee Meeting Minutes 4-8-26
i
Substitute Motion for Article 24, found on pages 71-72:
MOVED:
1. That the Town's General Bylaws, Article IV, Section 1A be amended by deleting the current Section 1A in its entirety
and substituting the following language in its place:
Section 1A. Moderator: The Moderator chosen to preside over the Annual Town Meeting for the transaction of
municipal business shall continue in that office until the next Annual Town Meeting. If a moderator so chosen is
absent a Temporary Moderator shall be chosen to preside.
Section 1A. Moderator: The Town shall have two Moderators, with overlapping two-year terms and alternating
election cycles, as follows:
(a) Beginning at Annual Town Meeting 2027, each year one Town Moderator shall be
elected at the Annual Town Meeting for a term of two years.
Warrant Article 1 at each Annual Town Meeting shall be the "Election of the
Moderator". Floor nominations will be accepted during the discussions of said Warrant
Article 1 and shall require being seconded.
The individual to obtain the most votes, of the voting attendees present at the time of
said Warrant Article 1, shall be duly elected and sworn in by the Town Clerk.
(b) The term shall run for two years and expire upon the commencement of the second
Annual Town meeting thereafter.
(c) For the first year of said two-year term, this individual shall serve as Deputy Moderator.
Said Deputy Moderator shall serve in a support role to the Moderator and shall fill in for
the Moderator, at the Moderator's discretion, when the Moderator is otherwise
unavailable. Said Deputy Moderator shall preside over the preparatory efforts and
process for the following Annual Town, in anticipation of and pursuant to Section 1A(d)
below.
(d) For the second year of said two-year term, this individual shall serve as the Moderator,
commencing at the opening of the first Annual Town Meeting after election, with all of
the powers and duties outlined in the Town's General Bylaws, including but not limited
to Article IV, Section 4.
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and
2. That to transition into this Two Moderator system, the current Moderator's term shall be hereby extended to be a two-
year term expiring upon the commencement of the second Annual Town meeting hereafter (ATM 2028), serving as
Moderator for both years.
and
3. That any other collateral references within the General Bylaws of the Town be updated to reflect the foregoing
language.
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