Canton, Massachusetts · Saved source text
FinCom Minutes 3-4-26 (Approved)
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Source page 1
Canton Finance Committee Meeting
Wednesday, March 4th, 2026, 7pm
Virtual Meeting
In Attendance: Emilio Mauro, Nicholas Corkery, John Leonetti, Evan Patton, Helen Mancuso, Kristin Mirliani,
Cindy Thomas, Reuki Schutt, and Ronald Wilson.
William Scollins – Finance Director
Absent: n/a
CCTV Recording
Recording Secretary: Allison Neff
Chairperson Mauro called the meeting to order at 7:02pm.
FIRE DEPARTMENT BUDGETS 220 FIRE DEPT, 215 DISPATCH, 221 FIRE ALARM, 231 AMBULANCE, 291
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Fire Chief Wendell Robery
DEPARTMENT 220 – Fire Department: Chief Robery is requesting an Increase of $27,200 to cover a
department member who is on military redeployment, a $20,100 increase for the leasing fees for the Draper
Warehouse (which is used for the storage of extra vehicles and equipment), a $20,000 increase for the
contract for repair and maintenance of the department’s new radio equipment, a $6,600 increase for various
software, a $6,000 increase for educational incentives (department members with a certain amount of college
credits get incentives and more employees are taking advantage of this to earn college course credits), a
$5,000 increase for repair and maintenance for fire vehicles due to rising costs, a $1,600 increase for the EMS
Coordinator as stipulated in his contract, a $1,000 for the Communications Specialist stipend, a $550 increase
for laundry service, a $500 increase for off-duty repairs made by the radio tech, and a decrease of $300 for a
cell phone stipend that is no longer needed. The total requested change from the FY27 Fire Department base
budget would be $88,188.
DEPARTMENT 215 – Dispatch Services: Chief Robery requested an increase of $8,979 to cover the contractual
increase for the Centralized Dispatch budget supporting this regional communications center.
DEPARTMENT 221 – Fire Alarm: Chief Robery explained the $12,200 decrease in this request compared to the
FY26 budget, noting that since the Department has gone to a radio box system there is less maintenance
required out in the field.
DEPARTMENT 231 - Ambulance: Chief Robery requested an increase of $22,000 for contractual paramedic
stipends, an increase of $20,000 for ambulance supplies (as the number of ambulance runs keep increasing
more equipment and supplies are being used), a $6,300 increase for ambulance software (including training,
equipment maintenance contracts, and ambulance reports), a $6,000 increase for ambulance billing fees
(ambulance billing is handled by Coastal Ambulance, who get a percentage of the cost, and as the number of
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calls has increased, the cost paid to Coastal Ambulance has as well), and a $1,000 increase for ambulance
repair and maintenance. The total requested change from the FY27 Ambulance base budget would be
$55,344.
Mr. Mauro noted that ambulance has a slightly different funding structure than the other departments, more
similar to an enterprise fund. Mr. Scollins expounded on this, stating that an ambulance department within
the CFD (like most ambulance departments in the State) has a receipts reserved account. Akin to a revolving
account, this is a service provided to the community, and the department bills for that service, which is often
covered by private insurance. Those funds come into the receipts reserved account (which the Finance
Committee members have seen in the Revenue Forecast documents), which collects over $1,000,000 each
year and has been increasing steadily over the past few years. That fund provides over $1,000,000 annually for
the General Fund Budget as well as paying for the replacement of ambulances. If possible, the receipts are
utilized to acquire other FD apparatus, like a $1,800,000 ladder truck capital expenditure being requested for
FY27. The debt service on that purchase, over 10 years, is absorbable within the Ambulance Fund.
Mr. Leonetti asked how the base amount is set and whether there is a new fire truck on order at this time. Mr.
Scollins responded that the Ambulance line item being discussed is an operating line item, and the Capital
costs are reflected in the Capital Budget, rather than here.
DEPARTMENT 291 – Emergency Management: There is no change in this budget for FY27.
Mr. Leonetti asked how the dispatch services out of Holbrook are functioning, asking if this outside service
takes the burden of answering calls off the Canton stations. The Chief replied that it is working well, explaining
that if someone calls 911 the call goes to the Police, and if it is appropriate for the call to be transferred to the
Fire Department it is sent to Holbrook who dispatches Canton Fire personnel. This allows the CFD to put
another body on the truck, as well as not needing someone staffing the desk at the CFD at all times.
ARTICLE 40 RESCIND PRIOR VOTE TAKEN ON ARTICLE 38 OF 2026 ATM, ARTICLE 41 ACCEPT M.G.L. CH. 31
SECTIONS 61A & 61B
Fire Chief Wendell Robery & Police Chief Michael Daniels
Articles 40 & 41 are being postponed indefinitely as details need to be worked out with the respective Unions.
Chief Robery believes they may move forward with the next bargaining cycle. Mr. Mauro explained that Article
40 would rescind a previous Annual Town Meeting vote regarding age restrictions for police and fire
department hiring, and Article 41 would have set standards for the lifted age requirement of 32 years old.
These two articles will be deferred to a future Town Meeting.
Article 40: To see if the Town will vote to rescind and revoke the action taken under Article 38 of the 2006
Annual Town Meeting to accept the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 31, Section 58A, as
inserted by Chapter 242 of the Acts of 2000, establishing that applicants for original appointment(s) to the
Police and Fire Departments must be under the age of thirty-two (32) years on the date of appointment, and
such that revocation be effective on July 1, 2026 or take any further action related thereto.
Ms. Schutt made a motion to indefinitely postpone Article 40. Ms. Mirliani seconded the motion.
Discussion: Mr. Mauro invited Police Chief Daniels to speak on this, and he stated his agreement with
postponing the Articles.
The motion passed with a vote of 9-0-0.
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The Committee agreed that the Motion Discussion should read that the Article is being indefinitely postponed
due to the need to discuss the matter with the appropriate unions. Mr. Scollins will insert that language.
Article 41: To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 31,
Sections 61A and 61B as amended, for the purpose of establishing health and
fitness standards and a wellness program for Police and Fire personnel in order to allow the Town to hire Police
and Fire personnel without an age restriction pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 31, Section 58,
or take any other action related thereto.
Ms. Schutt made a motion to recommend indefinitely postponing article 41. Ms. Mirliani seconded the
motion.
Discussion: Mr. Scollins noted that the motions are connected and must be postponed together, and both the
Police and Fire Chiefs agreed.
The motion passed with a vote of 9-0-0.
The Committee agreed that the Motion Discussion for this Article should include the same information
discussed for the Article 40 Discussion, which will be added by Mr. Scollins.
Chairperson Mauro thanked Chief Robery for attending and for everything he and the CFD do for the Town.
QUESTIONS FOR NEW POLICE CHIEF RE: POLICE DEPT 210
Police Chief Michael Daniels
Mr. Mauro introduced and welcomed the new Police Chief Michael Daniels.
Chief Daniels stated that he is honored to be the Police Chief and appreciated the introduction to the Finance
Committee. He explained that the CPD Budget is straightforward and he worked with interim Chief Perkins to
review everything. All the requests for increases in the FY27 CPD budget are due to contractual obligations,
and are the result of collective bargaining agreements with the officers’ unions.
Chief Daniels requested an increase of $3,347 for State-mandated training and cost of living increases, an
increase of $33,200 for longevity bonuses, an increase of $2,236 for officers “working out of grade” (when an
officer acts as a supervisor), and a $762 increase for the night differential.
Chief Daniels went on to explain that the contracted cell phone stipends were eliminated, as the stipend has
been replaced with Town-issued phones, which was a change made due to recommendations from the Police
Audit. They have also begun using an application called Blue Voice that gives officers immediate access to the
department policies and procedures while out in the field, which was also a recommendation from the Audit.
Additionally, an increase of $21,000 is being requested for body cam stipends and Police Officer Standards and
Training (POST) certifications. POST certification is basically licensure for officers; it includes professional
training and certification, which is mandated by the State, while the addition of body cams is considered a
change in working conditions, and has contractual repercussions. An increase of $6,000 was requested based
on a new agreement to pay for officers’ ammunition used in individual training, along with increases for the
dry cleaning of uniforms that have been contaminated with any biohazardous materials in the line of duty and
the dues and membership fees for firearms training and game club memberships (which are given to officers
so they become proficient with their tools beyond the standard training, though it also includes some
mandatory training requirements).
The total Police Department budget increase request for FY27 is $966,000, entirely related to contractual
obligations, which reflects a 36% increase over the prior year.
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Mr. Leonetti stated that he is the liaison to the Police Department from the Finance Committee, and explained
that he spoke with Chief Daniels and reviewed the Department budget with Mr. Scollins. He noted that he
found the conversation with the new Police Chief to be engaging, and he supports the Chief’s vision and plans
for Canton. He also noted his concerns that the new Police Chief had not had enough time to become familiar
with the budget details and collective bargaining that took place before his tenure. He suggested that, since
the Committee was not voting on the Police Budget at this meeting, the Committee give the Chief more time,
and invite him back in a few weeks to discuss any requests and answer any further questions from the
Committee.
Mr. Mauro noted that filling the vacancies in the CPD is a large concern from an operations perspective, as
well as being one of the audit recommendations. The Chief agreed that this is a concern, stating that this lack
of staffing is the reason there has been so much overtime. He told the Committee that 5 applicants were
interviewed last Friday, and right now one of the lieutenants is starting background reviews. The Chief
informed the Committee that it is common for candidates who are acceptable to still be lost during the hiring
process due to failing physicals or background check issues, meaning that the Department may spend time
and money on the hiring process and still may not be able to fill a position. He also noted the extra challenges
at this time with officers being attracted to Canton, but he is confident that, with time, he can improve the
situation and bring qualified candidates aboard. He plans on making changes to the organization in the long
term, but in the short-term filling positions is difficult for all Police Departments, but especially for Canton. He
stated his firm belief that the Town and CPD will pull through and he anticipates significant positive change
over the next few years.
Mr. Mauro thanked Chief Daniels for coming in and for everything the CPD does to enforce Canton’s laws and
keep us safe. Mr. Leonetti added that the Chief has inherited a difficult situation in many ways, including
financially, but looks forward to the Committee getting to know and support him, and welcome him back at a
future Committee meeting.
DEPARTMENT 171 CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Regen Jamieson, Conservation Agent
Ms. Schutt stated that she will abstain from discussion and voting on this Department budget.
Ms. Jamieson was joined by Christine Smith and Carolyn Elkhort (both members of the Canton Conservation
Commission).
Ms. Jamieson explained that FY27 will be the 3rd year in a row that she is requesting additional staff.
The Department is requesting an increase of $43,855, including $5,000 to increase the consultant expense
line. She noted that the Upper and Lower Forge Ponds were donated to the Conservation Commission,
meaning it now has control of all ponds in the Town except Ponkapoag. The increased level of funding
requested should allow the Commission to manage all the ponds for the next few years without more major
increases.
$38,855 of the requested increase is for staff. As noted earlier, this is the 3rd year of the Commission asking for
an assistant to the Department head, who is currently aided by the senior clerk, recording secretary, and
summer Ranger (whose position is paid out of the Conservation Land Fund) in their conservation work. While
originally seeking the addition of a full-time employee to the Department, in acknowledgment of the
precarious financial situation leading into FY27, the request has been scaled back to be for a part-time,
unbenefited position.
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This Assistant would mainly help with inspections associated with permitting. The Commission ensures that all
private storm water systems meet regulations and are maintained, new culverts are sized appropriately, storm
water from construction projects is clean as required under state and local bylaw, and other important
Conservation efforts.
The Commission manages over 500 acres of open space in association with other departments, and their goal
is to protect the natural resources in the Town, provide clean water (which includes checking water quality
and quantity), and manage over 70 parcels of land for the benefit of the community.
Canton issued far more permits than surrounding towns, as the natural layout of the Neponset Watershed
means Canton has more wetlands than neighboring towns, and this larger area results in a high volume of
inquiries, inspections, and enforcement needs. The Commission has also been acting as the Storm Water
authority since 2007, ensuring all projects meet the public and private standards, but causing the department
to be understaffed (leading to the Community being underserved).
Ms. Jamieson went on to note that open permits hold up many projects, while some properties require dozens
of inspections each year, and citizen complaints must be addressed quickly. As it currently stands, if Ms.
Jamieson is absent there is no one who can perform many of the tasks she does.
She explained the backlog of work and chronic understaffing as the result of the consultant hired by the Town
many years ago who did not have the Town’s best interests in mind. This led to Ms. Jamieson beginning her
tenure facing a large mess; there had been no Conservation Agent for 6 months, money and many permits
were held up, and significant paperwork was missing, among many other issues. She has done everything
possible to organize and streamline the department, but it has become clear that the Department needs more
technical support. This new employee position is also important as part of the Department’s succession
planning, as there is currently no one being trained to take over Ms. Jamieson’s position and assets.
She also noted that this department is the only one for which a citizen cannot apply for a permit online
through the Town website; Ms. Jamieson is working on this issue, but it has been delayed by multiple
problems and other priorities. The new requested position would help the Department to get online permits
working and up-to-date.
Ms. Jamieson went on to share a list of multiple other comparable communities who have Assistant
Conservation Agents and noted the growing amount of permitting work as development in Canton spreads
into environmentally sensitive areas of ledge and wetlands and available land for building becomes scarce.
Ms. Jamieson noted that the Conservation Department Budget totals less than 1% of the total Town Budget
(.64% of the base Town budget) and stressed how important the Department’s work is, stating that adding the
requested $43,855 would still bring the Department to less than 1% of the Town Budget.
Mr. Mauro recognized the importance of the Department and having succession plans, and acknowledged
that the work has clearly outpaced the staffing. He complimented the Commission for their responsibility in
decreasing the request to a part-time position, given the difficult fiscal constraints the Town is facing in the
upcoming year, and he noted letters of support from Greg Pando (Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals) and
Christine Smith (a member of the Conservation Commission). Tom Birmingham spoke as a member of the
Commission, supporting the budget request and reiterating its importance to the Town. Paul Degnan (a
member of the Commission) noted how much Ms. Jamieson has improved the organization and its
management, and he noted it would be irresponsible of the Town to allow projects to be held up due to a lack
of Conservation Department staffing.
Mr. Leonetti asked if the goal for the part-time position being requested would have it turn into a full-time
position eventually and include succession training. Ms. Regen replied, stating this is the hope, and the
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Commission’s preference is to hire someone with the needed qualifications for the part-time position, though
she noted the challenges of hiring someone with all the needed qualifications who is willing to accept a part-
time position. She is hopeful that they may find someone with the qualifications but little experience who
could be trained with an eye toward it becoming a full-time position shortly.
Mr. Patton explained that he met with Ms. Jamieson and was updated on this situation, and stated that what
Ms. Jamieson explained here is only a summary of the many challenges she is facing, such as her responsibility
to enforce boundaries where there is encroachment on Town property, noting that she is the person who
must go and address those issues and it would be preferable for her to have backup, or at least someone to
staff the desk while she is in the field.
Ms. Thomas stated that there are a large number of requests this year and they cannot all be met, but noted
that this conversation has been happening every year and the scope of responsibilities for this Department
keeps expanding and getting more complex. She is concerned about approaching a tipping point, and stated
that the Town needs to make sure regulations are being followed and residents receive the support they need,
leading her to announce her support for this request and her belief that it should be a priority.
Mr. Mauro asked Mr. Scollins how much difference the request for a part-time employee, rather than a full-
time employee, impacted the Budget shortfall. Mr. Scollins summarized the situation, stating that incremental
requests from all municipal departments was over $700,000 and the target budget requires eliminating over
$400,000 of those requests, meaning this will be a challenging year with many tough decisions.
Mr. Mauro thanked Ms. Jamieson and the attending Conservation Commission members who attended the
meeting.
DEPT 610 LIBRARY
Andrea Capone, Library Director
Ms. Capone was joined by Joan Schottenfeld (Chairperson) and Peg Mead (member) from the Library Board of
Trustees, along with the new Library Assistant Director Rosie Moore.
Ms. Capone introduced herself and the Canton Public Library, stating that it is so much more than a collection
of books, but rather a hub of the community. She shared the large numbers of visitors, users, circulated items,
and other facts and figures. She also noted that the building itself is iconic and provides for a very large
number of programs along with providing meeting space for other Town groups. The library is currently
experiencing significant growth, especially among teen and tween users, and there is a focus on growing
programs geared toward those age groups.
Ms. Capone explained that the Friends of the Library is a dedicated group who helps with fundraising, and the
Library is staffed by many dedicated professionals with specialized training. They work with visitors and
residents of all ages and want to continue that good work with a reasonable budget. No new staff is being
requested, but in order to meet the requirements of State funding (which is a major priority) 3 things must
happen. Firstly, the library must be open a certain number of hours and days each week based on the
population category the Town falls under. The Town population has been growing significantly, and therefore
the Library’s operating hours must be increased. Ms. Capone stated that the Library has successfully
negotiated with the Union to have Sunday hours starting in the summer of 2027, and they plan to ask the
community what hours will be most useful. The State also requires that the Library lend a certain amount of
materials every year. Second, 15% of the budget must be spent on materials, so the Library cannot put too
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much of the budget into staffing and maintaining the building, which are major expenses. Lastly, the Library
must be open for everyone, which is already the case.
Ms. Capone explained the proposed changes to the Library budget for FY27. The library used to ask for funding
for their own custodial staff, but is now asking to transfer $118,900 from their maintenance line to Central
Maintenance’s budget. She expressed her happiness in having the Central Maintenance Department, and
noted the excellent job they are doing maintaining the historic building. Ms. Capone explained that all of the
custodial budget cannot be transferred, as $30,000 is still needed for the day-to-day custodial work of the
building. Both the Human Resources and Central Maintenance Departments have expressed their support for
this plan.
Ms. Capone went on to state that an increase of $10,000 is being asked for the pages line. That line funds the
salaries of the part-time employees who put books away as they are returned. Physical circulation went up 5%
last year and materials must be managed and put back. This increase will also mean that the Library’s requests
next year will not be as dramatic, though they will be requesting an increase to the budget for the new Sunday
hours. An increase for materials (including e-books and periodicals) is also requested. She noted that the cost
of digital and physical items has been impacted as costs rise in all categories, along with changes in the
publishing industry, as a major supplier went out of business which allowed the only remaining option to
increase prices. The Library is looking to keep up with demand and maintain at least level service for patrons.
Mr. Mauro asked how State aid is affected by the Town being pushed into the next population bracket. Ms.
Capone responded that funds are distributed based on population size, and if the Library is open more hours it
will circulate more items, and will then get more money from the State. Mr. Mauro confirmed that State aid is
based on usage, rather than population, and asked about materials. Ms. Capone replied that the Library
believes they are making good choices and providing the books people want, and that explains why circulation
has gone up. Ms. Capone confirmed that the 15% figure that must be spent on materials applies to both digital
and physical products. Originally the 15% only applied to items that can be borrowed to take home, but it is
expected that, going forward, 10% of the hardware available to Library guests to use (like computers) will also
count.
Ms. Capone noted that the Library is looking forward to Annual Town Meeting where they will be asking the
attendees to vote on the 2nd round of interior renovation funding. If that passes, they hope to start the work in
July of this year (2026), meaning that for about 10 months the main floor will be inaccessible. They plan to add
study rooms, meeting spaces, and a separate area for teenagers. Mr. Mauro noted that the Capital Planning
Committee has been reviewing that project and the Finance Committee will hear more about it from them. He
asked how the closure for renovation will affect circulation in relation to the operating budget. Ms. Capone
replied that they plan to spend more money on digital materials next year, adding that the Children’s Library
won’t be affected by the closure, ensuring physical books for young children, and more online and digital
offerings next year for all other ages, as well as creating a temporary library in the Community Room with a
reference section and best sellers.
Mr. Mauro thanked the Library Director and Board of Trustees Members who attended. He stated that the
Canton Public Library is an asset to the Town and serves the community in many ways.
DEPT 544 PAUL REVERE HERITAGE TRUST
Alan Hines, Revere & Son Heritage Trust Treasurer; John Morton, Paul Revere Museum Executive Director
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Mr. Hines began by noting that if the original development plans for the Paul Revere Heritage Site had gone
through that area would be a crowded neighborhood, and the greater number of students that would have
likely been now living there would mean the Town would spend more money in services than would be
coming in through revenue.
Mr. Hines stressed the importance of the Finance Committee understanding the details and nuance of the
funding background of the Site. He reviewed the benefits of the Site, like reducing the density of the Town,
but also explained that the Site is restricted to passive recreation only, so no playing fields and no playgrounds
are allowed. He added that this year the State has adopted a conservation restriction to make the Site passive
recreation land in perpetuity. The two historic buildings on the Site are assets to town; they were preserved
and renovated as part of the Site development agreement. Studies before the Site changes showed that a
restaurant and museum would increase revenue to the Town, and the restaurant rental income helps with the
costs of running the museum. Tax revenues from the development have far proceeded projections, with even
fewer school children than forecasted. Mr. Hines also noted that just in the previous week there had been
over 400 museum visitors from towns all over this part of the state. He stated that, according to all metrics,
the Site has improved the Town.
He went on to explain that when the Trust was first formed a plan was made involving funding provided by the
Town, along with funds needing to be raised each year by the Trust. He stated that the Trust has consistently
followed this plan for the past 5 years, despite having run into many unforeseen issues along the way,
including needing an audit done by outside services after they exceeded the donation/contribution threshold.
Mr. Hines gave several examples of other issues that have unexpectedly arisen that could have led to the Trust
coming before the Town requesting more funding, but the Trust found other solutions. He pointed out that
the restructuring of the DIF fund provided funding for the museum exhibits, but also helped the municipality
and school budgets, meaning the Museum and improvements made to the Site have been funded by the
success of the project. He asked the Finance Committee to approve continuing support of the plan originally
put in place 5+ years ago, with the requested increases needed to function, particular for operation expenses
including accounting and filing issues, as the Town cannot aid with those. The Trust operates as part of the
Town, and with the opening of the Museum, a part-time accountant is needed to manage revenue and
expenditures. Mr. Hines acknowledged how difficult the budget is for the coming fiscal year, but asserted
again that this project has more than paid for itself.
Mr. Morton noted that this is an exciting time for the Museum, as well as being an experimental time. The
Museum just opened and has had a great deal of success over the first two months. It is building an audience,
and is seeing people travel from up to an hour away to visit. Field trips from schools have begun already with
more coming soon, but it will take time to build up a regular field trip program, sell memberships, and
fundraise in other ways. He stated that, in order to run a museum, no matter what the attendance level is,
there must be staff, and while there are great things ahead, and the Museum is already proving itself a
success. Now is when the Trust really needs the support of the Town via the budget requests they are making,
so that a polished and successful museum is presented to visitors.
Mr. Hines explained that the Museum’s operational budget is separate from the budget being requested from
the Town. In addition to municipal support requested, the Trust will have to raise $30,000-$50,000 dollars to
staff the Museum.
Mr. Mauro stated that a key point is the uniqueness of the Revere and Son Trust as an entity among Town
departments; it is a non-profit, but is also subsidized by the Town. Mr. Hines noted that there is only one other
entity like it in the State. Mr. Mauro agreed, and he stated that the Site is a great asset for the Town, and a
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good example of brown field mitigation and adaptive reuse. It has been beneficial from the perspective of
implementing the Canton Master Plan and the economic development of the Town.
Mr. Hines requested that the Finance Committee members help spread the word amongst those who feel the
Site is a drain on tax payer funds, and explain that the project pays for itself and has been successful.
Mr. Mauro asked if there is ceiling for what the Trust can raise from donations as a non-profit organization,
and Mr. Hines responded that there was not, noting that there are major donors who have given, but their
plans are only achievable if also allocated the funds needed from the Town. The Trust is also planning to apply
for grants that require the Trust to have a financial history, which it only now is establishing
Mr. Mauro noted that the restaurant on site has been approved to receive assistance from the Town with
their utility bills and asked where that money is coming from. Mr. Scollins explained that the Select Board
agreed to assist the restaurant with 50% of the significant electricity and gas costs for the building in
perpetuity. That assistance is currently unfunded, and he hopes it will fit into the Central Maintenance budget
for FY27. Mr. Hines noted that the Capital request for the vestibule project which will go before Town Meeting
this year will save significant amounts of money on those utility bills and pay for itself within a year or so.
Ms. Thomas asked Mr. Scollins to confirm that the Town’s decision on covering those costs was based on the
restaurant not using the entire space of the building, and Mr. Scollins affirmed this, explaining that the
restaurant only occupies the 1st floor and the Town is the primary user of the 2nd floor. Ms. Thomas stated it
should be made clear that the Town is not paying the restaurant’s bills, but rather paying for the public space
used by the Town. Mr. Hines added that Mr. Morton’s office is on that 2nd floor, along with approximately
$50,000 of Museum supplemental exhibits.
Mr. Leonetti acknowledges the complexity of this financial situation, and encouraged all Finance Committee
members to look over the supporting documentation sent by the Trust and take the offered opportunity to
meet with Mr. Hines. Mr. Leonetti stated that he does not necessarily agree with all of Mr. Hine’s statements,
but applauds his passion. He noted that Mr. Hines had stated last year that he was hoping to step back, but
has clearly volunteered to continue. Mr. Hines confirmed this, stating that the job is only growing, as now
there is the added complexity of merchandise sales, inventory, and other complications from a functioning
museum. Mr. Leonetti noted for new Finance Committee members that the Trust has other sources of
income, which other Town departments do not, but complimented the Site’s accomplishments.
Mr. Mauro thanked the Revere and Son Heritage Trust representatives, noting the Site is a great asset to the
Town as well as a good finance growth generator. He also thanked the Trust for everything they are doing to
preserve Canton history and create a visitor destination.
DEPT’S 433 TRASH COLLECTION, 752 DEBT SERVICE, 841 NORFOLK COUNTY AGGIE, 911 RETIREMENT /
PENSION ASSESSMENT, 914 HEALTH INSURANCE; 915 LIFE INSURANCE; 993 OPEB TRUST FUND, 116
PLYMOUTH RUBBER DIF
Randy Scollins, Finance Director
Mr. Scollins explained that these departments are fixed costs.
DEPARTMENT 433 Trash Collection: Mr. Scollins explained that the increase for this department is 4.6% and is
a function of the Town’s contract with Republic Services.
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DEPARTMENT 752 Debt Service: The largest debt service expense is the short-term debt for the new Galvin
Middle School. The Town borrowed $35,000,000 for the start of construction and will continue to borrow. In
total the Town will pay over $1,221,000 funded from non-General Fund revenues. The funds will come from 3
sources: a feasibility study reimbursement from the MSBA, a small amount from the Capital Stabilization
Account, and a premium given by the bond buyer. The Inside Levy Debt is going up due to new projects being
borrowed for in August, and the Outside Levy (excluded debt) continues to be amortized.
DEPARTMENT 841 Norfolk County Agricultural High School (Norfolk Aggie): This assessment will not be
known until they bill the Town; they continue to increase the cost per student dramatically, which is why there
is a significant change. Legislation from the 1970s gives the 2 agricultural schools in the State the authority to
bill supplementals. The Town already pays a Norfolk County assessment, and this is an addition to that.
DEPARTMENT 911 Retirement/Pension Assessment: This line item is for pension expenses, which is an annual
assessment from Norfolk County. The number that the Town is assessed is determined actuarially and is going
down by approximately $175,000, which is odd. For this reason, the Norfolk County Board has decided to push
off the full funding schedule by 4 years. There is a large sum of liability that all cities and towns in the county
were scheduled to pay, but the cities and towns made issue with fact that it is too difficult. The reprieve was
given for this year, and the payments will start to go up again next year.
DEPARMENT 914 Health Insurance: The health insurance budget is up by 8%, driven by increased enrollment
and the rising cost of health care. Mr. Scollins reminded the Finance Committee that during the COVID years
the Town did not increase premiums for employees or retirees of the Town, which saved the Town millions of
dollars, as health care utilization dropped enough to allow the health care trust balance to triple. The Town
self-funds its health insurance and allowed the balance to grow for 4 years; in the 5th year it started to come
down, so rates began to increase as of FY26. There is still an ample balance to subsidize these costs; the trust
fund reserve will gradually come back down to 25% of net claims by increasing premiums by 3% on active
plans and 15% on retiree plans this year and next, and will begin to stabilize in 2028.
DEPARTMENT 915 Life Insurance: This is a static benefit in terms of utilization, so no increase is needed.
DEPARTMENT 993 OPEB (Other Post-Employment Benefits): This line funds retiree benefits like healthcare.
Every city and town in the country has been working to fund this currently unfunded liability. It is currently at
approximately $88,000,000, so the Town has continued to increase its contribution each year, consistent with
the plan. The Town currently has approximately $17,000,000 in the trust balance that reduced the gross
liability.
DEPARTMENT 116 Plymouth Rubber DIF Transfer: When the Paul Revere Heritage Site was developed there
was a contract (signed in 2015) with Canton Holdings; it stated that when the project was complete and
infrastructure was provided for, the Town would pay a set price for that infrastructure (approximately
$6,600,000), but would not pay until the revenues from the condominiums located there were sufficient to
pay the debt service. This line is a contribution to the Sinking Fund paying the debt service on that bond. The
Town Authorized $2,000,000 last year for museum exhibits, which was added to the debt service obligation.
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Through a complex calculation, it was determined that the contribution will drop slightly this year. The Sinking
Fund comes from tax revenues from that property.
Mr. Mauro noted that, when it comes to the difference between pensions and OPEB, there’s a 2040 deadline
for all towns regarding pensions; OPEB doesn’t have that deadline, but auditors and creditors want the Town
to have a plan for paying for OPEB. Mr. Scollins confirmed this, and noted the deadline was pushed back to
2040, but that is the furthest it can go. Canton is on track to be fully funded by the end of FY33; this will help
with paying the permanent debt for the new GMS. There is no required funding scheduled for OPEB, but rating
agencies take a dim view of communities which are not making an effort to try and fund this liability.
ARTICLE 6 PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS, ARTICLE 12 INSURANCE PROCEEDS, ARTICLE 13 ACCEPT
GENERAL OR SESSION LAWS ENACTED BY THE GENERAL COURT, ARTICLE 20 APPROPRIATION TO CREATE
SAFE STREETS
Randy Scollins, Finance Director
Mr. Scollins explained that for each of these 4 articles there is no action to be taken, so the recommendation is
for the Finance Committee to vote that the subject matter be indefinitely postponed.
Article 6: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, or transfer from
Free Cash, such sums of money as may be necessary to fund new cost items contained in contracts for personal
services with any individual employee; or take any action related thereto.
There are no personal service contracts at this point in the year to be funded.
Ms. Thomas made a motion to recommend the subject matter of Article 6 be indefinitely postponed. Ms.
Mirliani seconded the motion.
Discussion: There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 9-0-0.
Motion Discussion: Mr. Mauro suggested using the same language from last year; Mr. Scollins agreed, noting
that there will be personal service contracts that will be ratified by the Select Board by June 30th. The
Committee agreed to leave the discussion as it stands.
Article 12: To see whether the Town will vote to appropriate all sums over $150,000 recovered under the terms
of any insurance policy and any other insurance proceeds paid to the Town in connection with any losses
suffered by the Town; or to take any other action related thereto.
This Article is in regard to the acceptance of insurance proceeds that exceed $150,000; there are no insurance
proceeds over that limit this year.
Ms. Thomas made a motion to recommend the subject matter of Article 12 be indefinitely postponed. Ms.
Schutt seconded the motion.
Discussion: There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 9-0-0.
Motion discussion: The Committee agreed to use the same discussion as last year.
Article 13: To see if the Town will vote to accept any general or session laws enacted by the General Court for
the benefit of cities or towns or of benefit to the Town of Canton; or to take any other action related thereto.
This Article is in regard to the acceptance of general session laws. There are items in this year’s Warrant that
relate to accepting general laws, but those are presented separately. This is a standing article which was
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initially placed in case something should happen between the time the Finance Committee finishes their
Warrant review and Town Meeting taking place.
Ms. Thomas made a motion to recommend the subject matter of Article 13 be indefinitely postponed. Ms.
Schutt seconded the motion.
Discussion: There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 9-0-0.
Motion discussion: The Committee agreed to use the same discussion as last year.
Article 20: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from any available funds or borrow
pursuant to any applicable statute, a sum of money to improve safety on Canton roads and sidewalks by
improved signage, roadway, sidewalk and crosswalk painting, and any other necessary improvements or to
take any other action related thereto.
This Article is in regard to the appropriation to create safe streets; this initiative was brought forward to fund a
variety of efforts that the Traffic Study Committee focused on, but was withdrawn because the Town is trying
to conserve Free Cash/the Undesignated Fund balance based on the current financial situation and the
foreseen challenges. The Town wants to keep some excess reserves intact in FY27, but if ideas do come up
that are a priority for the road commissioners (which is the Select Board), Chapter 90 funds and supplemental
funds could go toward those items.
Mr. Mauro noted that Chapter 90 funds are State funds for the repair and improvement of roadways, and
asked what is different in this Safe Streets article and whether Chapter 90 funds would be able to cover any of
the appropriations intended in this article. Mr. Scollins replied that the request wasn’t fully formalized, so
specific projects were not identified, but the Select Board and Traffic Committee had ideas; however, all those
ideas would have been related to making improvements to streets, sidewalks, signage, etc., and Chapter
90/Town’s supplements can be used for those initiatives.
Ms. Thomas made a motion to recommend the subject matter of Article 20 be indefinitely postponed. Ms.
Schutt seconded the motion.
Discussion: There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 9-0-0.
Motion discussion: The Committee approved of the discussion as suggested in the draft.
VOTE MINUTES
Voting on the minutes of the February 4, 2026 & February 11, 2026 meetings was deferred to the next
meeting, as they had just been distributed earlier this day.
Chairperson Mauro noted that the Committee would not be meeting on March 9th and would next meet on
March 11th. He also recognized Allyson Podgurski (Town Accountant) as being present for the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Ms. Schutt made a motion to adjourn at 9:24pm. Ms. Thomas seconded the motion.
The motion passed with a vote of 9-0-0.
Minutes reviewed by: Cindy Thomas
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Respectfully submitted,
Emilio E. Mauro, Jr.
Chair, Canton Finance Committee
REFERENCED DOCUMENTS:
FINCOM March 4th 2026 Agenda
Municipal & Fixed Costs FY27 Operating Budget Requests
Articles 40 & 41
RSHT Budget 26-27 Version 2
DIF Update - FY 2025
Revere PC draft 1-15-26 edited
RSHT Audited FS 6-30-2025
RSHT Corp Account Balances FY 25-26
RSHT Form 990 6-30-2025 Corrected
Articles 6, 12, 13 & 20
ConCom Presentation to FinCom FY27
Message from Revere & Son Heritage Trust
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