DALTON, Mass. — The Finance Committee will be reviewing whether a budget freeze is necessary, considering ongoing financial concerns. 

 

At Monday's meeting, Select Board member Antonio Pagliarulo raised the possibility of freezing the town budget as a precautionary measure, given budget concerns presented during the last meeting. 

 

"I do think we're fine if we look at where we are in terms of budget to actuals. We seem to be tracking pretty well for [fiscal year 2026] so I have no concerns whatsoever over this year's budget," Town Manager Eric Anderson said. 

 

Last week, Anderson presented the "grim" budget to the Select Board showcasing the anticipated major drivers in the fiscal year 2027 budget. 

 

During the last meeting he explained that in the worst-case scenario, the town could be forced to reduce staff if projected increases in the school budget, health insurance, and other uncontrollable costs occur.

 

On Monday, Pagliarulo re-outlined some of the drivers that are putting pressure on the budget including the contract and planning budget, in addition to the planned sewer bill increases because of Pittsfield's sewer treatment plan upgrades.

 

The draft budget for Central Berkshire Regional School District forecast a nearly 10 percent increase. However, district administration will be presenting up-to-date numbers at the Wednesday Finance Committee meeting.  

 

It was originally projected that the average single-family tax bill was up 8.1 percent, for an increase of $449. However, last week the town received news that the FY26 bill is up 4.3 percent, a much lower number, Pagliarulo said.

 

"So, I think we can deal with this budget accordingly, especially if we look at more articles," Pagliarulo said but questioned whether the board should give Anderson the authority to freeze the budget on a case-by-case basis if he finds it necessary.

 

Pagliarulo said when Anderson presented the budget last week it felt like déjà vu from when he served on the Finance Committee 35 years ago, when the town only had $40,000. 

 

Town resources were much simpler than and fewer staff. However, the town made difficult decisions, such as trimming staff and closing town hall on Fridays. 

 

While the current financial outlook may not be as dire as it appears, Pagliarulo expressed concerns regarding free cash and the town’s accounting practices, particularly following recent staff turnover. 

 

He emphasized the need for accurate financial data and strongly advocated hiring a third-party accountant to review and update records before the new hire begins.

 

"I just want to go forward here during this budget season, knowing that our numbers are solid. If it means a third party accountant to come in and put the books in order and up to speed, and I'm not suggesting otherwise, for the new accountant, and for our purposes, I highly recommend that we get a third party coming in to do just that," Pagliarulo said. 

 

"It's worth every dollar so that we're all on the same page and know what those numbers are." 

 

Select Board member Dan Esko said he does not believe the town is at the point where it needs to freeze its budget and recommended getting input from the Finance Committee before making any decision.