Town Officials Work to Finalize Budget

Easton Selectmen will meet with the Finance Committee Monday to discuss a budget with a deficit that, according to Town Administrator David Colton, has closed substantially since February.

Colton told Selectmen last week that the deficit has fallen from $979,286 to $366,333 for a number of reasons, which he highlighted in his most recent budget memorandum.

"We made some progression terms of some expenses," Colton said.

Due to better-than-expected budget projections from Southeastern Massachusetts Health Group and Southeastern Regional School District, expenses for FY14 will be less than originally expected. Rather than a 3.62 percent increase, there will likely be a 2.95 percent increase from FY13, he said in his memorandum.

Additionally, Colton said revenue projections have risen 2.17 percent more than FY14. He said discussions with the budget subcommittee have revealed that ambulance receipts of $200,000 and excise taxes of $50,000 is more than originally expected.

"We’re a half of one percent of the total from being balanced," Colton said.

Colton said the town also needs to wait on a budget from the Easton School Department, which is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the budget on April 25.

Easton Superintendent Michael Green said at a School Committee Meeting last week that the school's budget is currently between a 4 and 4 1/2 percent increase from FY13. Green said an increased special education budget has posed challenges on the school side.

"Our major concern continues to be in the area of Special Education," he said.

A budget will be presented before Town Meeting voters on May 20.