Town Manager's Budget Proposed at 3.9% Increase

Residents got their first look earlier this week at the budget they may be asked to vote on when Annual Town Meeting arrives after Town Manager Jeff Hull laid out his proposal to selectmen.

The budget, which is posted in its entirety on the town’s website, requests a total operating budget of $87,660,023 in addition to warrant article proposals totaling $2,189,555. Combined, Hull’s total proposal is a Fiscal Year 2014 budget of $89,849,578.

Hull’s proposal calls for a 3.9 increase over FY 2013 when the budget was approved at $87,455,322.

“My expectation is that this proposed budget will be rigorously examined and critiqued,” wrote Hull in his proposal to the Board of Selectmen. “I welcome the opportunity to engage in a reasoned, respectful and healthy dialogue about the proposals offered here and opportunities to further improve upon this plan.”

According to Hull’s presentation, two new full-time positions are included in the budget. First, a Buildings System Manager is proposed to the Public Buildings Department to help manage the new heating, cooling, lighting and security of the new high school.

An Information Technology Administrator has also been proposed for the Police Department, a person who would be responsible for a wide range of duties that are currently being handled by a sergeant in the department.

The only other additional employee would be at Wilmington Memorial Library, where Hull proposes the hiring of a part-time position.

In addition to the proposed operating budget, Hull proposed 31 items that would be voted on as warrant articles at Town Meeting.

Among those proposals is the addition of police and fire equipment, boilers for North Intermediate School, a roof replacement at West Intermediate School, money for schematic design of the Yentile Farm property and a roadway repair program.

This budget proposal served as the first as Town Manager for Hull, who replaced Michael Caira last year.

“Following in the footsteps of Michael Caira, I am incredibly fortunate to assume the role of Town Manager for a community that is in a very strong position with unparalleled financial reserve compared to similar sized communities and a highly dedicated team of department heads, staff and volunteers working to provide a wide range of services,” Hull wrote.