Town Council Approves FY18 Budget

BRAINTREE, MA — Braintree’s budget for fiscal year 2018 was approved this week by the town council.

Councilors passed the $146.2 million budget during Tuesday’s Annual Town Meeting, with Mayor Joseph Sullivan noting that the budget will be able to sustain quality of life issues around town and fund the renovation and expansion of the middle schools without the need for a debt exclusion.

“I think we have in place a strong foundation,” Sullivan said. “I’m very proud of the work we’re doing. I’m proud of the accomplishments, knowing that we have more work to do.”

Prior to voting in support of the budget, Councilor and ways and means committee Chairman Stephen O’Brien questioned some of the items, including $2.2 million in salary increases at the school department, $500,000 on the town side, and the realization that the town was nearing its levy capacity.

“That gave me great pause,” O’Brien said.

Sullivan responded by saying that he believes that the town has a very strong financial plan.

“I would match our financial management with anybody around us,” Sullivan said.

Council President Sean Powers admitted that the budget isn’t perfect for everyone, but the nature of politics is to find common ground.

The new budget goes into effect July 1.

Image: File Photo