Town Operating Budget Unveiled

Town Manager unveiled his final operating budget for fiscal year 2012 to selectmen this week.

The budget increases 4.3 percent and fits within the Finance Committee guideline so no override will be necessary, said Whelan.

He said last year there were no salary increases for town employees, and two years ago, the increase was 0.9 percent, so he is glad this year that he can "restore some things that were lost in a responsible way."

The budget calls for a tax increase of 3.76 percent including both town and school spending. There is still unused levy limit totaling about $1.2 million.

"Conservative spending over the past few years led us to have this money," said Whelan.

He said state aid is going down, but he and especially Finance Director Tony Logalbo built in a decrease of 10 percent in aid so the town will handle whatever decrease of level funding the governor allows.

The meals tax that was passed at Town Meeting is beginning to generate some revenue too, Whelan said.

But on the debit side, the town is facing a huge debt looming in the form of retiree health plans. Whelan said the town is putting away about $150,000 next year so that when the bill comes due in 2020, Concord will be somewhat prepared. It is estimated to be about $20 million in "post employee benefits."

Whelan said some other towns are pushing off the payment into the future without planning for it.

"The governor recognizes that towns are struggling with insurance costs," said Whelan referring to Gov. Patrick's endorsement of a state health plan for employees and retirees.

"The cost will not go down, but the benefits will go way down," Whelan. He wants to negotiate with employees in the plan design.