Proposed Mansfield Budget Comes With 3.4 Percent Increase

MANSFIELD, MA — A handful of new positions could be added as part of the town's next fiscal year budget.

During a presentation at Wednesday's selectmen meeting, Town Manager Bill Ross said the proposed fiscal year 2018 budget is up 3.4 percent over the current budget and has a $2.3 million deficit. The deficit, however, is just a starting point with Ross noting that the figure is lower than the starting deficit from the last three budgets.

"We’re starting out with a smaller negative number to work with. I would caution you that we have some heavy lifting," Ross said.

The first draft calls for a few new positions and increased hours for some employees. An hourly minutes taker for committees and boards without one has been added and will be paid for with $10,000 from the budgets of the boards and committees who will use the service. The part-time position will not come with benefits.

In the fire budget, Ross is hoping to hire an EMS coordinator, noting that emergency medical services are currently coordinated by two firefighters who are compensated by a small stipend. About 70 percent of fire runs are due to EMS, Ross said.

Other positions include an additional part-time librarian, two skilled labor positions at the Highway Department, and moving the Director of Parks and Recreation to full time with 37.5 hours.

The budget will continually be discussed and more should be learned following the school committee's budget hearing on Jan. 10.

Residents will have a chance to vote on the budget at this spring's Annual Town Meeting.

Image: File photo