Abington Faces “Crushing” Service Cuts as Board Moves Forward with Multi-Million Dollar Override
ABINGTON — February 26, 2026 — The Abington Select Board officially triggered a high-stakes fiscal showdown on Thursday, voting unanimously to place a series of departmental override questions on the May ballot. Faced with a stagnant revenue stream and skyrocketing fixed costs, Town Manager Michael Maresco warned that without an infusion of $3.6 million in new taxes, the town will be forced to implement devastating reductions, including the loss of 30 school positions, the removal of all police presence from local schools, and the potential decommissioning of the town’s second ambulance. The Board’s move sets the stage for a critical choice by residents: pay more to maintain current services or accept a “level-funded” reality that officials describe as a functional “cut” to public safety and education.
The Full Story
The meeting was dominated by a stark FY27 budget presentation that laid bare the town’s financial “budget busters”: health care, pensions, and collective bargaining agreements. Town Manager Michael Maresco explained that while a “level-funded” budget—maintaining the same dollar amount as the previous year—sounds stable, it is actually a reduction because it does not cover the rising costs of doing business.
To bridge the gap and maintain “level services,” the Board approved a “menu approach” for a special election on May 16, featuring seven distinct ballot questions. The requested override amounts include:
Schools: $1,763,957
Police: $841,313
Fire: $275,514
DPW: $261,094
Town Hall/Related: $463,130
Library: $15,964
Council on Aging: $6,468
The consequences of failure were described in harrowing detail by department heads. Police Chief John Bonney stated that losing six officers would force him to pull all School Resource Officers (SROs) and return the force to staffing levels not seen in years. Fire Chief Jack Glynn warned that while he is fighting to keep the second ambulance in service, the lack of funding for equipment maintenance and training would put the department “right down to the edge”. Superintendent Felicia Moschella noted that 30 positions, including teachers and paraprofessionals, are at risk in the school department.
“This is not sky is falling. These are true, real numbers... These cuts would be just crushing, crushing.” — Police Chief John Bonney
In a lighter but still safety-focused moment, the Board voted to rescind the permit for the March 15 St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Selectman Kevin Donovan cited “horrific visions” of children standing on massive, 24.5-inch snowbanks along narrowed roads. The Board suggested a reschedule for April, noting that snow removal costs for a March event were simply not in the budget.
Why It Matters
This meeting marks the beginning of a defining moment for Abington’s infrastructure and quality of life. If the override fails, residents will see immediate changes starting July 1, including potential mid-day closures of Town Hall and a significant reduction in public safety response capacity. The decision moves the town from administrative planning to a public referendum on what “essential services” truly mean to the community.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To recommend approval of the FY27 “Level-Funded” operating budget.
Vote: Unanimous
Motion: To approve the seven override ballot questions for the May 16 special election totaling $3,625,439.
Vote: Unanimous
Motion: To rescind authorization for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 15 due to snow and safety concerns.
Vote: Unanimous
Motion: To recommend favorable action on a “Right to Farm” bylaw for the Town Meeting warrant.
Vote: Unanimous
Public Comment
Public input was minimal but focused on fiscal transparency. Town Moderator Shawn Reilly questioned the status of free cash reserves (approximately $300,000 remains available after budget allocations) and the necessity of grant “seed money,” which the Board ultimately recommended not to fund due to the current crisis.
What’s Next
School Committee Meeting (March 4): The Town Manager will present the budget to parents and the committee.
Deadline for Papers (March 9): Final date for candidates to file for elected town positions. The Select Board is watching to see if there is a competitive race for a vacant Board of Health seat before considering appointing someone to finish the term.
Override Special Election (May 16): Residents will vote on the seven individual departmental funding questions.