ABINGTON — Oct. 26, 2026 — Abington department heads are preparing two fiscal 2028 budgets, one level-funded and one cut 5%, and a town official said they have already been told there will be layoffs, at a joint meeting Monday of the Select Board and Finance Committee. Members of both boards said they will not pursue another override. Earlier, the Select Board approved a repair-garage license 4-1.
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Finance Director Andrew Nocon told the joint meeting that department heads were instructed to produce a level-funded budget and one with a 5% cut, and that the 5% figure is a starting point; the forecast shows a 6.3% reduction would be needed to balance. State aid rose only 1.1% last year, which Nocon called not sustainable. Pension contributions are relatively flat next year but rise 9.6% in fiscal 2029, about $200,000 more than expected.
Town Manager Michael Maresco said that, with most union contracts in their third year, the reduction could run from 5% to 8%, and that fuel, pension and health insurance costs are rising. Maresco said department heads had already been told to expect layoffs.
I told department heads already that there’s going to be layoffs.
— Town Manager Michael Maresco 37:43
The Finance Committee Chair, Matt Salah, who opened that board’s meeting said the committee does not believe there is an appetite for another override this year and will make the budget work without one. Select Board member Daniel Eddy said that board is in lockstep. Members of both boards urged residents to press the state for more local aid, and Salah said the town’s state representative has filed a bill seeking a 10% increase.
Members also debated the snow and ice budget. Maresco said it is budgeted at $100,000 but should be $300,000 to $400,000, and that raising it would equal about four positions. Salah said the town has never spent less than about $350,000 to $400,000 in recent years, but the account cannot be lowered once raised and is the only one the town may legally overspend.
Maresco said a suggestion box will be added to the town website for residents’ revenue ideas. The boards plan to meet jointly again in early January.
