Abington Select Board Approves Complex Budget Process
Prepares for Potential Override Election
ABINGTON - September 22 - The Abington Select Board approved a detailed plan for the FY27 budget process that could lead to a special election on May 16, 2026, allowing voters to decide department-by-department funding through potential Proposition 2½ overrides.
The Full Story
The Select Board unanimously approved a motion by member Kevin Donovan that establishes a two-tiered budget approach for the upcoming fiscal year. The town manager will present budget recommendations within current available revenues, alongside contingent line items that would provide "level service" funding if voters approve corresponding override questions.
The annual town meeting has been moved to Monday, May 4, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Abington High School Auditorium to give the Finance Committee additional time to review the budget proposals. If voters approve contingent appropriations at town meeting, they would then face individual ballot questions for each department at a special election on May 16.
"We've done everything feasibly possible to come up with additional revenues so that the impact is still going to be felt," Donovan stated during the meeting. He emphasized that unlike last year when the town avoided overrides through one-time revenues, "that's not going to be able to be the case this coming year."
The ballot questions will be structured to show voters the projected tax impact of each departmental override, with the school committee having until March 23, 2026, to notify the Town Manager of their desired override amount. If they don't provide a number, the Select Board will include the amount needed to achieve level services for schools.
Earlier in the meeting, the board received several positive updates on major projects. DPW Director John Stone reported significant progress on multiple infrastructure improvements, including the activation of a new four-way stop at Groveland and Linwood Streets using state grant funding. The Center Avenue Bridge reconstruction project, also funded entirely by state grants, is nearing completion with only final paving remaining.
Stone outlined upcoming major intersection improvements, including an $8.5 million roundabout project at Hancock and Chestnut Streets scheduled to begin construction in July 2026, and a $4.2 million traffic signal installation at what he called "the most dangerous intersection in town" at Randolph St and Chestnut St.
The meeting also featured significant community recognition, with longtime volunteer Shawn Reilly receiving the town's "Abington's Best" award for his decades of service.
In a major land donation, Larry Trufant formally presented the town with nearly 20 acres on Ashland Street to expand Strawberry Valley Golf Course. Golf course committee members described this as potentially the largest single land donation in Abington's history, with the property being donated in memory of Trufant's parents, Dorothy and Phillip Trufant, who originally operated the golf course.
The Select Board also addressed ongoing rat problems throughout town. Health Agent Chris Schultz explained that the issue stems from ecosystem imbalance and habitat destruction, exacerbated by recent warm winters. The health department is relying on resident reports to map problem areas and has issued correction orders for improperly maintained dumpsters.
Resident Donna Gendreau suggested the town consider providing dry ice to residents, similar to programs in Cambridge, rather than placing the full burden on individual property owners to hire exterminators. Schultz noted that construction activity often increases rat visibility in surrounding areas.
Other business included approval of a $4.2 million bond for the DPW and fire station project, acceptance of a $50,000 donation from Delaware North Bank for street hockey facilities, and the appointment of Thomas McNulty, a retired Master Sergeant, to the Veterans Council.
The Abington Summer Concerts Committee reported record attendance for their 21st season, with the final concert drawing over 2,000 people. The committee, which operates entirely without town funding through sponsors and donations, raised between $18,000 and $22,000 to fund the eight-week concert series.
Why It Matters
The approved budget process gives Abington residents unprecedented control over town spending, allowing them to vote individually on each department's funding level rather than facing a single override question covering all services. This approach could significantly impact property taxes, with the outcome determining whether the town maintains current service levels or faces potential cuts across multiple departments. The department-by-department voting structure means residents could approve funding for some services while rejecting others, creating a complex funding scenario that will require careful implementation.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Accept $50,000 donation from Delaware North Bank for street hockey facilities. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 35:24)
Motion: Approve $4.2 million bond for DPW and fire station project as recommended by town treasurer. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 36:15)
Motion: Approve FY27 budget process including town meeting date of May 4, 2026 and special election date of May 16, 2026 for department-by-department override questions. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 54:16)
Motion: Appoint Thomas McNulty to Veterans Council. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 54:31)
Motion: Approve contract between Town of Abington and Abington Managers Association. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 56:18)
Public Comment
Residents raised concerns about the town's rat problem, with suggestions for municipal assistance including dry ice distribution similar to Cambridge's program. Questions were also raised about notification procedures for demolition of vacant properties and potential correlation between construction activity and increased rodent sightings. One resident inquired about speed limit reduction possibilities on Summer Street near the train station.
What's Next
The school committee must notify the town manager by March 23, 2026 of their desired override amount. The Select Board will notify the town clerk by the same date regarding ballot question amounts. Annual town meeting is scheduled for May 4, 2026, followed by the special override election on May 16, 2026. Multiple infrastructure projects will continue through fall and winter, with several major intersection improvements beginning construction in 2026 and 2027.
The first version of this article interpreted a joke about Reilly retiring as a statement of fact