NORWELL — February 10 and 12, 2026 — Facing the lingering effects of a failed 2025 override, the Norwell Advisory Board reviewed critical operating budgets for the Library, Water Department, Council on Aging, and Department of Public Works. The sessions highlighted a “lean” fiscal environment where infrastructure maintenance—ranging from PFAS water remediation to the literal greening of town athletic fields—is being balanced against strict state mandates and reduced grant funding.
The Full Story
Over two nights of intensive budget hearings, the Advisory Board moved to recommend millions in municipal spending for Fiscal Year 2027. While most departments presented “level service” requests, the underlying theme was one of triage: maintaining core services while significant maintenance and personnel gaps begin to show.
Water Department: PFAS and Personnel
Water Superintendent Jason Federico and Commissioner Francis St. Ours presented a $1,925,481 total budget. A primary concern for residents remains the town’s PFAS levels. Federico reported that while the South Street treatment plant shows zero PFAS and Grove Street remains low, the Washington Street site violated fourth-quarter levels, testing between 24 and 26 parts per trillion (the state limit is 20).
Federico assured the board that blending water throughout the system reduces the average exposure for residents, but noted that a “housekeeping article” will be needed at Town Meeting to clarify the use of litigation settlement funds for a new treatment plant. Notably, the department is operating one person short after failing to find a qualified candidate for a maintenance mechanic role, a vacancy Federico described as a “need,” not a luxury, during periods of staff illness.
DPW: The Deterioration of Town Fields
Highway Director Glenn Ferguson delivered a stark warning regarding the town’s athletic fields. Following budget cuts, the town’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program was eliminated to save approximately $50,000.
“You’re going to notice that the fields in town are going to start to deteriorate very quickly because you’re not doing the IPM programs... eventually you’re going to start having more daisies, you’re going to have more weeds, you’re going to have more grubs, and it’s sad to watch the fields deteriorate.” — Glenn Ferguson, Highway Director
Ferguson also noted that his team is currently “folding cardboard” at the recycling center for two days a week due to the loss of a full-time position, pulling skilled CDL drivers away from road and tree maintenance.
Library and Council on Aging
Library Director Rachel Breen reported a major win: the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners approved a waiver for Norwell’s municipal appropriation requirement (MAR). This allows the library to maintain its state certification and receive its full $33,000 state aid award despite the previous year’s budget shortfalls.
At the Council on Aging (COA), Director Susan Curtin requested a total budget of $412,504. Curtin emphasized that Norwell’s 60+ population now represents 24% of the town and is projected to reach nearly 3,800 residents by 2030. The COA is seeking to move a part-time receptionist to the operating budget to offset a 17% decrease in grant funding over the last two years.
Administrative and Financial Updates
On February 12, the board turned to “Town Hall” functions. Finance Director Christine McCarthy noted a decrease in accounting salaries following a long-term retirement, though professional audit costs remain a significant variable. Town Administrator Darleen Sullivan introduced the use of “NearMap” software—an aerial imaging tool that has already identified $160,000 in “new growth” revenue by spotting buildings that hadn’t been picked up in previous assessments.
Why It Matters
For Norwell taxpayers, these budgets represent the high cost of “holding the line.” While the Water Department is maintaining solvency through rates rather than taxes, the deterioration of town fields and the shifting of grant-funded positions onto the tax rate at the COA reflect the long-term “tail” of the failed override. Residents will see the direct results in their water bills (which will include PFAS notification letters) and the physical condition of public recreation spaces this spring.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes (February 10, 2026)
Motion: Recommend Library Total Budget of $892,470.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously (14:10)
Motion: Recommend Water Department Total Budget of $1,925,481.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously (38:49)
Motion: Recommend Council on Aging Total Budget of $412,504.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously (54:12)
Motion: Recommend Total Highway Department Budget of $3,277,121.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously (1:41:03)
Key Motions & Votes (February 12, 2026)
Motion: Approve Finance Department (135) Total Budget of $377,833.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously (9:00)
Motion: Approve Assessors Department (141) Total Budget of $258,878.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously (27:41)
Motion: Approve IT Operating Budget of $260,478.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously (54:21)
Public Comment
No formal public comment was recorded during these working budget sessions; however, Board Member Matthew Weimann raised concerns regarding the public transparency of the property assessment process, urging the town to publish detailed PDF reports on valuation methods.
What’s Next
The Advisory Board will continue its review of “budget pressure areas,” including a dedicated meeting on recycling and waste management contracts scheduled for March. Town Meeting warrant articles, including those for the new school building and PFAS water design, will be addressed in upcoming sessions.
Source Video: Norwell Advisory Board Meetings via Norwell Spotlight TV. February 10 and February 12.