NORWELL – January 28, 2026 – Town Administrator Darleen Sullivan presented a balanced FY27 budget proposal to the Select Board on January 28, announcing that the town is “cautiously optimistic” it will not require an operational override this year. The fiscal roadmap relies on higher-than-expected state aid and strategic departmental reductions to close a previous funding gap, though officials warned that a “structural deficit” remains a long-term threat through 2032.
The Full Story
The meeting opened with a celebratory milestone: the unanimous promotion of Officer Sarah Thomas to the rank of Sergeant. Chief Edward Lee presented Thomas, a Norwell High Class of 2010 graduate, noting she earned the highest score on the recent civil service exam. Thomas brings nearly 11 years of law enforcement experience, including specialized training as a crisis negotiator and sexual assault investigator. The Select Board lauded her as a “homegrown” success story entering the department’s management team.
Following the promotion, the board pivoted to the heavy lift of the FY27 budget. Town Administrator Darleen Sullivan detailed a $69 million total revenue plan, noting that recent adjustments had successfully closed the gap for school funding.
The FY27 Budget Breakdown:
School Department: A 4% increase ($1,335,922), bringing the total to $34,733,984—roughly 50% of the total operating budget.
Town Departments: A 2.19% increase ($325,535), totaling $15,143,602.
Shared Costs: $19,156,205, covering health insurance, pensions, and debt.
Sullivan highlighted that net local aid figures released earlier in the week provided an unexpected $145,000 boost over preliminary estimates, which helped bridge the gap needed to provide level services for the schools. On the municipal side, the budget includes the partial restoration of Saturday recycling services and the planned hiring of one firefighter in December 2026 to restore a position left vacant due to retirement.
Despite the “good news” of a balanced budget, the board grappled with the rising tide of fixed costs. Shared expenses—primarily health insurance and pension obligations—have increased by 44% over the last six years, significantly outpacing both town and school budget growth. Sullivan reminded residents that Norwell is in the final years of a steep pension funding schedule ending in 2031, which requires increasingly larger annual payments.
Select Board member Andy Reardon expressed concern over revenue stagnation, suggesting the town explore more aggressive economic development.
“Folks, you can’t have your cake and eat it too without at some point having the chickens come to rest to pay for all those bills.” — Andy Reardon, Select Board Member
The board also discussed the future of trash and recycling services. With costs rising and a new contract currently being negotiated, Sullivan suggested that an enterprise fund or user fees might eventually be necessary to remove the $1.6 million burden from the tax levy.
Why It Matters
For Norwell taxpayers, the “no override” status for FY27 provides temporary relief following a period of fiscal tightening. However, the town’s high reliance on residential property taxes—which account for over 83% of all revenue—means that any future spike in costs or drop in state aid will quickly return the override conversation to the ballot.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To promote Sarah Thomas to the rank of Sergeant in the Norwell Police Department.
Vote: Unanimous
Motion: To allow the Vice Chair to sign the certification for the police promotion.
Vote: Unanimous
Motion: To adjourn the meeting.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously.
Public Comment
There were no citizens’ comments on items not on the agenda . Select Board member John McGrath opened the meeting with praise for the Highway Department’s performance during a recent storm, noting their work was “stark” in its efficiency compared to surrounding towns.
What’s Next
The board will hold a significant meeting on February 4th to vote on annual election hours and review further budget “impactors,” including updates from the South Shore Vocational Technical High School and health insurance renewal rates. The final warrant for Town Meeting is set to close on February 18th.
Source Video: Norwell Select Board 1/28/2026