ROCKLAND — February 3, 2026 — Town Administrator Doug Lapp delivered a sobering assessment of Rockland’s financial future February 3, revealing a projected budget deficit exceeding $2 million for Fiscal Year 2027. Attributing the crisis to a “broken” municipal finance model, Lapp announced an immediate hiring freeze across all general government departments as the town grapples with stagnant state aid and skyrocketing fixed costs for health insurance and county retirement assessments.
The Full Story
The Rockland Select Board meeting opened with a heavy heart as Chair Michael O’Loughlin called for a moment of silence to honor the passing of retired Fire Lieutenant David Patry, who served the town for 31 years. [13:39] However, the somber mood quickly shifted to one of fiscal urgency as the board delved into a series of reports detailing the town’s deteriorating infrastructure and its tightening financial belt.
The centerpiece of the evening was Town Administrator Doug Lapp’s FY27 budget presentation, which he characterized as a “difficult” topic. [47:12] According to Lapp, the Governor’s proposed budget—the “Cherry Sheet”—provides Rockland with a net state aid increase of only 0.87%. [50:39] This marginal gain is almost entirely offset by rising assessments for charter schools and school choice sending tuitions. [52:14]
Lapp identified three “major pillars” driving the $2 million gap:
Stagnant State Aid: The increase in Chapter 70 school aid is significantly below what is needed to cover inflation. [51:31]
Health Insurance: Projections suggest a double-digit increase, potentially as high as 19%, which alone would exceed the entire revenue gain allowed under Proposition 2½. [53:55]
County Retirement: The Plymouth County retirement assessment is climbing toward $7 million annually as the county attempts to reach fully funded status by 2032. [01:13:20]
“Municipal finance in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a broken financial model, unfortunately. [55:23]” — Town Administrator Doug Lapp
While Lapp is not currently recommending an operational override—noting that residents are already adjusting to debt exclusions for the Phelps School and the new fire station—he warned that the town must now focus on “level funding” and non-personnel reductions. [58:40, 59:45] Select Board member Steven O’Donnell urged residents to contact their state representatives, noting that “your voice is magnified with every call and email.” [01:11:33]
Union Street “Slum and Blight” Designation In a move to unlock federal funding, the board voted unanimously to designate a portion of the Union Street corridor as a “slum and blight” area. [32:41] A report by R&D Consultants revealed that 15 of the 48 parcels in the study area are in “fair” condition, while seven are “poor.” [23:00] More critically, 50% of the area’s infrastructure—including sidewalks and curbing—was rated fair or poor. [23:14] This formal designation allows the town to apply for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to fund facade improvements and infrastructure repairs. [25:38]
Housing Rehab and Environmental Policy Wayne Darragh from the Community Opportunities Group led a public hearing for the FY26 CDBG application, seeking the maximum $950,000 to continue the town’s housing rehabilitation program. [33:36, 37:01] The program currently has 24 families on a waitlist, and the new funds would help approximately 10 to 12 low-to-moderate-income households repair their homes through 15-year deferred payment loans. [37:19, 40:27]
Additionally, the board updated its “Buy Recycle” policy to a broader “Sustainable Purchasing Policy.” [43:40] While Member Lori Childs questioned if recycled products are more expensive, Lapp explained that the policy is a prerequisite for receiving state grants that have funded major improvements at the town’s recycling center. [45:07, 44:43]
Why It Matters
The projected $2 million deficit signals a period of austerity for Rockland residents. With an immediate hiring freeze in place, municipal services may become leaner. The town’s reliance on state aid (Chapter 70) and the rigid constraints of Proposition 2½ mean that without significant legislative change at the state level, Rockland—and many of its South Shore neighbors—will continue to face structural deficits that outpace local tax growth.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To approve the minutes from the December 26 meeting. [14:25]
Outcome: Passed Unanimously [14:38]
Motion: To appoint Maureen Sutherland to the Council on Aging. [15:23]
Outcome: Passed Unanimously [15:29]
Motion: To approve the one-day liquor license for Fourth Floor Artists (Feb 13, 2026). [15:33]
Outcome: Passed Unanimously [16:12]
Motion: To certify the Union Street Business District as a “decadent and substandard area” under MGL Chapter 121B. [32:34]
Outcome: Passed Unanimously [32:41]
Motion: To authorize the FY26 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application for $950,000. [01:03:05]
Outcome: Passed Unanimously [01:03:15]
Motion: To adopt the updated Sustainable Purchasing Policy (Buy Recycle Policy). [01:05:47]
Outcome: Passed Unanimously [45:53]
Public Comment
Public comments were primarily integrated into the CDBG hearing, where no objections were raised regarding the focus on housing rehabilitation. [42:44] Vice Chair Lori Childs used her closing comments to criticize the current Board of Health leadership, alleging that “permits go unsigned” and calling for more residents to step up and run for local office. [01:21:07]
What’s Next
Hiring Freeze: Effective immediately for general government departments. [59:45]
State Advocacy: The Select Board plans to meet with State Senators and Representatives to advocate for increased local aid before the final state budget is locked. [01:02:41]
Local Elections: Nomination papers are currently available for several town positions, including Planning Board and Water/Sewer Commissioners. [01:19:11]
Source Video: WRPS Rockland