Scituate Town Departments Present Budget Requests for Fiscal Year 2026
Officials Highlight Accomplishments, Challenges Amid Fiscal Constraints
SCITUATE - December 3 - Scituate town officials presented their budget requests for fiscal year 2026 to the Select Board on Dec. 3, outlining departmental accomplishments, challenges and financial needs.
The meeting began with updates from Town Administrator Jim Boudreau on ongoing projects and upcoming events. He noted progress on the water treatment plant construction and reminded residents of winter recreation program registration opening Dec. 4.
Several department heads then presented their budget proposals and priorities for the coming year.
Information Technology Director Mike Minchello highlighted cybersecurity efforts, including recent independent audits that ranked Scituate highly among Plymouth County communities. He emphasized the need for additional staffing to keep up with increasing technology demands and security threats.
"We're just drowning in the day-to-day," Minchello said, noting a backlog of projects and grant opportunities the department lacks resources to pursue.
Veterans Services Officer Josh Summers reported his office is currently spending about $5,300 monthly on Chapter 115 veterans' benefits, on pace for $60,000 a year, up from a projected $55,000 last month. He projected continued growth in demand for services.
"We're getting new people in every week," Summers said. "It's a good problem. We want to spend more money in that area. It means we're helping more veterans in our community."
Fire Chief Mark Donovan discussed staffing challenges, noting the department has reduced vacancies from nine to five over the past year. He highlighted the department's drone program as an exciting new capability for emergency response.
"Drone technology is really, really exciting. This is the future," Murphy said.
Police Chief Mark Thompson outlined goals including policy updates, emergency preparedness planning and community engagement efforts. He noted fiscal constraints will require some sacrifices but expressed confidence in meeting priorities.
"We'll adapt and overcome," Thompson said. "Like I said, it's going to come back around."
The Beautification Committee representatives Sue Casey and Leslie Dienel highlighted accomplishments including Ship Shape Day, which drew over 540 volunteers and collected four tons of trash. They discussed challenges maintaining plantings amid climate changes and flooding.
Historical Society President Robert Chessia reported on the successful lighthouse restoration project completed this year. He noted plans to issue an RFP for substantial work needed on the lighthouse keeper's house.
Finance Director/Town Accountant Nancy Holt said her department is foregoing filling a vacant full-time position to help with budget constraints. She praised the work of Human Resources Director Bob Clark and Assistant Accountant Mary Sancinito in absorbing additional duties.
Throughout the presentations, Select Board members expressed appreciation for departments' efforts to control costs while maintaining services. They noted this budget cycle feels different due to fiscal pressures.
"It's a very weird and scary time financially," Board Chair Andrew Goodrich commented.
The board also approved numerous liquor license renewals for 2025 and opened the warrant for the April 2025 Town Meeting.