Reviews the town's entire budget and makes recommendations on how your tax dollars are spent.
179 items across 19 meetings.
June 18, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of prior meeting minutes.
📋 Proposed
Committee reviews current-year (FY26) financial status — signals how the town is tracking against budget heading into year-end.
📋 Proposed
Committee considers mid-year transfers between budget line items to cover shortfalls or surpluses.
📋 Proposed
Committee reviews the upcoming fiscal year budget — directly ties to tax rate and town services for residents.
📋 Proposed
Discussion of risks or cost pressures expected in FY27 that could affect the town's fiscal position.
📋 Proposed
Committee reviews long-term financial tracking for the Roland Green building — likely capital or maintenance costs.
📍 Roland Green
📋 Proposed
Committee tracks the town's long-term obligation to the Bristol County pension fund, a major recurring liability.
📋 Proposed
Residents may address the Finance Committee.
📋 Proposed
Committee discusses an upcoming training session for members.
📋 Proposed
Committee sets its meeting schedule and topics for the summer months.
📋 Proposed
Routine member comments and adjournment.
May 21, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Approved May 5, 2026 minutes 4-0; April 16 minutes held for edits until June.
💬 Discussed
Revenues at 96% of estimates, spending freeze remains in place amid fuel-cost concerns, but year-end may yield some free cash.
💰 Revenues at 96% of estimate
💬 Discussed
Town still needs to cut $460,000 by July 1 or face additional layoffs; retiree health insurance shifting from 75/25 to 60/40 split (saving ~$80,000), running very lean.
💰 $460,000 in cuts still needed; ~$80,000 saved from retiree insurance changes
💬 Discussed
Town Manager plans public education (videos, possible podcast) and focus groups to prepare residents early for the difficult FY28 budget, possibly building toward an override.
💬 Discussed
Roland Green Building demolished with bids due July 31; Town awaiting July report on possibly extending the 2035 pension funding deadline for savings.
💰 Pension catch-up costs millions per year
📍 Roland Green Building
💬 Discussed
Members assigned to subcommittees; school liaison recommendations pending, with a July CIP meeting planned to refine the capital improvement list.
💬 Discussed
Next meeting June 18 for year-end transfers; possible summer dates July 16 and August 20, with a late-August/September FY28 discussion planned.
✅ Approved
Adjourned 5-0.
April 16, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Prior minutes approved 5-0.
💬 Discussed
Revenues tracking well and motor vehicle excise catching up, but a large snow/ice deficit persists; parking enterprise now supporting its own budget after a non-resident rate increase.
💬 Discussed
$698,734.57 snow/ice deficit prompted a spending freeze effective April 8, no non-mandatory overtime, and pausing vacant positions; FEMA reimbursement requested but slow.
💰 $698,734.57 deficit
✅ Approved
Approved 5-0 moving $31,485 ($6,297 per fund) across MIS, Sewer, Water, Parking, and Airport professional/technical lines for aerial mapping before trees leaf out.
💰 $31,485 total ($6,297 per fund)
💬 Discussed
FY2027 budget adds Monday hours at Mansfield Green; town is considering raising the $122,000-annual-cost sticker price and charging seniors $5 to cut operating costs.
💰 $122,000 annual cost; possible $5 senior sticker fee
📍 Mansfield Green
💬 Discussed
Town Manager plans to leave the Finance Director role vacant, absorbing duties herself to save a six-figure salary; not funded in FY2027 budget.
💰 six-figure salary savings
💬 Discussed
Cuts include training reductions, small expense savings, and some salary reductions; additional options like furloughs and reduced Town Hall hours would require union bargaining.
✅ Approved
Committee voted 5-0 to support Articles 1 and 3-23 (Article 3 is the override) and 3-0-2 to support Article 2 as printed.
💬 Discussed
Building to be torn down and parcel divided into three lots each estimated to sell for $350,000; medallions, corner stones, and a buried time capsule to be preserved.
💰 ~$350,000 per lot
📍 Roland Green Building
💬 Discussed
Pension fully-funded target extended from 2028 to 2035; system only 60% funded, so town will explore lowering yearly contributions with Bristol County Retirement.
💬 Discussed
Mansfield Educators Association president said 22 teachers were dismissed and urged support for an override, warning of declining school resources.
💬 Discussed
Committee and Town Manager are advocating to the state delegation for more Unrestricted Government Aid to cities and towns.
💬 Discussed
Survey questions to be revamped and brought back in the fall.
💬 Discussed
New Budget Subcommittee representation discussed; member Flaherty resigned and the Select Board will appoint a replacement with no applications yet received.
💬 Discussed
Town Meeting May 5, Town Election May 12; regular Finance Committee meetings May 21 and June 18.
💬 Discussed
Discussed a possible MMA commission reviewing municipal investment rules; meeting adjourned 5-0 at 8:01 PM.
April 16, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Meeting called to order.
📍 Town Hall – Meeting Room 3AB
📋 Proposed
Committee considers approving minutes from two prior meetings.
📋 Proposed
Committee reviews current-year (FY2026) financial status.
📋 Proposed
Town Manager memo on a snow-and-ice budget shortfall and higher fuel costs, both of which can require mid-year transfers or affect future budgets.
📋 Proposed
Committee considers authorizing transfers between budget line items to cover spending gaps.
📋 Proposed
Committee discusses operating hours or cost issues related to the Town Green.
📍 Town Green
📋 Proposed
Committee discusses the plan to fill the open Finance Director role, a key town financial oversight position.
📋 Proposed
Full review of the proposed FY2027 town budget ahead of Town Meeting.
📋 Proposed
Committee discusses and considers taking positions on Town Meeting warrant articles.
📋 Proposed
Ongoing discussion of the Roland Green building's financial or capital status.
📍 Roland Green
📋 Proposed
Ongoing review of the town's required pension contributions to Bristol County Retirement.
📋 Proposed
Residents may address the committee.
📋 Proposed
Committee discusses drafting letters to state legislators, presumably on local budget or policy matters.
📋 Proposed
Update on an unspecified Finance Committee survey.
📋 Proposed
Internal reassignment of committee member roles and liaisons.
📋 Proposed
Committee prepares its official statement for Town Meeting.
📋 Proposed
Committee sets upcoming meeting dates for May and June.
📋 Proposed
Member remarks and adjournment.
March 19, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Prior minutes approved 6:0.
💬 Discussed
Schools' $62,911,943 budget request faces a $3.8M shortfall from a 6.3% health insurance hike; without a $2M override, roughly $2.4M in school cuts would be needed, on top of 21 positions already cut over three years.
💰 $62,911,943 budget; $3.8M shortfall; $2.4M cuts without override; bus routes ~$80,000 each
💬 Discussed
Departments outlined operations and budget pressures, including rising IT licensing costs, growing senior-service demand, suspended Household Hazardous Waste Day, and grant-reliant conservation work.
💰 COA reducing specialized services by $5,000
💬 Discussed
Snow and ice spending topped $1 million, leaving a ~$646,000 deficit; $326,000 submitted to the state for possible reimbursement, with options including raising the deficit on the FY27 tax rate.
💰 ~$646,000 deficit; $326,000 state reimbursement request
💬 Discussed
Committee reaffirmed recommending the Select Board pursue an override, which must be voted by April 1 to appear on the ballot.
💰 $2 million override under consideration
💬 Discussed
Reviewed CIP needs including $200,000 for Jordan/Jackson roof schematic design (required for MSBA reimbursement) and a $39,000 GIS flyover update.
💰 $200,000 roof design; $39,000 GIS update
💬 Discussed
Roland Green remediation and demolition begins soon at ~$400,000 (below the $600,000 authorized); property expected sold by end of FY26. Cell tower discussion passed over.
💰 ~$400,000 remediation vs. $600,000 authorized
💬 Discussed
No comments from the audience.
💬 Discussed
Survey has 475 responses; residents prefer single-year override votes and online sessions, with class sizes and transfer station hours top concerns.
💬 Discussed
Upcoming meetings April 16, May 21, June 18; Town Meeting May 5 and Town Election May 12.
✅ Approved
Select Board approved increases to non-resident train station parking fees and water/sewer rates.
💰 Water/sewer rate and parking fee increases
✅ Approved
Adjourned 8:59 PM, 6:0.
March 19, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of two prior meeting minutes.
📋 Proposed
Finance Committee hears a financial update from the School Department ahead of FY27 budget planning.
📋 Proposed
Four department heads — MIS, Council on Aging, Public Health, and Conservation — present financial updates to the committee.
📋 Proposed
Committee reviews a snow-and-ice spending deficit and considers funding mechanisms to cover the shortfall.
📋 Proposed
Early review and discussion of the town's FY2027 operating budget.
📋 Proposed
Discussion of the Capital Improvement Plan (multi-year schedule of major town expenditures).
📋 Proposed
Committee reviews status of a cell phone tower project on its long-term tracking list.
📋 Proposed
Committee discusses the Roland Green Building's status as part of ongoing long-term tracking.
📋 Proposed
Committee monitors the ongoing town leadership transition.
📋 Proposed
Review of the town's ongoing Bristol County retirement pension funding obligations.
📋 Proposed
Residents may address the Finance Committee.
📋 Proposed
Committee reviews status of an unspecified survey (context not provided in agenda).
📋 Proposed
Committee discusses its meeting schedule through the end of the fiscal year.
📋 Proposed
Routine member and liaison updates.
📋 Proposed
Meeting adjourns.
February 26, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Meeting called to order at 6:02 PM.
💬 Discussed
Committee joined the Tri-Board discussion, then continued its own meeting to weigh whether a debt exclusion or override is the better funding mechanism.
💬 Discussed
Members debated funding options; majority favored a $2M operational override (a permanent tax increase) over a temporary debt exclusion as financially better for the town.
💰 $2M tax levy increase; snow/ice budget already -$300,000, blizzard costs may reach $500,000–$1M
✅ Approved
Committee voted 7-0 to recommend a $2M tax levy increase, favoring an operational override but supporting either option, and urged cost-cutting and one-time funds for unemployment costs.
💰 $2M increase to tax levy
✅ Approved
Adjourned at 8:30 PM by 7-0 vote.
February 19, 2026 · minutes
🔄 Postponed
Passed over, not addressed.
💬 Discussed
Proposed Saturday hour cuts would hit working families and students; FY26 already lost a custodian and part-time youth librarian, with further FY27 cuts to materials and books proposed.
💰 Falling below state appropriations rules risks ~$64K–$70K in state grants
💬 Discussed
Staff recommends a town-wide fee study to raise outdated application fees (many ~$400 vs. up to $1,000 in comparable towns), with small $40–$50 increases suggested.
💰 FY27 budget ~$200–216K; proposed fee increases of $40–$50
💬 Discussed
Calls rose from 1,538 (2001) to 4,165 (2025); PFAS-free gear costs doubled, cardiac monitors jumped from $3,700 to $72,000, and overtime cuts would directly reduce ambulance coverage.
💰 Ladder trucks ~$2.1M; staffing study estimated $30K–$50K
💬 Discussed
Mansfield has the highest call volume among four SEMRECC towns but similar staffing; recruitment is harder and cruiser replacements lag (need 8 now, 6 next year).
💰 Taser replacement ~$270K; grants could fund two officers if overtime cut
💬 Discussed
Four full-time staff maintain 39 buildings amid level funding; deferred maintenance is surfacing, and the Roland Green building goes out to bid for demolition/raising this fiscal year.
💰 499 East Street tower rent $2,900/month being paid
📍 Roland Green; 499 East Street
💬 Discussed
Office issues ~8,500 tax bills and ~25,000 excise bills with a 99.45% collection rate; reducing from five to four staff would strain coverage.
💬 Discussed
No transfers.
💬 Discussed
Revenues stable; sewer revenue monitored closely, and the town is considering raising the non-resident parking fee by $1/day after absorbing the full MBTA assessment.
💰 Possible $1/day non-resident parking fee increase
💬 Discussed
A balanced budget with no override needs 11 layoffs, ending the Senior Tax Work-Off program, reduced library and landscaping services; a $3M override cuts the deficit to $300K, a $2M option also under study.
💰 $3.8M total deficit (Schools 63%, Town 37%); $3M or $2M override under consideration
💬 Discussed
Tracking the 499 East St cell tower, Roland Green demolition/lot disposition, leadership transition, and Bristol County pension contribution.
📍 499 East Street; Roland Green
💬 Discussed
CIP Committee is restructuring toward a five-year plan and monthly meetings; deferred maintenance is raising long-term costs and members debated debt vs. pay-as-you-go funding.
💬 Discussed
No comments from the audience.
💬 Discussed
Finance Committee survey has 450 respondents; member exploring resources to fund a mailed survey.
💬 Discussed
Annual Town Meeting set for May 5 and Election May 12, with possible public budget listening sessions in March.
💬 Discussed
Seniors may have trouble qualifying for the Circuit Breaker tax credit because the trash collection fee can't be counted; departments urged to inform seniors.
✅ Approved
Adjourned at 8:30 PM.
February 19, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of prior meeting minutes.
📋 Proposed
Finance Committee hears budget update from the Public Library department head.
📋 Proposed
Finance Committee hears budget update from Public Works on town-owned buildings.
📋 Proposed
Finance Committee hears budget update from the Planning and Zoning department.
📋 Proposed
Finance Committee hears financial update from the Treasurer/Collector.
📋 Proposed
Finance Committee hears budget update from the Fire Department.
📋 Proposed
Finance Committee hears budget update from the Police Department.
📋 Proposed
Committee reviews proposed transfers between town budget accounts.
📋 Proposed
Committee reviews current-year fiscal status for FY2026.
📋 Proposed
Early-stage planning discussion for the FY2027 town budget, which will set next year's tax rate and services.
💬 Discussed
Ongoing discussion of the town's cell phone tower situation and financial implications.
💬 Discussed
Ongoing discussion of the Roland Green Building's status and financial outlook.
💬 Discussed
Committee continues monitoring financial implications of ongoing town leadership changes.
💬 Discussed
Committee reviews ongoing obligations for the Bristol County Pension fund, which affects town budget costs.
📋 Proposed
Capital Improvement Plan (multi-year plan for major town expenditures) discussion for upcoming budget cycle.
📋 Proposed
Residents may address the Finance Committee.
📋 Proposed
Committee reviews status of an unspecified survey; details not provided in agenda.
📋 Proposed
Committee discusses its meeting schedule for the remainder of the fiscal year.
📋 Proposed
Routine member updates and reports from board liaisons.
📋 Proposed
Meeting adjourned.
January 15, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Sara Walsh elected Chair and Scott Feely Vice-Chair; Dr. Tarsi-Goldfien later named Clerk.
✅ Approved
Approved minutes from November 12 and 20, and December 9 and 18, 2025.
✅ Approved
Approved moving $102,712.06 from Water Enterprise reserves to cover operating expenses after Jordan Jackson water-main breaks and an emergency pump replacement at Walsh Well; reserve balance is $1.1M.
💰 $102,712.06 transfer
📍 Jordan Jackson; Walsh Well
✅ Approved
Approved $53,821.11 for a backup battery system at the DPW and Public Safety complexes ($23,821.11) and to replace a failed elevator valve at Public Safety ($30,000).
💰 $53,821.11 transfer
📍 DPW Complex; Public Safety
✅ Approved
Approved $25,500 for vehicle maintenance—$17,000 for fire apparatus and $8,500 for highway—after years of budget cuts left funds short for normal repairs.
💰 $25,500 transfer
💬 Discussed
Enterprise accounts and expenses on track; General Fund revenue at $4.8M (up from $4.5M), but investment earnings down to $234,000 from $357,000.
💬 Discussed
Budget faces a $5.1M shortfall with health insurance budgeted at 18% increase; staff preparing both a balanced budget and one with a $3M override, with Town Meeting expected early May.
💰 $5.1M shortfall; possible $3M override
💬 Discussed
Updates on cell tower rent (install delayed pending DEP permit for former landfill), Roland Green Building rebidding Feb 5, leadership transition, and Bristol County pension contribution.
📍 Roland Green Building
💬 Discussed
No public comments.
💬 Discussed
318 survey responses received so far on potential override impacts; link posted online with hard copies at the library and COA, and information sessions planned.
💬 Discussed
Discussed draft of Finance Committee annual report section; next meeting Feb 19 may be rescheduled due to school vacation, with Tri-Board on Feb 26.
💬 Discussed
Discussed public engagement goals, CIP moving to second-Monday meetings for long-term project planning, and MMA conference attendance.
January 15, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Meeting called to order and committee reorganization (officer elections/assignments).
📍 Town Hall – Meeting Room 3AB
📋 Proposed
Vote to approve minutes from Nov. 12, Nov. 20, Dec. 9, and Dec. 18, 2025 meetings.
📋 Proposed
Committee will review proposed mid-year budget transfers across three town departments; dollar amounts not specified in agenda.
💰 Amounts TBD at meeting
📋 Proposed
Mid-year fiscal 2026 financial status update for the town.
📋 Proposed
Early planning discussion for the fiscal year 2027 town budget, which sets tax rates and service levels.
💬 Discussed
Status update on a town cell phone tower (financial or lease terms not detailed in agenda).
💬 Discussed
Ongoing discussion of the Roland Green Building's financial or disposition status.
💬 Discussed
Financial implications or continuity considerations related to town leadership transition.
💬 Discussed
Review of Mansfield's ongoing pension obligation to the Bristol County Retirement System, a significant long-term liability.
📋 Proposed
Residents may address the Finance Committee.
📋 Proposed
Committee reviews its resident survey results and drafts its contribution to the Town Annual Report.
📋 Proposed
Committee sets its 2026 meeting calendar and identifies priority projects for the year.
📋 Proposed
Routine closing items: liaison reports, member comments, and adjournment.