Hubbardston finance committee approves $17,000 in reserve transfers for plowing and police training

The Town of Hubbardston Finance Committee voted Wednesday to approve two reserve fund transfers totaling $17,000 to cover winter plowing costs and to fund police‑academy training for a new recruit.

The first transfer, a request from the Department of Public Works dated Dec. 30, 2025, moved $3,000 into account 4235400 to pay for plowing and work on private ways that were not anticipated in the adopted budget. A motion to approve the transfer was made and approved by voice vote.

A second transfer of $14,000 was requested for the police department to cover upfront academy tuition and related wages for a recruit who would attend training June 1–30, 2026 after an officer departed unexpectedly. Select Board member Heather Monroe said the town’s wages savings from the vacancy did not cover the academy cost and that the select board had authorized up to $14,000 to ensure the chief could enroll a recruit. Monroe said, “the cost for the academy plus the wages to get through the essentially, the month of June is about 13,007 and some change.”

A motion to approve the $14,000 transfer was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. Committee members noted the reserve fund balance (about $30,000) would be reduced by the transfers. No individual roll-call votes were recorded in the transcript; membership was described as four committee members during the meeting.

The transfers were described as responses to unforeseen personnel and winter-weather expenses rather than policy changes. The committee indicated administrative staff will complete the necessary paperwork to effect the transfers.

The Finance Committee adjourned after reviewing additional FY2026 budget items and will reconvene as needed.