Westborough adopts FY2025 budget after heated debate over free‑cash tax relief

Voters at Westborough’s annual town meeting approved the Advisory Finance Committee’s FY2025 spending plan and a $450,000 transfer from free cash intended to reduce the average single‑family tax increase shown in preliminary projections. The main motion, presented by AFC Chair Walter Leslie, carried after sustained public debate and follow‑up line‑item votes.

The AFC’s recommended budget, laid out in a printed booklet and presented in depth by Leslie, estimated an $835 increase to the tax bill for the average single‑family home, driven primarily by school costs and fixed expenses such as insurance, debt service and retirement assessments. Town Manager Christy Williams told voters the town had used $5.5 million of free cash in FY2024 and stressed the importance of protecting reserves to preserve the town’s high bond rating.

During floor debate, residents led by Rod Shaffer and Wilford Savoy urged a larger one‑time transfer from free cash—$1.2 million in total—to reduce the tax burden this year. Shaffer argued the town could defer capital items and reallocate previously proposed free‑cash articles to reach the larger amount; Savoy said higher costs were squeezing households during a period of high inflation. Select Board member Shelby Marshall and the AFC pushed back, saying larger use of reserves would create a structural deficit and risk a downgrade in the town’s credit rating. The assembly defeated the proposed increase, 115‑251.

After resolving that amendment, the meeting moved through dozens of line items and departmental totals. The moderator grouped uncontested budget items for a block vote, which passed 299‑72. Select items that drew questions — including information technology, police and DPW salaries, stormwater, and school appropriations — were taken individually. The school department budget, the largest single line, was approved 272‑58.

The vote on the main motion closes the primary appropriations for FY2025. Departments were directed to proceed under the amounts approved; several technical and one‑time capital articles will return as separate votes later in the warrant. The Moderator and town staff encouraged residents to direct additional budget process feedback to standing committees and department heads.

Sources: Advisory Finance Committee presentation (Walter Leslie), Town Manager overview (Christy Williams), town meeting floor discussion and electronic vote tallies.