Acton Select Board reports roughly $670K surplus, schedules capital‑improvement workshop before tax commitment

The Town of Acton Select Board on July 29 reviewed preliminary year‑end financials that show the town is expected to record a roughly $670,000 surplus for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

"The Town is expected to have a surplus of around $670,000," Select Board member Tom McGurty said, and he walked members through revenue gains that contributed to the result: property taxes up about $27,000, excise tax up about $47,000, licenses and permits up about $47,000 and other revenues up roughly $21,000. McGurty also identified department surpluses, including a Transfer Station surplus of about $75,000, Road Districts surplus of about $144,000 (including a $48,000 stockpile line), and Public Safety surpluses in both Fire Department and dam/dispatch lines.

The surplus and remaining uncertainty from pending audit items prompted the Board to request a follow‑up Capital Improvement Workshop. Members asked the Recreation Director to provide cost estimates for an identified set of projects — parking lot completion, playground additions and a long‑term building/bathroom project — so the Select Board can place multi‑year costs into 5‑year increments before finalizing the tax commitment. McGurty and staff agreed to assemble outstanding project lists and cost estimates ahead of the workshop.