HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-06 Finance Committee Packet
Town of Reading
Meeting Posting with Agenda
2018-07-16LAG
Board -Committee -Commission -Council:
Finance Committee
Date: 2024-03-06Time: 7:00PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Select Board Meeting Room
Address: 16 Lowell StreetAgenda:
Purpose:GeneralBusiness
Meeting Called By:Jacquelyn LaVerde on behalf of Chair Ed Ross
Notices and agendas are to be posted 48 hours in advance of the meetings excluding
Saturdays, Sundays and Legal Holid
operation and make necessary arrangements to be sure your posting is made in an
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AGENDA:
Liaison Reports
Budget Presentations: FY25 Town Manager Recommended Budget & Town
Departments
o Town Accountant Revenue, Financial Forecast, Spending Scorecard, Shared
Costs
o Administrative Services
o Technology
o Public Services
This Agenda has been prepared in advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed
at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting.
Page | 1
Town of Reading
Meeting Posting with Agenda
o Public Safety
Public Health
Fire/EMS
Police/Coalition/Dispatch
Discussion and Possible Vote on Ex-Officio FINCOM Member for Ad Hoc Community
Preservation Act Study Committee
Future Agendas
Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes
This Agenda has been prepared in advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed
at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting.
Page | 2
4Y¢ Nr^ki +~
20.6%
+2.3%
+8.1%+3.3%
-
+21.7%
Change
3.044.821.10
FY25$22.36$31.51
2.946.070.90
$20.68$30.79
FY24
BenefitsCapitalDebtVocational SchoolsShared Costs
B99C99D99E99
Contents
CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................................................................
1
BUDGET INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................... 3
A C ITIZENS G UIDE TO THE B UDGET ...................................................................................................................................... 3
T HE B UDGET D OCUMENT ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
T HE B UDGET P ROCESS ......................................................................................................................................................... 5
C OMMUNITY P ROFILE ........................................................................................................................................................... 6
O RGANIZATIONAL C HART ..................................................................................................................................................... 9
B UDGET T IMELINE .............................................................................................................................................................. 10
.......................................................................................................... 11
T OWN M ANAGERS FY25 B UDGET M ESSAGE ..................................................................................................................... 12
C HIEF F INANCIAL O FFICERS R EPORT .................................................................................................................................. 15
TOWN BUDGET BY DEPARTMENT ................................................................................................................................. 28
FY25 B UDGETS .................................................................................................................................................................. 28
A DMINISTRATIVE S ERVICES ................................................................................................................................................. 31
T ECHNOLOGY..................................................................................................................................................................... 41
P UBLIC S ERVICES ................................................................................................................................................................ 43
P UBLIC S AFETY ................................................................................................................................................................... 61
F INANCE D EPARTMENT ...................................................................................................................................................... 72
Town of Reading 1 FY 2025 Budget
D EPARTMENT OF P UBLIC W ORKS ....................................................................................................................................... 79
R EADING P UBLIC L IBRARY ................................................................................................................................................... 94
F ACILITIES D EPARTMENT .................................................................................................................................................... 99
2%!$).' 05",)# 3#(//,3 ............................................................................................................................................ 103
ENTERPRISE FUNDS ....................................................................................................................................................... 183
W ATER E NTERPRISE F UND ............................................................................................................................................... 183
S EWER E NTERPRISE F UND ............................................................................................................................................... 186
S TORM W ATER E NTERPRISE F UND ................................................................................................................................... 189
PEG C ABLE A CCESS E NTERPRISE F UND ........................................................................................................................... 192
L ANDFILL E NTERPRISE F UND ............................................................................................................................................ 194
CAPITAL & DEBT SERVICE ............................................................................................................................................. 196
C APITAL O VERVIEW ......................................................................................................................................................... 196
D EBT O VERVIEW ............................................................................................................................................................. 198
B LOWER U NIT FOR S NOW R EMOVAL ............................................................................................................................... 199
R EPLACEMENT C AR 4: V EHICLE FOR C EMETERY ............................................................................................................... 200
R EPLACEMENT OF H-2/P ICKUP T RUCK 18 ....................................................................................................................... 201
R EPLACEMENT OF H-18: S ANDING D UMP T RUCK WITH P LOW ......................................................................................... 202
V AC T RUCK #S-8 ............................................................................................................................................................. 203
APPENDIX A ..................................................................................................................................................................... 205
C APITAL P LAN ................................................................................................................................................................. 205
APPENDIX B ..................................................................................................................................................................... 223
D EBT S CHEDULE .............................................................................................................................................................. 223
Special thanks to Staci Fleuri for the cover photo.
Town of Reading 2 FY 2025 Budget
Budget Introduction
Thank you for taking the time to read this budget introduction in an effort to better understand
one of the most important documents produced by our community. The Annual Budget, far
more than an organized collection of figures, reflects the values, goals, and priorities of the town.
It serves as a policy document, a financial guide, and a vehicle for communicating with residents.
This guide is intended to better illustrate the structures of town government, the budget
process, and orient readers to the document. We hope this will be a useful tool for readers as
you better acquaint yourself with the latest financial and planning information for the Town of
Reading.
Town of Reading 3 FY 2025 Budget
The Budget Document
In an effort to breakdown Readings FY2025 proposed $141,338,332 budget, this document is
organized into sections covering a host of financial and structural information about the health
of the Town, impact on residents, and what your taxes will achieve. The budget document
includes the following:
Financial Summary: Provides an overview of Readings proposed budget with specific focus
on property taxes, revenues, expenditures, capital, debt, and major liabilities such as direct
debt, pension, and other post-employment benefits. The Financial Scorecard is also located
here.
Town Government: Provides a breakdown of Readings governmental structure (General
Government, Finance, Planning and Land Management, Human Services, Public Safety, Public
Works, and Unclassified) while focusing on their individual budget highlights, accomplishments,
goals, and long-term plans.
Accommodated and Shared Costs: Provides an analysis of the Town and Reading Public
Schools (RPS) responsibilities to Group Insurance, Other Post-Employment Benefits, Property
and Liability Insurance, Unemployment and Workers Compensation, Retirement, Medicare /
Social Security, Regional Vocational Schools, Capital and Debt Service.
Schools: Provides a detailed snapshot of Reading Public Schools (RPS).
Capital Expenditures: Provides a detailed description of each Capital request in this budget.
Appendices: Provide detailed information on Capital Projects and projected Debt Service for
the next ten (10) years.
Town of Reading 4 FY 2025 Budget
The Budget Process
The Town of Reading operates under state statutes and the Home Rule Charter establishing the
Select Board Town Manager form of government. The legislative body of Reading is a
Representative Town Meeting comprised of 192 elected Town Meeting Members. Town
Meeting has the sole authority to appropriate funds for the operating budget and capital
projects, except for particular instances where statutes or regulations do not require
appropriation or where the authority is given to the Select Board. Any amendments to
appropriations require Town Meeting vote at either the Annual, Subsequent or Special Town
Meeting (called by a vote of the Select Board). Annual Town Meeting is held the last Monday in
April at 7:30 PM and continues Thursdays and Mondays until all articles are reviewed, or Town
Meeting members adjourn sine die. Subsequent Town Meeting is typically held the second
Monday in November. In Reading, Town Meetings typically last three to four nights, and are
held at the Performing Arts Center in the Reading Memorial High School. Town Meetings are
televised by Reading Community Television (RCTV). Minutes, warrants and relevant records
from previous Town Meetings are managed by our Town Clerk and kept on the Towns website.
Town of Reading 5 FY 2025 Budget
Community Profile
R eading, MA. (Pop. 25,200) is a well-managed community that values and preserves its history
and open spaces while actively supporting smart growth and a vibrant downtown. The Town
has a traditional New England center surrounded by family-oriented neighborhoods and
endeavors to be a welcoming community. Located in Middlesex County, Reading is only 12
miles north of Boston. The Town lies close to the intersection of Interstate 93 and Interstate 95,
allowing easy access to Boston. Principally a residential community, Reading has a significant
but modest level of commercial businesses, many of which are located near the highways, along
Main Street, and downtown. A Commuter Rail station links the Town to Bostons North Station
and two bus lines connect to the Orange Line. Reading is known for its award-winning schools
and outstanding Town services. It has a safe, small-town feel and offers residents many
recreational and cultural opportunities, both within the community and as part of the greater
Boston region.
Reading maintains an AAA bond rating and an FY24 budget of approximately $119 million
(including public education) with strong cash reserves. Reading has several ongoing initiatives
including various sustainability projects, pursual of the Commonwealths Community
Preservation Act program, the Killam School Building Project with support of the MSBA,
consideration of a new or improved Active Living Center, downtown economic development,
attracting and retaining employees, and financial resiliency.
Government
Reading has a Select Board-Town Manager form of government with Representative Town
Meeting. The Town has eight precincts and elects 24 Town Meeting members per precinct. The
Select Board are the Chief Elected Officers of the Town government and set policy and provide
strategic direction in the best interest of the Town as a whole. The Boards responsibilities
include adopting policies, reviewing fiscal guidelines for the annual operating budget and
capital improvements program, calling Town Elections, and preparing the Warrants for Town
Meetings. The Select Board appoints the Town Manager, who is responsible for the daily
management of the Town, as well as the Town Accountant and Town Counsel. Residents in
Reading appreciate a Town government that is communicative and transparent.
The Town has a number of elected boards, committees, and positions including Select Board,
School Committee, Board of Library Trustees, Municipal Light Board of Commissioners, and
Town Moderator.
Town of Reading 6 FY 2025 Budget
Reading has a strong sense of community and a long tradition of civic engagement and
volunteerism. The Town prides itself on having many active, appointed committees that report
to the Select Board or to Town Meeting.
Finances
Reading has a strong financial position and is known for skilled financial management. The Town
has an FY24 operating budget of approximately $119 million and a Standard and Poors rating
of AAA. For FY24, free cash was recently certified at $19.5 million, equaling 16.9% of the budget.
New growth in FY24 was $0.72 million. The FY24 tax rate is $11.72 per thousand-dollar valuation
for residential properties and $12.92 for commercial and industrial properties. The total
assessed value of Reading in FY24 is $7.49 billion. The property tax base is approximately 93%
residential, about 6% commercial, and approximately 1% personal property. Approximately
72% of the Towns revenue comes from the tax levy, with 13% from state aid, and about 9% from
local receipts. Reading voters approved a $4.15 million Proposition 2½ override in 2018 to help
fund school ($2.65 million) and municipal ($1.5 million) operating costs. Maintaining Readings
financial strength, while keeping tax increases to a minimum, remains a priority.
The Reading Municipal Light Department, overseen by a five-member elected Board, services
more than 29,000 residential and commercial customers, including in the towns of Reading,
Lynnfield, Wilmington, and North Reading. It is a $100 million operation with more than 70
employees.
Economic and Community Development
Reading is a thriving suburban community with a vibrant downtown, strong commercial base,
and easy access to and from Boston via I-93 and I-95 as well as its MBTA commuter rail station
and bus lines. Reading is committed to strengthening existing businesses, attracting new
businesses, and expanding the resident base needed to support a growing local economy.
Reading completed its Economic Development Action Plan in December 2015. There are a
number of initiatives focused within the Eastern Gateway and the Downtown Smart Growth 40R
District. Reading is considered a model community for Smart Growth zoning having adopted it
12 years ago. Reading is home to Jordans Furniture, Home Depot, Staples, and a number of
restaurants, shops, service industries, and professional offices. Reading is completing a
comprehensive community outreach process to comply with the MBTA Communities
legislation.
Town of Reading 7 FY 2025 Budget
Education
Reading residents consider education to be a prominent civic value. Reading Public Schools,
serving more than 4,000 students, has five elementary schools, two middle schools, and one
high school. Reading is an active participant in Bostons METCO program. Reading is also home
to Austin Preparatory School, a co-ed independent school that has an enrollment of
approximately 700 students in grades 6-12.
Open Space and Recreation
Reading values its small-town feel and open spaces. The Town occupies approximately 10
square miles. Reading completed a 2022-2029 Open Space and Recreation Plan. The 290-acre
Reading Town Forest offers a variety of trails and conservation land for residents and visitors to
explore. Additionally, Reading is a regional leader in the Resilient Mystic Collaborative research
project which involves 17 cities and towns. Readings 19-acre Maillet, Sommes & Morgan
Conservation Land was selected for the creation of nature-based stormwater control. The Town
is now in the midst of implementing a Master Plan for Birch Meadow Park related to recreation,
school athletics, youth and community services. The Town used some of its ARPA funds to
implement the first phase of the Master Plan in 2022 and Town Meeting just approved Phase II
to be implemented in 2024.
Current projects/issues
Continue the MSBA process for the Killam Elementary School building project.
Continue efforts to achieve compliance with MBTA Communities Zoning Regulations.
Complete construction of Birch Meadow Phase II and continue building out Birch
Meadow Master Plan.
Focus on initiatives to enhance employee retention and hiring.
Complete the construction of Haven Street with a $2.6 Million MassWorks Grant.
Finalize Green Community status; craft plan to respond to climate resiliency issues
including carbon reduction, electric vehicle charging stations, and various community
sustainability projects.
Continue Towns efforts of a Feasibility Study for a new Active Living Center or
Community Center.
Support the work of the Reading Coalition and the Director of Equity & Social Justice,
who is based in the Public Library Department, to work with all Town departments,
organizations, businesses, and residents.
Complete the construction of a community parking lot on Grove Street to increase access
to the Town Forest.
Work with Town on need for additional recreational courts.
Continue Towns efforts of an RFI for a public/private partnership at Symonds Way.
Town of Reading 8 FY 2025 Budget
Organizational Chart
Town of Reading 9 FY 2025 Budget
Budget Timeline
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
Budget process begins for the next Fiscal Year beginning July 1
Financial Forums and next Fiscal Year guidance from FINCOM
Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant closes
NOVEMBER
Subsequent Town Meeting: second Monday (or second Tuesday if second Monday is a
legal holiday)
DECEMBER
Town department budget preview presentations and requests to Select Board
JANUARY
School Committee Budget presentations
FEBRUARY/MARCH
School Committee presents the budget to Town Manager by February 1.
Town Manager presents balanced budget to Finance Committee by March 1.
Finance Committee budget meetings and vote on balanced budget and Town Meeting
Warrant Articles
Annual Town Meeting Warrant closes
APRIL
Town Election: first Tuesday following the first Monday in April (with the exception of
2024s Annual Town Election held March 5 in combination with the State Primary)
Annual Town Meeting: third Tuesday preceding the fourth Monday in April
JUNE
Fiscal Year ends June 30
JULY
Fiscal Year begins July 1
Town of Reading 10 FY 2025 Budget
Recommended Budget
Acting Town Manager
Matthew A. Kraunelis, Esq.
mkraunelis@ci.reading.ma.us
Select Board
Mark Dockser, Vice Chair
Karen Gately Herrick, Secretary
Carlo Bacci
Christopher Haley
selectboard@ci.reading.ma.us
Town Management Team
Sharon Angstrom, CPA, Chief Financial Officer/Town Accountant sangstrom@ci.reading.ma.us
Kevin Furilla, Chief Information Officer kfurilla@ci.reading.ma.us
Gregory Burns, Fire Chief gburns@ci.reading.ma.us
David Clark, Police Chief dclark@ci.reading.ma.us
Adetokunbo Solarin, MPH, Public Health Director asolarin@ci.reading.ma.us
Chris Cole, Public Works Director ccole@ci.reading.ma.us
Amy Lannon, MLIS, Library Director lannon@noblenet.org
Joseph Huggins, Director of Facilities jhuggins@ci.reading.ma.us
Town of Reading 11 FY 2025 Budget
Town FY25 Budget Message
Dear Reading Community,
The end of 2023 brought with it the unanticipated change of Town Manager Fidel Maltez
departing for Chelsea. He was a dynamic and engaging leader for our community, and I want
to thank him for his mentorship and wish him well in his new role. I also want to extend my thanks
to the Select Board for appointing me Acting Town Manager, and very recently, Town Manager;
I have big shoes to fill.
Fortunately, we have an excellent team of dedicated professionals in Town Hall who continue
to build upon the success of previous years, working on multiple initiatives such as the Killam
School Building Project, the Active Living Center project, MBTA communities, and much more.
This budget is a true collaborative effort started with Fidels guidance to Department Heads
beginning in July and carried through by staff. Administrative leadership focused on securing
collective bargaining agreements for all Town unions for the next three years. One Town union
contract remains unsettled, and we expect this last union agreement to finalize soon.
Additionally, all departments developed conservative, level service budgets to manage for the
upcoming fiscal year, but also planning for future fiscal years challenges. This approach allows
us to attain our annual goals while simultaneously continuing to provide outstanding service to
the Community.
Overview of the Budget Calendar:
Like previous years, following State Law and our Home Rule Town Charter, the budget
milestones are listed below in chronological order. This process is also laid out on page 11 as
the Budget Timeline:
Budget process begins for the next Fiscal Year beginning July 1,
Financial Forums held in September and October,
Superintendent of Schools delivers budget to School Committee: early January,
School Committee votes on School Department budget: late January,
Town Manager delivers balanced budget to Finance Committee: end of February,
Finance Committee reviews and votes on School and Town budget: late March,
Town Meeting reviews and votes School and Town Budget: late April/Early May.
FY25 Budget Process:
Similar to last year, our leadership team began working on the budget early resulting in a
thoughtful and inclusive process. The FY25 budget looks to have similar challenges to FY24 as
Town of Reading 12 FY 2025 Budget
we continue to monitor the economy on the State and Federal levels. State revenues continue
to underperform and both Federal and State budgets are stressed due to a variety of issues that
will impact Local governments in the future. While those impacts may not be felt in FY25, we
need to plan for them in the present so that if we are impacted, we will be prepared. Costs
related to retirement have increased 13.5%, Health Insurance is projected to increase 5.65%,
and Property and Casualty insurance is projected to rise 10%. Other fixed costs such as
Medicare and Solid Waste collection and disposal will also be felt in FY25 and beyond.
Our Department Heads, with our Town Accountant, reviewed our capital plan in July and
August. Last year the global pandemic, inflation, and extended lead time for equipment resulted
in significant increases for many of the vehicles and projects on our capital plan. This year, while
inflationary pressures have eased, supply chain and labor market disruptions continue to exert
upward pressure on capital equipment pricing and prolong the time to take deliveries.
FinCom held two Financial Forums: the first on September 20 and the second on October 25.
The first forum largely focused on the Killam School Building Project, financial updates, and
preview, and the second addressed Economic Development, MBTA Communities, and
Community Preservation Act.
Following the forums, FinCom voted Free Cash usage of $4.26 million to supplement the FY25
budget resulting in the school operating budget increasing 4.00% and the town operating
budget increasing 4.00%.
FY25 Budget Summary:
Total estimated revenues for FY25 are $124.1 million; more detail is presented in our CFOs
Recommended Revenues. Due to paying off the Reading Memorial High School and Wood End
excluded debt, we have seen property taxes collected overall drop. Overall, we are projecting
an increase of 3.87% for FY25 revenues. FinCom voted free cash usage of $3.56 million, in
addition to $700,000 for capital, for a total free cash usage of $4.26 million towards the FY25
budget. These revenues result in accommodated costs of $45.0 million, or a 3.2% increase over
FY24s. The School Operating budget is $50.3 million, and the Town Operating budget is $28.9
million, resulting in a 4.00% and 4.00% increase over the FY24 budget.
Major Initiatives in FY25 Budget
Following the work of the pay and class study for FY24, this year former Town Manager Fidel
Maltez worked to complete contract negotiations with most of our public sector unions for three-
year successor agreements. Knowing these operational costs will help us plan conservatively.
Reading is an excellent place to work, and with these new contracts and the pay and class study,
we remain an attractive workplace compared to our peer communities.
Town of Reading 13 FY 2025 Budget
This FY25 budget does include ARPA funding supporting some positions and programming in
our Community Services Division. Once those ARPA funds are expended, the Town will need to
find other funding to continue to provide the same excellent, and highly desired, services.
Grants Secured between FY23 and FY24
A strong focus on pursuing grants helps augment our budget annually, and staff aggressively
pursue opportunities. The Town continues to not only operate existing multi-year grants, but
also apply for and receive new grants, between FY23 and FY24. While outside of the operating
budget, and some local cost matching, these grants have helped Reading achieve significant
advancement of projects that benefit our residents and the region. The Maillet, Sommes,
Morgan Constructed Wetland project continues its construction, due in part to over $4 million
in state and federal grant funding. Pedestrian and Transportation grants such as the $500,000
Complete Streets grant to improve Auburn Street and Parkview Road; the Safe Routes to School
Grant for Oakland Road; the Main Street Local Bottleneck Reduction Grant; and the $250,000
Housing Choice Grant for the Walkers Brook Drive Corridor Redesign remain ongoing. A new
$2.6 million MassWorks Grant for pedestrian and streetscape improvements along Haven
Street, High Street and adjacent Downtown areas will ensue between 2024-2025. Town staff
have applied for and received numerous other grants to advance items such as the Mattera
Community Garden, an Arts and Culture Action Plan, rezoning efforts, a Net Zero Action Plan,
and more. Efforts such as these will continue into FY25 and beyond.
Looking Ahead: Cautiously Optimistic News
Reading enjoys a strong financial position due to conservative budgeting, a focus on the long-
term financial picture, maintaining our excellent bond rating, and following stringent financial
policy by the Finance Committee, the Select Board, and Town Staff. While the economy and
inflationary outlooks have improved over last year, we remain cautious about supply chain
issues, solid waste costs, and underperforming State and Federal revenues. Our excellent bond
rating, our healthy reserves, and our fiscal discipline will continue to maintain excellent
municipal operations for our residents.
Matthew A. Kraunelis, Esq.
Acting Town Manager
February 22, 2024
Town of Reading 14 FY 2025 Budget
Summary of Revenues Revenues for the general government will be $119.8 million,
plus the use of $4.26 million of Free Cash an overall 3.9% increase from FY24.
FY25ChangeShare
Property Taxes$ 88.81.8%72%
Local Revenues$ 10.716.3%9%
State Aid$ 15.92.5%13%
Transfers$ 4.43.7%4%
Free Cash$ 4.329.9%3%
$ 124.1 3.9%100%
Property Taxes ($88.8 million or 72% of revenues) The forecasted 1.8%
increase in FY25 includes a 2.5% increase over the FY24 tax levy plus New Growth; also included
a 52.4% reduction in property tax revenue related to excluded debt as the remaining excluded
debt for the Reading Memorial High School and Wood End projects is paid off in FY24. The
large decrease in excluded debt makes the property tax revenue increase appear much lower
than the usual 3.0%-3.2%.
The following table shows actual New Growth over the last ten years (a 5-year average of
$962,000 and a 10-year average of $897,000). The Town saw a small dip in New Growth in FY24
due to a slowdown in Economic Development; New Growth projections for FY25 are $900,000,
based on the 10-year average.
Actual New Growth (000)s
FY24FY23FY22FY21FY20FY19FY18FY17FY16FY15
$ 722$ 916$ 1,614$ 967$ 593$ 840 842 717 912 844
The Assessor's overlay account has increased to $800,509 in FY25. This amount is set aside for
the Board of Assessors to handle abatements and exemptions. The actual amount may vary from
the budgeted amount when the CFO finalizes the tax rate in November 2025. If the overlay
Town of Reading 15 FY 2025 Budget
account is not used for abatements, it is released to Free Cash. (See" Operating
transfers/Available Funds" below.)
Local Revenues ($10.7 million or 9% of revenues) Local revenues are forecasted
to increase by 16.3% from the prior year. This increase is largely driven by a dramatic increase in
interest earnings. Most revenues in this category rate of increase reflects the actual revenues
received in the preceding year and considers how local revenues are trending in the current fiscal
year.
Motor Vehicle Excise ($4.24 million) This revenue source is challenging to
forecast, as we have been both over and under budget by $300,000 in recent years,
although the longer-term average has been in line. Next year, we forecast an 8.3% increase
to $4.24 million as the FY24 actual revenues for motor vehicle excise are outpacing
projections.
Charges for Services ($2.6 million) This revenue source came in over budget
by over $.2million in FY23, and FY24 receipts are currently trending higher than
projection. Thus, the revenue projection is increased by 9.2% to adjust to current revenue
trends. Examples of revenues in this category are ambulance charges, cell tower rent,
inspections, and cemetery charges.
Meals Tax ($0.62 million) In FY23 came in at $.11 million above projections.
Currently, FY24 receipts are trending to exceed our forecasts. Next year, we forecast an
8.8% increase to $.62 million.
Interest Earnings ($2.0 million) Interest rates have increased significantly over
the last two years. Next year's forecast interest earnings increase by 70.5% as FY23 interest
earnings came in $2.7 million over projection, and FY24 revenues exceed projections.
Intergovernmental Revenue ($15.9 million or 13% of revenues) The final
figure for State Aid for FY25 is still unknown. We use an assumption of +2.5%. FINCOM has
agreed to make up any shortfall from +2.5% with Free Cash this adjustment would typically
happen at a November Town Meeting after the fiscal year begins.
Operating Transfers/Available Funds ($4.4 million or 4% of revenues)
The amount of money available from the cemetery sale of lots has remained constant. The Board
of Assessors released $350,000 from the overlay surplus last year and is planning to release
$350,000 for use in FY25; this figure is expected to decline in future years. The RMLD annual
payment is projected at $2.65 million, based on kWh sold in the prior year.
Town of Reading 16 FY 2025 Budget
A figure of $4.26million is being used from Free Cash to balance the FY25budget. The Chart
below shows Free Cash and Stabilization history and a projection for FY24and FY25using a
conservative $2.5 million regeneration estimate for FY24, and FY25. Free Cash Use is projected
at $4.26million to balance the FY25and $4.3million to balance the FY26budget:
Certified "Free Cash" & Stabilization vs 7% Min Reserve
(Amounts Expressed in Thousands)
$25,000.00
$20,000.00
$15,000.00
$10,000.00
$5,000.00
$-
FY13FY14FY15FY16FY17FY18FY19FY20FY21FY22 FY23Est.Est.
FY24FY25
Free Cash & Stab 7% Min Reserves
Town of Reading17FY 2025 Budget
Financial Forecast
Budget Summary
Town of Reading
Budget Summary One YrOne YrOne YrOne YrOne Yr
2/28/24 9:59 AMProjectedChngProjectedChngProjectedChngProjectedChngProjectedChng
No.FY24FY24FY25FY25FY26FY26FY27FY27FY28FY28
Revenues
A1Total Property Taxes87,153,9863.3%88,759,2711.8%90,691,5602.2%94,008,8493.7%97,434,0703.6%
A2Total Other Local Revenues9,186,00017.9%10,680,50016.3%11,288,0005.7%11,927,0005.7%12,710,0006.6%
A3Total Intergov't Revenues15,554,2022.6%15,943,0572.5%16,341,6332.5%16,750,1742.5%17,168,9292.5%
A4Total Transfers & Available4,261,8962.0%4,420,9583.7%4,492,7451.6%4,570,4701.7%4,653,0491.8%
A98Revs before Free Cash$ 116,156,084 4.15%$ 119,803,786 3.14%$ 122,813,938 2.51%$ 127,256,494 3.62%$ 131,966,048 3.70%
A5Free Cash2,580,0001.6%3,560,00038.0%3,560,0000.0%3,560,0000.0%3,560,0000.0%
A6Extra for Capital700,0002.0%700,0000.0%0-100%0-100%0-100%
A99Net Available Revenues$ 119,436,084 4.08%$ 124,063,786 3.87%$ 126,373,938 1.86%$ 130,816,494 3.52%$ 135,526,048 3.60%
Accommodated Costs
B Benefits20,682,6884.3%22,350,2828.1%24,178,2448.2%26,042,8567.7%28,145,8838.1%
C Capital2,938,000-4.8%3,035,0003.3%2,925,000-3.6%3,226,50010.3%3,675,00013.9%
Debt (inside levy)3,380,6944.0%3,539,0384.7%3,213,775-9.2%3,096,600-3.6%2,844,725-8.1%
D Debt (excluded)2,686,112-1.5%1,279,700-52.4%0-100.0%00
E Energy2,290,70012.0%2,563,80011.9%2,637,5582.9%2,718,3773.1%2,818,3663.7%
F Financial1,242,00013.7%1,336,7007.6%1,366,3682.2%1,396,6522.2%1,427,5682.2%
G Education - Out of district5,803,2004.0%6,035,3284.0%6,276,7414.0%6,527,8114.0%6,788,9234.0%
H Education - Vocational904,8004.0%1,100,99221.7%1,245,03213.1%1,294,8334.0%1,346,6264.0%
J Miscellaneous3,545,3603.4%3,627,2902.3%3,963,0079.3%4,346,4049.7%4,479,7543.1%
K Community Priorities150,0000.0%150,0000.0%150,0000.0%150,0000.0%150,0000.0%
L1Accommodated Costs$ 43,623,554 4.07%$ 45,018,130 3.20%$ 45,955,725 2.08%$ 48,800,032 6.19%$ 51,676,845 5.90%
L2Net Accommodated Costs$ 43,623,554 4.07%$ 45,018,130 3.20%$ 45,955,725 2.08%$ 48,800,032 6.19%$ 51,676,845 5.90%
$ 58,614 $ 3,061 $ 458 $ 1,186 $ 2,614
Operating Costs
OC1Municipal Gov't Operating 26,457,537 4.00% 27,515,838 4.00% 28,050,583 1.55% 28,555,493 1.80% 29,140,881 2.05%
adjustments 106,597
adjustments (EF+RF) 1,244,882 4.08% 1,294,677 4.00% 1,314,745 1.55% 1,338,410 1.80% 1,365,848 2.05%
TOTAL Muni Govt OPER 27,702,419 4.00% 28,917,112 4.38% 29,365,328 1.55% 29,893,904 1.80% 30,506,729 2.05%
OC2School Operating 48,051,498 4.00% 49,973,557 4.00% 50,902,428 1.55% 51,971,371 1.80% 53,189,859 2.05%
adjustments 151,925 150,000 150,000 150,000
TOTAL School OPER 48,051,498 4.00% 50,125,483 4.32% 51,052,428 1.85% 52,121,371 2.09% 53,339,859 2.34%
OC4Operating Budgets$ 75,753,916 4.00%$ 79,042,595 4.34%$ 80,417,755 1.74%$ 82,015,275 1.99%$ 83,846,588 2.23%
Municipal Gov't Operating36.6%36.6%36.5%36.4%36.4%
School Operating63.4%63.4%63.5%63.6%63.6%
TOTAL SPENDING$ 119,377,470 4.03%$ 124,060,725 3.92%$ 126,373,480 1.86%$ 130,815,307 3.51%$ 135,523,434 3.60%
Muni Govt OPER$ 27,702,419 4.00%$ 28,917,112 4.38%$ 29,365,328 1.55%$ 29,893,904 1.80%$ 30,506,729 2.05%
Muni Govt ACCOM$ 6,041,950 8.14%$ 6,470,778 7.10%$ 6,888,495 6.46%$ 7,361,033 6.86%$ 7,602,779 3.28%
Muni Govt TOTAL$ 33,744,369 4.72%$ 35,387,890 4.87%$ 36,253,822 2.45%$ 37,254,937 2.76%$ 38,109,508 2.29%
School OPER$ 48,051,498 4.00%$ 50,125,483 4.32%$ 51,052,428 1.85%$ 52,121,371 2.09%$ 53,339,859 2.34%
School ACCOM$ 5,803,200 4.00%$ 6,035,328 4.00%$ 6,276,741 4.00%$ 6,527,811 4.00%$ 6,788,923 4.00%
School TOTAL$ 53,854,698 4.00%$ 56,160,811 4.28%$ 57,329,169 2.08%$ 58,649,182 2.30%$ 60,128,783 2.52%
Town of Reading 18 FY 2025 Budget
Revenues Details
ATown of ReadingOne YrOne YrOne YrOne YrOne Yr
Revenues - Details ProjectedChngProjectedChngProjectedChngProjectedChngProjectedChng
No.2/28/24 9:59 AMFY24FY24FY25FY25FY26FY26FY27FY26FY28FY28
Property Taxes
Tax levy (within levy limit)84,526,8283.6%87,380,0793.4%90,487,0813.6%93,799,8833.7%97,221,1313.6%
New Growth722,030-21.1%900,00024.6%1,025,00013.9%1,050,0002.4%1,075,0002.4%
Tax levy (debt exclusion) 2,686,112-1.5% 1,279,700-52.4% --100.0% -#DIV/0! -#DIV/0!
Abatements and exemptions(780,984)-2.9%(800,509)2.5%(820,521)2.5%(841,034)2.5%(862,060)2.5%
A1Total Property Taxes87,153,9863.3%88,759,2711.8%90,691,5602.2%94,008,8493.7%97,434,0703.6%
Other Local Revenues
Motor Vehicle Excise3,915,000-0.8%4,240,0008.3%4,550,0007.3%4,900,0007.7%5,275,0007.7%
Meals Tax565,00028.4%615,0008.8%655,0006.5%677,0003.4%730,0007.8%
Penalties/interest on taxes350,00029.6%380,0008.6%416,0009.5%430,0003.4%470,0009.3%
Payments in lieu of taxes440,00010.0%470,0006.8%490,0004.3%510,0004.1%530,0003.9%
Charges for services2,353,00010.7%2,570,0009.2%2,805,0009.1%3,060,0009.1%3,350,0009.5%
Licenses & permits165,0000.0%175,0006.1%192,0009.7%205,0006.8%220,0007.3%
Fines73,000-8.8%75,5003.4%85,00012.6%90,0005.9%95,0005.6%
Interest Earnings1,170,000397.9%1,990,00070.1%1,925,000-3.3%1,875,000-2.6%1,850,000-1.3%
Medicaid Reimbursement155,00019.2%165,0006.5%170,0003.0%180,0005.9%190,0005.6%
A2Total Other Local Revenues9,186,00017.9%10,680,50016.3%11,288,0005.7%11,927,0005.7%12,710,0006.6%
Intergovernmental Revenue
State Aid15,554,2022.6%15,943,0572.5%16,341,6332.5%16,750,1742.5%17,168,9292.5%
A3Total Intergov't Revenues15,554,2022.6%15,943,0572.5%16,341,6332.5%16,750,1742.5%17,168,9292.5%
Operating Transfers and Available Funds
Cemetery sale of lots25,0000.0%25,0000.0%25,0000.0%25,0000.0%25,0000.0%
RMLD payment2,538,6070.4%2,650,0004.4%2,703,0002.0%2,757,0602.0%2,812,2012.0%
Enterprise Fund Support1,244,8824.1%1,294,6774.0%1,314,7451.6%1,338,4101.8%1,365,8482.1%
School Revolving Funds100,0000.0%100,0000.0%100,0000.0%100,0000.0%100,0000.0%
Premiums Reserve for Debt3,407-34%1,281-62%0-100%0#DIV/0!0#DIV/0!
Overlay surplus350,0007.7%350,0000.0%350,0000.0%350,0000.0%350,0000.0%
A4Total Transfers & Available4,261,8962.0%4,420,9583.7%4,492,7451.6%4,570,4701.7%4,653,0491.8%
OPERATING REVENUES116,156,0844.15%119,803,7863.14%122,813,9382.51%127,256,4943.62%131,966,0483.70%
A5Free Cash3,280,0001.7%4,260,00029.9%3,560,000-16.4%3,560,0000.0%3,560,0000.0%
TOTAL REVENUES119,436,0844.08%124,063,7863.87%126,373,9381.86%130,816,4943.52%135,526,0483.60%
Town of Reading 19 FY 2025 Budget
Accommodated/Shared Costs
Town of Reading
Acc. Costs - Summary One YrOne YrOne YrOne YrOne Yr
2/28/24 9:59 AMProjectedChngProjectedChngProjectedChngProjectedChngProjectedChng
No.FY24FY24FY25FY25FY26FY26FY27FY27FY28FY28
BBenefits 20,682,688 4.3% 22,350,282 8.1% 24,178,244 8.2% 26,042,856 7.7% 28,145,883 8.1%
CCapital 2,938,000 3,035,000 2,925,000 3,226,500 3,675,000
Debt (inside levy) 3,380,694 -0.3% 3,539,038 4.0% 3,213,775 -6.6% 3,096,600 3.0% 2,844,725 3.1%
DDebt (excluded) 2,686,112 1,279,700 - - -
EEnergy 2,290,700 12.0% 2,563,800 11.9% 2,637,558 2.9% 2,718,377 3.1% 2,818,366 3.7%
FFinancial 1,242,000 13.7% 1,336,700 7.6% 1,366,368 2.2% 1,396,652 2.2% 1,427,568 2.2%
GEducation - Out of district 5,803,200 4.0% 6,035,328 4.0% 6,276,741 4.0% 6,527,811 4.0% 6,788,923 4.0%
HEducation - Vocational 904,800 4.0% 1,100,992 21.7% 1,245,032 13.1% 1,294,833 4.0% 1,346,626 4.0%
JMiscellaneous 3,545,360 3.4% 3,627,290 2.3% 3,963,007 9.3% 4,346,404 9.7% 4,479,754 3.1%
KCommunity Priorities$ 150,000 $ 150,000 $ 150,000 $ 150,000 $ 150,000
TOTAL Accomm. COSTS$ 43,623,554 4.1%$ 45,018,130 3.2%$ 45,955,725 2.1%$ 48,800,032 6.2%$ 51,676,845 5.9%
Town of ReadingOne YrOne YrOne YrOne YrOne Yr
Acc. Costs - Details ProjectedChngProjectedChngProjectedChngProjectedChngProjectedChng
BFY24FY24FY25FY25FY26FY26FY27FY27FY28FY28
B1Contributory Retirement6,140,0006.1%7,168,65016.8%7,763,6488.3%8,408,0318.3%9,105,8978.3%
B3OBRA fees & OPEB study40,0000.0%40,0000.0%40,0000.0%40,0000.0%40,0000.0%
B4OPEB contribution350,000-30.0%200,000-42.9%385,00092.5%415,0007.8%500,00020.5%
B5Workers Compensation390,0001.3%400,0002.6%405,0001.3%410,0001.2%415,0001.2%
B6Unemployment Benefits75,0000.0%120,00060.0%120,0000.0%125,0004.2%125,0000.0%
B7Group Health / Life Ins.12,547,6885.2%13,256,6325.7%14,184,5967.0%15,354,8258.3%16,659,9868.5%
B8Medicare / Social Security1,005,0000.5%1,025,0002.0%1,135,00010.7%1,145,0000.9%1,155,0000.9%
B9Police / Fire Indemnification135,0003.8%140,0003.7%145,0003.6%145,0000.0%145,0000.0%
B99Acc. Costs - Benefits$ 20,682,688 4.3%$ 22,350,282 8.1%$ 24,178,244 8.2%$ 26,042,856 7.7%$ 28,145,883 8.1%
C99Acc. Costs - Capital$ 2,938,000 -4.8%$ 3,035,000 3.3%$ 2,925,000 -3.6%$ 3,226,500 10.3%$ 3,675,000 13.9%
D1Debt Service - Principal 5,220,000 6.1% 3,904,000 -25.2% 2,374,000 -39.2% 2,369,000 -0.2% 2,229,000 -5.9%
D2Debt Service - Interest 846,806 -20.1% 914,738 8.0% 839,775 -8.2% 727,600 -13.4% 615,725 -15.4%
D3Excluded debt (2,686,112)-1.5% (1,279,700)-52.4% --100.0% -#DIV/0! -#DIV/0!
Total Included Debt$ 3,380,694 4.0%$ 3,539,038 4.7%$ 3,213,775 -9.2%$ 3,096,600 -3.6%$ 2,844,725 -8.1%
Premiums for general fund$ -#DIV/0!$ -#DIV/0!$ -#DIV/0!$ -#DIV/0!$ -#DIV/0!
D99Acc. Costs -Debt$ 6,066,806 1.5%$ 4,818,738 -20.6%$ 3,213,775 -33.3%$ 3,096,600 -3.6%$ 2,844,725 -8.1%
E1Street Lighting (DPW)135,0003.8%135,0000.0%140,0003.7%140,0000.0%145,0003.6%
E2Electricty (FacCORE)1,070,00018.9%1,095,0002.3%1,122,3752.5%1,156,0463.0%1,202,2884.0%
E3Natl Gas (FacCORE)676,0004.0%878,80030.0%909,5583.5%945,9404.0%983,7784.0%
E4Water/Sewer (FacCORE)219,7009.9%225,0002.4%230,6252.5%236,3912.5%242,3002.5%
E6Fuel - vehicles (DPW)190,00015.2%230,00021.1%235,0002.2%240,0002.1%245,0002.1%
E99Acc. Costs - Energy$ 2,290,700 12.0%$ 2,563,800 11.9%$ 2,637,558 2.9%$ 2,718,377 3.1%$ 2,818,366 3.7%
F1Casualty Ins (AD SVC)897,00016.9%986,70010.0%1,011,3682.5%1,036,6522.5%1,062,5682.5%
F2Vet's Assistance (PUB SVC)$ 145,000 16.0%$ 150,000 3.4%$ 155,000 3.3%$ 160,000 3.2%$ 165,000 3.1%
F3FINCOM Reserve Fund200,0000.0%200,0000.0%200,0000.0%200,0000.0%200,0000.0%
F99Acc. Costs - Financial$ 1,242,000 13.7%$ 1,336,700 7.6%$ 1,366,368 2.2%$ 1,396,652 2.2%$ 1,427,568 2.2%
G1SPED transp OOD (Sch)1,076,4004.0%1,119,4564.0%1,164,2344.0%1,210,8044.0%1,259,2364.0%
G2aSPED tuition OOD (Sch)5,798,0004.0%6,029,9204.0%6,271,1174.0%6,521,9614.0%6,782,8404.0%
G2bSPED contingency488,8004.0%508,3524.0%528,6864.0%549,8344.0%571,8274.0%
G3SPED offsets OOD (Sch)(1,560,000)4.0%(1,622,400)4.0%(1,687,296)4.0%(1,754,788)4.0%(1,824,979)4.0%
G99Acc. Costs - OOD SPED$ 5,803,200 4.0%$ 6,035,328 4.0%$ 6,276,741 4.0%$ 6,527,811 4.0%$ 6,788,923 4.0%
H1Voc School - NERMVS665,6004.0%852,22428.0%986,31315.7%1,025,7654.0%1,066,7964.0%
H2Voc School - Minute Man52,0004.0%54,0804.0%56,2434.0%58,4934.0%60,8334.0%
Voc School - Essex North187,2004.0%194,6884.0%202,4764.0%210,5754.0%218,9984.0%
H99Acc. Costs - Vocational$ 904,800 4.0%$ 1,100,992 21.7%$ 1,245,032 13.1%$ 1,294,833 4.0%$ 1,346,626 4.0%
J1Rubbish (DPW) 2,034,250 3.0% 2,095,278 3.0% 2,409,569 15.0% 2,771,004 15.0% 2,881,845 4.0%
J2Snow and Ice Control (DPW) 675,000 0.0% 675,000 0.0% 675,000 0.0% 675,000 0.0% 675,000 0.0%
J3State Assessments836,1107.2%857,0132.5%878,4382.5%900,3992.5%922,9092.5%
Cemetery (DPW)
J99Acc. Costs - Misc.$ 3,545,360 3.4%$ 3,627,290 2.3%$ 3,963,007 9.3%$ 4,346,404 9.7%$ 4,479,754 3.1%
Town of Reading 20 FY 2025 Budget
Spending Scorecard
LineCategory
% FY25 Budget FY25 Budget %
FY24 Budget Grand Town Finance % Grand
revisedTotalManagerCommitteechngTotal
B99Benefits$20,682,688 15.2%$22,350,282 $22,350,282 8.1%15.7%
C99Capital$2,938,000 2.2%$3,035,000 $3,035,000 3.3%2.1%
D99Debt service$6,066,806 4.5%$4,818,738 $4,818,738 -20.6%3.4%
E99Education - Vocational$904,800 0.7%$1,100,992 $1,100,992 21.7%0.8%
F99Finance Committee Reserves$200,000 0.1%$200,000 $200,000 0.0%0.1%
Total Shared Costs $ 30,792,294 22.6% $ 31,505,012 $ 31,505,012 2.3%22.2%
G91Administrative Svcs wages$1,223,975 0.9%$1,295,600 $1,295,600 5.9%0.9%
G92Administrative Svcs expenses$1,582,700 1.2%$1,709,700 $1,709,700 8.0%1.2%
G91aTechnology wages$494,600 0.4%$511,800 $511,800 3.5%0.4%
G92aTechnology expenses$630,360 0.5%$654,700 $654,700 3.9%0.5%
H91Public Services wages$1,448,100 1.1%$1,479,684 $1,479,684 2.2%1.0%
H92Public Services expenses$302,000 0.2%$302,100 $302,100 0.0%0.2%
I91Finance wages$965,250 0.7%$1,005,500 $1,005,500 4.2%0.7%
I92Finance expenses$169,150 0.1%$172,650 $172,650 2.1%0.1%
J91Public Safety wages$13,282,475 9.8%$13,886,471 $13,886,471 4.5%9.8%
J92Public Safety expenses$751,151 0.6%$724,946 $724,946 -3.5%0.5%
K91Public Works wages$3,096,600 2.3%$3,219,700 $3,219,700 4.0%2.3%
K92Public Works expenses$950,700 0.7%$1,015,400 $1,015,400 6.8%0.7%
K93Public Works Snow & Ice$675,000 0.5%$675,000 $675,000 0.0%0.5%
K94Public Works Street Lights$135,000 0.1%$135,000 $135,000 0.0%0.1%
K95Public Works Rubbish$2,034,250 1.5%$2,091,278 $2,091,278 2.8%1.5%
L91Library wages$1,698,150 1.2%$1,754,250 $1,754,250 3.3%1.2%
L92Library expenses$406,875 0.3%$426,900 $426,900 4.9%0.3%
M91Core Facilities$3,633,780 2.7%$3,948,760 $3,948,760 8.7%2.8%
M92Town Buildings$369,650 0.3%$378,450 $378,450 2.4%0.3%
Total Municipal Gov't $ 33,849,766 24.9% $ 35,387,889 $ 35,387,889 4.5%24.9%
U99School Department$54,006,623 39.7%$56,310,811 $56,310,811 4.3%39.6%
VOTED GENERAL FUND $ 118,648,683 87.2% $123,203,712 $ 123,203,712 3.8%
State Assessments$ 836,1100.6%$ 857,013 $ 857,013 2.5%0.6%
TOTAL $ 119,484,793 87.8% $124,060,725 $ 124,060,725 3.8%
W99Water Enterprise Fund$7,974,400 5.9%$7,771,629 $7,771,629 -2.5%5.5%
X99Sewer Enterprise Fund$7,508,425 5.5%$8,762,366 $8,762,366 16.7%6.2%
Y99Storm Water Enterprise Fund$470,325 0.3%$1,024,625 $1,024,625 117.9%0.7%
Z99PEG Access Enterprise Fund$622,000 0.5%$539,000 $539,000 -13.3%0.4%
ZZ9Landfill Enterprise Fund$37,000 0.0%$37,000 $37,000 0.0%0.0%
TOTAL ENTERPRISE FUNDS$16,612,15012.2%$18,134,620$18,134,6209.2%12.8%
GRAND TOTAL VOTED$ 135,260,83399.4%$ 141,338,332$ 141,338,3324.5%99.4%
Town of Reading 21 FY 2025 Budget
FY25 Revenue Allocation
State
1%
Capital &
Debt
6%
Benefits
18%
FINCOM
Reserves
Voke
0%
1%
Schools
Admin Svc
45%
2%
Technology
1%
Public Svc
Pub Safety
1%
12%
Finance
1%
Pub
FacilitiesPub LibraryWorks
3%2%6%
Town of Reading 22 FY 2025 Budget
Shared Costs
Shared costs are spending categories that invest in both school and town departments. The two
most significant components are Benefits (for school, town, and retired employees) and
Infrastructure (capital projects in the community, sometimes financed by debt payments).
Capital planning is assessed annually but projected over ten years and presented to Town
Meeting. Inflation and global supply chain issues have impacted our capital budget this
calendar year. The cost of utilities, particularly natural gas and electricity, has also greatly
impacted our FY25 budget.
Shared costs are shown below as a +2.3% increase in FY25. Details are available in the following
budget sections.
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Benefits$ 17,606,200$ 19,840,165$ 20,682,688$ 22,350,282 8.1%
Capital & Debt$ 8,056,101$ 7,343,343 $ 9,004,806$ 7,853,738-12.8%
FINCOM Reserves$ 200,000$ 200,000$ 200,000$ 200,000 0.0%
Vocational Schools$ 756,783$ 900,153$ 904,800$ 1,100,99221.7%
Total Shared Costs$ 26,619,085$ 28,283,661$ 30,792,294$ 31,505,012 2.3%
State Assessments*$ 736,131$ 794,720$ 799,555$ 857,013 7.2%
*not voted by Town Meeting (FY25 estimated)
Benefits
Health Insurance premiums dominate total spending in the benefits segment, and the rate of
annual increases has been below revenue growth for the past decade. Our insurance provider,
MIIA, has raised concerns regarding future health insurance costs, particularly given rising costs
to health providers. Retirement costs have grown at rates exceeding revenues and are
forecasted to continue in the years ahead. The OPEB portion of this expense is optional today
but may become required in the future.
Town of Reading 23 FY 2025 Budget
Benefits (Continued)
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Retirement$ 5,901,839$ 6,334,269 $ 6,530,000$ 7,408,65013.5%
Medicare$ 908,571$ 994,285$ 1,005,000$ 1,025,0002.0%
Heath & Life Insurance$ 10,256,254$ 11,797,425$ 12,547,688$ 13,256,632 5.6%
Worker Compensation$ 370,389$ 322,121$ 390,000$ 400,000 2.6%
111F Indemnification$ 143,771$ 272,931$ 135,000$ 140,000 3.7%
Unemployment$ 25,376$ 119,133$ 75,000$ 120,000 60.0%
Total Benefits$ 17,606,200$ 19,840,165$ 20,682,688$ 22,350,282 8.1%
Retirement
The Retirement Board voted a significant increase just before COVID-19 to hold the full pension
funding date to 2031. In the FY25 budget, the retirement assessment is funded at 8.3%;
however, the general fund's portion of the pension assessment is up 16.7%. In this budget, we
fund our OPEB contribution at $200,000, which is $300,000 less than the amount typically
funded annually. OPEB was reduced to increase health insurance as the rate of increase was
higher than expected. Once the pension is fully funded, sufficient funds are expected to be
diverted to fund the OPEB liability fully, and there will be a net balance available for the
operating budgets or other budget areas.
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Retirement Assessment$ 5,546,349$ 5,816,385 $ 6,160,000$ 7,168,65016.4%
OPEB Contributions$ 350,000$ 500,000$ 350,000$ 200,000 -42.9%
OBRA fees & Actuarial$ 5,490 $ 17,884 $ 20,000$ 40,000100.0%
Total Retirement$ 5,901,839$ 6,334,269 $ 6,530,000$ 7,408,65013.5%
Medicare
A nominal increase is needed for FY25, as shown below. The expense is directly related to the
Town and School payroll and increases for newer employees.
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Total Medicare$ 908,571$ 994,285$ 1,005,000$ 1,025,0002.0%
Town of Reading 24 FY 2025 Budget
Health & Life Insurance
The health and life insurance budget continues to perform well thanks to the successful
teamwork of Town leadership and employees. In FY25, we project an increase of 5.65% in the
health insurance budget line. We also see an 11% Pay and Class increase in the salary of our
Benefits/Financial Analyst, who has been an asset in managing this large budget. The figures
below include increases in premiums plus increases in enrollment.
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Benefits/Financial Analyst$ 64,681$ 66,710 $ 69,850$ 77,50011.0%
Health Insurance$ 10,044,892$ 11,547,818$ 12,252,838$ 12,934,132 5.6%
Opt Out Payments$ 117,807$ 153,500$ 150,000$ 170,000 13.3%
Payments to Other Towns$ -$ -$ 15,000$ 15,0000.0%
Professional Services$ -$ -$ 25,000$ 25,0000.0%
Life Insurance$ 28,873$ 29,398 $ 35,000$ 35,0000.0%
Total Health & Life Ins.$ 10,256,254$ 11,797,425$ 12,547,688$ 13,256,632 5.6%
Worker Compensation, Indemnification and Unemployment
Reading is widely recognized for our safety policies and practices, including our safety
committee, which is comprised of department heads and front-line employees of multiple
departments. In FY25, we have a modest 2.6% increase in our worker compensation line.
The FY25 budget has an increase of 3.7% in the indemnification costs for police and fire, given
the wide variability of this expense line.
Based on prior year actuals, our CFO forecasts a 60% increase in FY25 to the unemployment
line.
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Worker Compensation$ 370,389$ 322,121$ 390,000$ 400,000 2.6%
111f Retire. Pending Wages$ -$ 100,000$ -$ - 0.0%
111f Expenses$ 143,771$ 172,931$ 135,000$ 140,000 3.7%
Total 111f Indemnification$ 143,771$ 272,931$ 135,000$ 140,000 3.7%
Unemployment - Schools$ 21,845$ 52,069 $ 55,000$ 60,0009.1%
Unemployment - Town$ 111$ 66,209 $ 15,000$ 55,000266.7%
Professional Services$ 3,420 $ 855 $ 5,000 $ 5,0000.0%
Total Unemployment$ 25,376$ 119,133$ 75,000$ 120,000 60.0%
Town of Reading 25 FY 2025 Budget
FINCOM Reserves
The Finance Committee has an emergency reserve fund for unforeseen expenses. Typically,
funding requests during the fiscal year are brought to Town Meeting. However, there are
occasions when the matter is needed but sufficiently small that FINCOM can resolve the issue
without needing to resort to calling a Special Town Meeting. If the Reserves balance is too small
to fund an unforeseen expense. In that case, state law does allow a joint meeting of FINCOM
and the Select Board to authorize a transfer from another line with a surplus, but this approach
has only been used in Reading twice.
Regional Vocational Schools
Tuition for the primary vocational school Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocation High School
in Wakefield is established by the prior year's enrollment. However, we do not know their final
budget at Reading's Annual Town Meeting. Through school choice, students may enroll in two
other vocational schools, Minuteman and Essex North Vocational schools. Those tuitions are set
by actual attendance, which by state law is not confirmed until late fall during the school year.
The estimates for those costs are, therefore, much more variable we rarely know what our
current year costs are until later in the spring, despite our many inquiries.
The Wakefield school has received MSBA and regional voter approval for funding a new
building. Reading will be assessed at about $200,000 annually for 30-40 years, in addition to
tuition.
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
North East Regional$ 571,636$ 639,569$ 665,600$ 852,224 28.0%
Essex North$ 141,493$ 214,659$ 187,200$ 194,688 4.0%
Minuteman$ 43,654$ 45,925 $ 52,000$ 54,0804.0%
Total Vocational School$ 756,783$ 900,153$ 904,800$ 1,100,99221.7%
Town of Reading 26 FY 2025 Budget
State Assessments
Town Meeting does not vote on these charges; they are deducted from the town's State Aid
payments. The availability of federal monies has slowed the recent growth of the MBTA
Assessment.
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
MBTA$ 575,265$ 589,268$ 600,000$ 627,039 4.5%
School Choice$ 90,863$ 119,221$ 125,055$ 121,669 -2.7%
Charter School$ 31,687$ 49,839 $ 35,000$ 70,355101.0%
SPED Assessment$ 2,954 $ -$ -$ -
RMV, MAPC, Air Polltin$ 35,362$ 36,392 $ 39,500$ 37,950-3.9%
TOTAL$ 736,131$ 794,720$ 799,555$ 857,013 7.2%
Town of Reading 27 FY 2025 Budget
Town Budget by Department
FY25 Budgets
As seen in the next table, the Town Managers FY25 budget for Town departments shows a 4.5%
increase when compared to FY24.
Town MeetingTown Manager
DepartmentFY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChange
Administrative Services$ 2,462,627$ 2,607,732$ 2,806,675 $ 3,005,300 7.1%
Technology$ 924,365 $ 1,011,157$ 1,124,960 $ 1,166,500 3.7%
Public Services$ 1,440,114$ 1,494,842$ 1,750,100 $ 1,781,784 1.8%
Finance$ 921,195 $ 996,256 $ 1,134,400 $ 1,178,150 3.9%
Public Safety$ 12,648,343 $ 13,279,522 $ 14,033,626$ 14,611,4174.1%
Public Works$ 6,275,565$ 6,459,967$ 6,891,550 $ 7,136,378 3.6%
Library$ 1,853,268$ 1,973,654$ 2,105,025 $ 2,181,150 3.6%
Facilities$ 3,246,738$ 3,548,517$ 4,003,430 $ 4,327,210 8.1%
Town Departments Total$ 29,772,216 $ 31,371,649 $ 33,849,766$ 35,387,8894.5%
Wages
A large portion of the increases in the Department budgets are attributed to pay increases
outlined in bargaining agreements. The non-union staff will be receiving increases between
3.6% and 3.75%. This budget does not include any additional head count or new positions. The
total wage increase for all Town Employees is 4.2%.
Town of Reading 28 FY 2025 Budget
Wages (Continued)
Town MeetingTown Manager
DepartmentFY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChange
Administrative Services$ 1,161,121$ 1,145,954$ 1,223,975 $ 1,295,600 5.9%
Technology$ 423,300 $ 414,359 $ 494,600$ 511,8003.5%
Public Services$ 1,252,972$ 1,305,126$ 1,448,100 $ 1,479,684 2.2%
Finance$ 788,421 $ 867,502 $ 965,250$ 1,005,500 4.2%
Public Safety$ 12,038,659 $ 12,567,251 $ 13,282,475$ 13,886,4714.5%
Public Works$ 2,889,838$ 2,871,847$ 3,226,600 $ 3,349,700 3.8%
Library$ 1,486,906$ 1,574,204$ 1,698,150 $ 1,754,250 3.3%
Facilities$ 908,128 $ 920,789 $ 972,100$ 1,016,000 4.5%
Town Department Wages$ 20,949,345 $ 21,667,032 $ 23,311,250$ 24,299,0054.2%
Full Time Equivalents (FTEs)
The FY25 budget has no additional head count or new positions proposed.
Town MeetingTown Manager
DepartmentFY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChange
Administrative Services 12.6 12.6 12.5 12.5 0.0%
Technology 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.00.0%
Public Services 21.8 21.0 20.9 20.9 0.0%
Finance 11.8 11.9 11.9 11.9 0.0%
Public Safety 118.2 119.0 120.9 120.90.0%
Public Works 43.6 44.0 42.7 42.7 0.0%
Library 24.4 24.9 24.5 24.6 0.4%
Facilities 11.0 11.0 11.0 11.0 0.0%
Town Departments Total 248.4 249.4 249.4 249.50.1%
Town of Reading 29 FY 2025 Budget
Expenses
Most Department expenses are moderate and under the FinCom guidance of 4.0%. The
Administrative Services budget increases by 8.0% which is driven by the increased number of
elections. Library expenses increased by 4.9% due to an increase in library programs. Last but
certainly not least, is the large increase in our Facilities expense of 9.2%. The Facilities expense
budget carries utility costs for Town and Schools, which have seen a tremendous increase for
FY25, particularly related to the cost of Natural Gas.
Town MeetingTown Manager
DepartmentFY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChange
Administrative Services$ 1,301,506$ 1,461,778$ 1,582,700 $ 1,709,700 8.0%
Technology$ 501,065 $ 596,798 $ 630,360$ 654,7003.9%
Public Services$ 187,143 $ 189,717 $ 302,000$ 302,1000.0%
Finance$ 132,774 $ 128,755 $ 169,150$ 172,6502.1%
Public Safety$ 609,684 $ 712,271 $ 751,151$ 724,946-3.5%
Public Works$ 3,385,727$ 3,588,121$ 3,664,950 $ 3,786,678 3.3%
Library$ 366,362 $ 399,450 $ 406,875$ 426,9004.9%
Facilities$ 2,338,610$ 2,627,728$ 3,031,330 $ 3,311,210 9.2%
Town Department Expenses$ 8,822,871$ 9,704,617$ 10,538,516$ 11,088,8845.2%
Town of Reading 30 FY 2025 Budget
Administrative Services
Department Overview
The Administrative Services Department is designed to promote organizational efficiency and
communication. The Assistant Town Manager serves as the department head and fills the role
of Ombudsman an advocate for the public required by the Town Charter.
Administrative Services has five divisions: Operations, Human Resources, Town Clerk, Town
Managers Office, and Elections. Technology was an Administrative Services division in prior
years, but now is a stand-alone department. Administrative Services staff work collaboratively
with all departments throughout the town, including the School Department and RMLD. Some
organizational costs such as Law and Property/Casualty Insurance are centralized in the Town
Managers Office.
FY25 Budget Summary
As shown below, the Administrative Services FY25 budget is increasing by 7.1% overall driven
primarily by an increase in the number of elections, particularly the Presidential election, and
increases in property and casualty insurance (reflected in the accommodated costs budget line).
The elections budget impacts both expenses and salaries lines with increases in printing costs,
postage, and election workers.
There are no changes in staffing levels proposed for FY25 for the remaining divisions. Two part-
time positions are also being combined to form a full-time position in the Town Clerks Office.
Wage and Expense lines are shown separately both for informational purposes and because
those lines are voted by Town Meeting.
Department Highlights
In June the positions of Business Administrator and Procurement Officer were combined
into a new position, Director of Operations. An executive assistant was also hired to aid
in procurement, risk management, and communications. The impact of these personnel
changes was budget neutral.
Town of Reading 31 FY 2025 Budget
Other than increased costs for elections staffing, all other divisions salaries are level-
services funded. Increases in expenses are related to elections and property and casualty
insurance.
Town MeetingTown Manager
DivisionsFY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChangeChange
Operations$ 754,584 $ 731,177$ 760,250 $ 798,200$ 37,9505.0%
Human Resources$ 203,506 $ 206,549$ 245,275 $ 252,400$ 7,1252.9%
Town Manager Office$ 1,288,159$ 1,414,129$ 1,573,200$ 1,671,200 $ 98,0006.2%
Town Clerk Office$ 161,343 $ 165,262$ 172,050 $ 179,100$ 7,0504.1%
Elections$ 55,035$ 90,615$ 55,900$ 104,400$ 48,50086.8%
Department Total$ 2,462,627$ 2,607,732$ 2,806,675$ 3,005,300 $ 198,625 7.1%
Line G91 FY25 Administrative Services Wages
Town MeetingTown Manager
Administrative ServicesFY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChangeChange
Operations$ 613,137 $ 560,650$ 600,250 $ 619,700$ 19,4503.2%
Human Resources$ 151,474 $ 164,510$ 206,275 $ 213,400$ 7,1253.5%
Town Manager Office$ 219,529 $ 203,985$ 230,000 $ 238,000$ 8,0003.5%
Town Clerk Office$ 156,783 $ 162,356$ 167,050 $ 174,100$ 7,0504.2%
Elections$ 20,198$ 54,454$ 20,400$ 50,400 $ 30,000147.1%
Department Wages$ 1,161,121$ 1,145,954$ 1,223,975$ 1,295,600 $ 71,6255.9%
Line G92 FY25 Administrative Services Expenses
Town MeetingTown Manager
Administrative ServicesFY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChangeChange
Operations$ 141,447 $ 170,526$ 160,000 $ 178,500$ 18,50011.6%
Human Resources$ 52,032$ 42,039$ 39,000$ 39,000 $ - 0.0%
Town Manager Office$ 1,068,630$ 1,210,145$ 1,343,200$ 1,433,200 $ 90,0006.7%
Town Clerk Office$ 4,561$ 2,906 $ 5,000$ 5,000$ - 0.0%
Elections$ 34,837$ 36,161$ 35,500$ 54,000 $ 18,50052.1%
Department Expenses$ 1,301,506$ 1,461,778$ 1,582,700$ 1,709,700 $ 127,000 8.0%
Town of Reading 32 FY 2025 Budget
Operations Division
Division Overview
This division includes the department head, Director of Operations, Executive Assistant
Operations, and support staff shared with the Administrative Services Department. Operations is
the centralized location for town-wide procurement, risk management, communications, and
constituent services. Postage is also centralized in this division, as well as equipment
maintenance.
Division Activities
In June 2023 the division consolidated the Business Administrator duties with the Procurement
Officer duties into the new role of Director of Operations. An Executive Assistant was hired to
help manage communications, risk and procurement work and obtain the Massachusetts
Certified Public Procurement Officer (MCPPO) designation. Operations offers all online-bidding
services, contract management, and issued 38 procurement bids or RFP/RFQ in FY23. FY24 is on
track to exceed that number. The division manages risk by working closely with all departments
through the Safety Committee and our insurance company, the Massachusetts Interlocal
Insurance Association (MIIA). Operations manages communications and community
CodeRED alert and SeeClickFix, with the Director also service as Public Information Officer.
Following the creation and launch of an award-winning website redesign in FY23 and
Cyberliability projects, FY24 is focused on maintaining and improving content on the website,
on the Killam School Building Committee, Reading Center for Active Living (RECALC) and
Symonds Way Exploratory Committee (SWEC) designer procurements.
FY25 Budget Summary
Support staff for the Town Clerk and Human Resources as well as overtime for evening meetings
are contained in this budget. Multifunction devices (copiers) across all town departments are
supported by this division.
Town of Reading 33 FY 2025 Budget
In FY25,the Operations salary line item is increasing 3.2% overall, in part because the
Administrative Services Director is now the Assistant Town Manager and the salary is split
between this division and Public Services. Expenses are increasing due to the Presidential
election, with costs rising in election workers, printing, and particularly postage. Some of these
costs are reimbursable, but we budget them fully for transparency.
Though included in Accommodated Costs, property and casualty insurance is currently
projected to increase 10% in FY25.
Town MeetingTown Manager
OperationsFY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChangeChange
Assistant Town Manager$ 116,866 $ 101,407$ 71,900$ 74,600 $ 2,7000.0%
Director of Operations$ 91,010$ 94,995$ 116,350 $ 120,300$ 3,9503.4%
Procurement Officer$ 82,731$ 68,938$ - $ -$ - 0.0%
Support Staff$ 258,968 $ 272,134$ 397,000 $ 409,800$ 12,8003.2%
Overtime$ 9,576$ 13,682$ 15,000$ 15,000 $ - 0.0%
Buyback$ 53,986$ 9,494 $ - $ -$ - 0.0%
Division Wages$ 613,137 $ 560,650$ 600,250 $ 619,700$ 19,4503.2%
Postage$ 83,661$ 102,050$ 87,500$ 105,500$ 18,00020.6%
Copier Leases & Supplies$ 39,847$ 41,526$ 45,000$ 45,000 $ - 0.0%
Professional Development$ 10,282$ 11,859$ 18,000$ 18,000 $ - 0.0%
Supplies. Repairs,Other$ 7,657$ 15,091$ 9,500$ 10,000 $ 5005.3%
Division Expenses$ 141,447 $ 170,526$ 160,000 $ 178,500$ 18,50011.6%
Town of Reading 34 FY 2025 Budget
Human Resources Division
Division Overview
The HR division provides support to the Town (Town Manager); to the Schools (Superintendent);
to the Light Department (General Manager) and to all Retirees (in conjunction with the
independent Retirement Board and the Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System).
Collaboration with the Finance Department occurs daily. The division reports directly to the
Town Manager.
Division Activities
The division continues to provide excellent customer service for benefits and other inquiries to
all employees of the Town, Schools, RMLD, and retirees. In addition, staff works hard to partner
with Department Heads in the recruitment of the organizations talent. During FY24, the division
worked alongside the Town Manager in negotiating new contracts for the Towns unions. The
division also worked to update the military leave language in the Towns personnel policy to
allow for better benefits to our military staff. In an effort to modernize our onboarding
procedures, the division is working with the Technology department to convert Readings
employment application process to an online format. With the departure of the current Town
Manager, the division is eager to work alongside his successor to provide a seamless transition.
FY25 Budget Summary
In FY25, we are requesting level funding for all expense line items. In the future, there may be a
request to increase the advertising expense line as hiring for positions becomes increasingly
difficult and requires multiple attempts.
As in previous years, employee retention and attraction remain a top goal. As we look to the
future, we remain attentive in adapting to the times so Reading remains a relevant and desirable
place to have a career.
Town of Reading 35 FY 2025 Budget
FY25 Budget Summary (Continued)
Town MeetingTown Manager
Human ResourcesFY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChangeChange
HR Director$ 85,752$ 91,240$ 114,725 $ 119,200$ 4,4753.9%
HR Assistant Director$ - $ -$ 91,550$ 94,200 $ 2,6502.9%
HR Generalist$ 65,722$ 73,270$ - $ -$ - 0.0%
Buyback$ - $ -$ - $ -$ - 0.0%
Division Wages$ 151,474 $ 164,510$ 206,275 $ 213,400$ 7,1253.5%
Prof/Tech Services$ 24,727$ 519$ 6,500$ 6,500$ - 0.0%
Advertising$ 4,345$ 6,923 $ 5,000$ 5,000$ - 0.0%
Employee Physicals$ 18,087$ 23,967$ 18,500$ 18,500 $ - 0.0%
DOT Certifications$ 4,873$ 3,520 $ 4,000$ 4,000$ - 0.0%
Training Initiatives$ - $ 7,110 $ 5,000$ 5,000$ - 0.0%
Division Expenses$ 52,032$ 42,039$ 39,000$ 39,000 $ - 0.0%
Town of Reading 36 FY 2025 Budget
Town Clerk /Elections Division
Division Overview
The Town Clerk is guided by federal, state. and local laws, as well as policies in overseeing
elections, voter registration, the census process, Town Meeting, and local licenses, as well as
historic and legal documents for the Town. The Town Clerks Office is responsible for providing
reliable and efficient service to the public, while keeping and preserving all public records and
historical documents for current and future residents.
Division Activities
The Town Clerk /Elections Division is involved in a vast number of activities. This list is a limited
example of what is happening within the office throughout the year.
Centralized Document Storage for Town and Schools
Licensing
Maintain and track Open Meeting Law requirements
Primary Public Records Requests Access Officer
Reporting Requirements
State, Local and Special Election Administration
Town and Federal Census
Town Meetings
Vital Records Management
Voter Registration Maintenance and Processing
FY25 Budget Summary
There is an increase in the elections line items this fiscal year due to the number of elections as
well as a presidential election. This line item changes every year depending on the number of
elections scheduled.
Town of Reading 37 FY 2025 Budget
FY25 Budget Town Clerks Wages and Expenses
Town MeetingTown Manager
Town Clerk's OfficeFY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChangeChange
Town Clerk$ 93,168$ 96,116$ 100,400 $ 104,100$ 3,7003.7%
Assistant Town Clerk$ 62,386$ 63,300$ 66,650$ 69,000 $ 2,3503.5%
Town Clerk Stipend$ - $ -$ - $ 1,000$ -
Buyback$ 1,229$ 2,940 $ - $ -$ - 0.0%
Division Wages$ 156,783 $ 162,356$ 167,050 $ 174,100$ 7,0504.2%
Prof/Tech Services$ 4,561$ 2,906 $ 5,000$ 5,000$ - 0.0%
Division Expenses$ 4,561$ 2,906 $ 5,000$ 5,000$ - 0.0%
FY25 Budget Elections Wages and Expenses
Town MeetingTown Manager
ElectionsFY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChangeChange
Election Workers$ 17,771$ 71,300$ 20,000$ 50,000 $ 30,000150.0%
Registrars$ 2,427$ 2,072 $ 2,500$ 2,500$ - 0.0%
Town Meeting Monitor$ - $ 1,225 $ 1,500$ 1,500$ - 0.0%
State Grant support$ - $ (20,143) $ (3,600) $ (3,600)$ - 100.0%
Division Wages$ 20,198$ 54,454$ 20,400$ 50,400 $ 30,000147.1%
Elections expenses$ 26,963$ 25,732$ 21,500$ 37,000 $ 15,50072.1%
Census expenses$ 6,392$ 6,198 $ 12,000$ 15,000 $ 3,00025.0%
Town Meeting expenses$ 1,482$ 4,231 $ 2,000$ 2,000$ - 0.0%
Division Expenses$ 34,837$ 36,161$ 35,500$ 54,000 $ 18,50052.1%
Town of Reading 38 FY 2025 Budget
Division Overview
Under the Reading Home Rule Charter, the Town Manager is appointed by the Select Board for
the efficient administration of all functions placed under his control. The Town Manager serves
as the Chief Procurement Officer and has certain fiduciary responsibilities over the Town,
School, and Light Departments.
Town Managers Office includes centralized costs such as Legal and Property/Casualty
Insurance, as well as some costs associated with the elected Select Board and appointed
Finance Committee.
Division Activities
Maintain oversight of all typical annual Town operational activities.
Supervise Town capital projects and change schedules.
Oversee budget and financial long-term planning.
Oversee administrative functions as directed by the Select Board and Finance
Committee.
FY25 Budget Summary
The Town Manager wages are set by contract. At the time of writing this summary, the Town is
in transition and in the process of selecting a new Town Manager. The salary used in this budget
is based on the previous Town Managers contract. Property/casualty insurance expenses are
driven higher by complexities brought on by the pandemic and will remain at those levels for a
while. Legal expenses continue to be difficult to predict, as complex and time-consuming issues
come before the Select Board. In FY2023, the Select Board rolled out a new process to provide
more funding to volunteer boards. Annually, the volunteer boards come before the Select Board
with project ideas and funding requests that are voted in open session. While not perfect, this
process provides for a more inclusive and transparent way to fund our critical volunteer boards.
For FY2024, the Select Board requested an increase of this reserve fund allocation for a total of
$20,000. For FY2025, this reserve remains at $20,000. The Town Manager Reserves have been
increased to $20,000; this line has been instrumental in funding community events in the Town
Town of Reading 39 FY 2025 Budget
Common, particularly in the summer months. The Cultural Council line is continued because of
their long-lead time to give out grants.
Town MeetingTown Manager
Town Manager's OfficeFY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChangeChange
Town Manager$ 219,529 $ 203,985$ 230,000 $ 238,000$ 8,0003.5%
Division Wages$ 219,529 $ 203,985$ 230,000 $ 238,000$ 8,0003.5%
P&C Insurance$ 664,463 $ 849,898$ 897,000 $ 986,700$ 89,70010.0%
Town Cousel$ 277,941 $ 208,619$ 285,000 $ 285,000$ - 0.0%
Other legal$ 38,330$ 45,014$ 40,000$ 40,000 $ - 0.0%
Town Mgr Reserves$ 16,519$ 14,400$ 20,000$ 20,000 $ - 0.0%
Town Mgr other$ - $ -$ - $ -$ - 0.0%
Cultural Council$ 8,000$ 8,000 $ 8,000$ 8,000$ - 0.0%
Select Board$ 2,595$ 16,928$ 22,600$ 22,900 $ 3001.3%
Finance Committee$ 60,780$ 67,286$ 70,600$ 70,600 $ - 0.0%
Division Expenses$ 1,068,630$ 1,210,145$ 1,343,200$ 1,433,200 $ 90,0006.7%
Town of Reading 40 FY 2025 Budget
Technology
Department Overview
The Town of Reading Technology Department provides centralized network and
telecommunications services, as well as distributed internet, audio/video, software, personal
computer support and geographic information systems (GIS) mapping. The department
coordinates many technology activities with both the School and Light Departments, as well as
with other communities to support regionalization agreements.
Department Activities
The technology department continued to work with the various town departments to adapt the
services and solutions provided as the needs of the town departments continued to evolve. This
year we completed the installation of a replacement virtualized infrastructure, which was last
done over 7 years ago. We migrated our mobile devices to a more reliable solution and
upgraded the physical devices in the process. There were security, performance, and reliability
enhancements made this year, with more planned for next fiscal year. The department also
assisted with the technology pieces necessary for projects managed by other town
departments, most notably assisting with the public safety radio system changes needed during
the water tower construction project.
FY25 Budget Summary
The technology department is asking to increase its budget compared to last year. The overall
increase is 3.7%, and there are a few reasons for this increase. Subscription costs for hosted
solutions, and software license renewals have increased without exception. Additionally, a shift
from historically selfhosted to vendor hosted licenses has resulted in higher costs. There is no
single reason driving this change, but typically the need to access information while not on the
towns network, or the ability to collaborate and share information with those that are not town
employees, are responsible.
Town of Reading 41 FY 2025 Budget
FY25 Budget Summary (Continued)
Town MeetingTown Manager
TechnologyFY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChange
Chief Technology Officer$ 122,598 $ 124,072$ 142,350 $ 147,7003.8%
GIS Administrator$ 72,840$ 87,068$ 92,700$ 96,000 3.6%
Software Training Coord.$ 73,745$ 76,070$ 82,550$ 95,500 15.7%
Computer Technicians$ 138,633 $ 89,254$ 152,000 $ 157,6003.7%
Technology Overtime$ 9,244$ 19,875$ 25,000$ 15,000 -40.0%
Buyback$ 6,239$ 18,020$ - $ -
Division Wages$ 423,300 $ 414,359$ 494,600 $ 511,8003.5%
Landlines & Wireless Phones$ 114,638 $ 112,520$ 118,000 $ 115,000-2.5%
Professional Services$ 16,550$ 16,813$ 54,000$ 34,000 -37.0%
Technical Licenses/Support$ 77,369$ 125,612$ 66,000$ 109,00065.2%
Parts, Supplies. Other$ 23,665$ 30,817$ 44,000$ 39,000 -11.4%
PC Hardware$ 1,880$ 10,675$ 33,860$ 34,000 0.4%
Network Hardware$ 5,333$ 2,172 $ 15,000$ 10,000 -33.3%
Parts&Equipment$ 239,435 $ 298,610$ 330,860 $ 341,0003.1%
Financial software$ 100,871 $ 111,540$ 111,300 $ 113,4001.9%
Public Safety software$ 55,961$ 57,214$ 59,300$ 61,300 3.4%
Permits & Lic. software$ 36,301$ 49,908$ 45,000$ 51,000 13.3%
GIS Mapping software$ 15,783$ 18,090$ 17,000$ 18,000 5.9%
Document storage$ 13,611$ 13,611$ 15,000$ 15,000 0.0%
Facilities Work Order$ 19,610$ 20,786$ 22,000$ 23,000 4.5%
Website & Communication$ 5,789$ 12,735$ 13,300$ 15,100 13.5%
Assessor software$ 9,625$ 10,025$ 12,000$ 12,000 0.0%
Other software$ 4,080$ 4,278 $ 4,600$ 4,9006.5%
Software Licenses$ 261,630 $ 298,188$ 299,500 $ 313,7004.7%
Department Expenses$ 501,065 $ 596,798$ 630,360 $ 654,7003.9%
Department Total$ 924,365 $ 1,011,157$ 1,124,960$ 1,166,500 3.7%
Town of Reading 42 FY 2025 Budget
Public Services
Department Overview
The Public Services Department (PSD) provides a wide range of services to the community and
is divided into Administration, Community Services and Community Development. Community
Services includes Elder/Human Services, Recreation and Veterans Services; Community
Development includes Planning & Economic Development, Inspections, Conservation and
Historical. The department head is the Assistant Town Manager and the salary budget is shared
between Public Services and Administrative Services.
FY25 Budget Summary
As shown below, the PSD FY25 total budget is increasing by just 1.8%. Salaries are increasing
2.2%, driven largely by only half of the department heads salary being attributed to the Public
Services budget. The rest of the salary can be found in the Administrative Services budget which
now falls under the same department head, the Assistant Town Manager. Expenses for FY25 are
entirely level funded with a 0% increase.
Town MeetingTown Manager
DivisionsFY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChangeChange
Administration$ 350,016 $ 354,420$ 292,950 $ 302,800$ 9,8503.4%
Community Services$ 547,369 $ 547,476$ 794,800 $ 791,484$ (3,316)-0.4%
Community Development$ 542,730 $ 592,947$ 662,350 $ 687,500$ 25,150 3.8%
Department Total$ 1,440,114$ 1,494,842$ 1,750,100$ 1,781,784 $ 31,684 1.8%
Line H91 - FY25 Public Services Wages
Town MeetingTown Manager
DivisionsFY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChangeChange
Administration$ 308,470 $ 315,485$ 247,950 $ 257,700$ 9,7503.9%
Community Services$ 405,446 $ 452,187$ 597,800 $ 594,484$ (3,316)-0.6%
Community Development$ 539,056 $ 537,454$ 602,350 $ 627,500$ 25,150 4.2%
Department Wages$ 1,252,972$ 1,305,126$ 1,448,100$ 1,479,684 $ 31,584 2.2%
Town of Reading 43 FY 2025 Budget
Line H92 - FY25 Public Services Expenses
Town MeetingTown Manager
DivisionsFY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChangeChange
Administration$ 41,546$ 38,935$ 45,000$ 45,100 $ 100 0.2%
Community Services$ 141,923 $ 95,288$ 197,000 $ 197,000$ -0.0%
Community Development$ 3,674$ 55,493$ 60,000$ 60,000 $ -0.0%
Department Expenses$ 187,143 $ 189,717$ 302,000 $ 302,100$ 100 0.0%
Town of Reading 44 FY 2025 Budget
Community Development
Overview
Community Development includes the following divisions Planning Development, Inspections,
Conservation, and Historic.
Community Development staff remain busy working with many community and regional
partners and with the State on a wide range of projects including those related to commercial
development, affordable housing, sustainability, historic preservation, and more.
Plan reviews and project implementation require time, funding, and effort from a variety of staff.
Staff members have identified numerous grant opportunities, helped apply for grants, and
manage received grant awards to promote desired development and placemaking while saving
on related expenses. Though important to note that many grants may require monetary match
components and/or in-kind contributions such as staff hours.
FY25 Budget Summary
For example, Planning and Economic Development staff submitted and received a grant for a
local Arts & Culture Master Plan. This effort will help support existing and new community-based
organizations, provide additional support for community placemaking/programming, and
identify paths for a potential future Community Arts Center.
Sustainability initiatives have been a new key focus of the department. Staff continues to pursue
Green Communities designation; sought and procured grants for a local Net Zero Action Plan;
and have maintained Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness designation and grant awards to
mitigate climate impacts. More is detailed in the accompanying division summaries.
Town of Reading 45 FY 2025 Budget
FY25 Budget Summary (Continued)
Town MeetingTown Manager
Community DevelopmentFY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChangeChange
Community Devel Director$ 87,325$ 119,620$ 100,050 $ 106,700$ 6,6506.6%
Planning & Econ Devel$ 156,149 $ 101,800$ 159,300 $ 164,900$ 5,6003.5%
Inspections$ 223,563 $ 238,590$ 260,350 $ 270,200$ 9,8503.8%
Conservation$ 72,020$ 77,443$ 82,650$ 85,700 $ 3,0503.7%
Historic$ - $ -$ - $ -$ -0.0%
Comm Development Wages$ 539,056 $ 537,454$ 602,350 $ 627,500$ 25,150 4.2%
Planning Staff$ 60,028$ 23,576$ 80,850$ 83,700 $ (0) 3.5%
Permits Coordinator$ 69,524$ 73,470$ 78,450$ 81,200 $ (0) 3.5%
Regl Affordable Hsng Coord$ 50,182$ -$ - $ -$ 00.0%
Econ Devel Staff$ 95,013$ 82,631$ 99,850$ 98,700 $ 0-1.2%
Overtime$ 1,402$ -$ - $ -$ -0.0%
Offsets$ (120,000)$ (82,631) $ (99,850)$ (98,700)$ --1.2%
Buybacks$ - $ 4,754 $ - $ -$ 00.0%
Planning/Ec Dev Wages$ 156,149 $ 101,800$ 159,300 $ 164,900$ 5,6003.5%
Bulding Inspectors$ 194,517 $ 203,916$ 228,150 $ 235,000$ 6,8503.0%
Elec/Plumbing Insp$ 79,046$ 84,674$ 82,200$ 85,200 $ 3,0003.6%
Offsets$ (50,000)$ (50,000) $ (50,000)$ (50,000)$ -0.0%
Buybacks$ - $ -$ - $ -$ -0.0%
Inspections Wages$ 223,563 $ 238,590$ 260,350 $ 270,200$ 9,8503.8%
Conservation Administrator$ 74,020$ 79,443$ 84,650$ 87,700 $ 3,0503.6%
Offsets$ (2,000) $ (2,000)$ (2,000) $ (2,000)$ -0.0%
Buybacks$ - $ -$ - $ -$ -0.0%
Conservation Wages$ 72,020$ 77,443$ 82,650$ 85,700 $ 3,0503.7%
Town MeetingTown Manager
Community DevelopmentFY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChangeChange
Planning & Econ Devel$ 2,818$ 55,493$ 60,000$ 60,000 $ -0.0%
Inspections$ - $ -$ - $ -$ -0.0%
Conservation$ - $ -$ - $ -$ -0.0%
Historic$ 856$ -$ - $ -$ -0.0%
Comm Development Expenses$ 3,674$ 55,493$ 60,000$ 60,000 $ -0.0%
Regl Afford Housing$ 94$ 75,000$ 75,000$ 75,000 $ -0.0%
Econ Development$ 22,724$ 15,493$ 20,000$ 20,000 $ -0.0%
Offsets$ (20,000)$ (35,000) $ (35,000)$ (35,000)$ -0.0%
Planning & Econ Devel$ 2,818$ 55,493$ 60,000$ 60,000 $ -0.0%
Town of Reading 46 FY 2025 Budget
Planning Division
Planning Division Overview
The Planning Division provides technical services to the Town and the relevant land use boards.
Several long-range plans regarding economic development, transportation, housing,
sustainability, and other aspects of land use serve as a guide for planning staff in helping to
achieve stated goals for the Town. Planning processes aid civic leaders, businesses, and citizens
in envisioning and implementing possibilities for the future. In addition to long-range planning,
planning staff also develop action plans aimed at providing solutions to current community
problems and at addressing daily needs. They also support a variety of permitting and
development projects and guide Applicants through pre-permitting to occupancy.
Planning Division Activities
Development Administration:
Downtown: 531 Main St, 18 Woburn Street, 6-16 Chute Street, 459 Main Street,
25 Haven Street.
South Main St: Mixed-use redevelopment at 258 Main St.
Subdivisions: Grandview Road Major Modification, Annette Lane, Harold Avenue,
Beacon Street
Town Projects: Birch Meadow Improvements, Grove Street
Other: Minor Site Plan Reviews, Sign Permit Applications, Support towards other
committees (SWEC, etc.)
Zoning Bylaw Amendments: Working on zoning amendment needs related to the MBTA
Communities legislation; grant awards and other management related. Future
amendments may include modernizing the Zoning Map, Use Table and Use Definitions;
Industrial District updates; aligning the Floodplain Overlay District with NFIP model
bylaw.
Subsidized Housing Inventory: Staff working with EOHLC to ensure that permitted units
stay on SHI and that the Town maintains 10%.
Housing Production Plan: Staff and consultant led process to update the Housing
Production Plan. Public engagement and plan review led and final plan certified in
February 2023.
Hazard Mitigation Plan: Grant award for staff and consultant led process to update the
local Hazard Mitigation Plan to conform to FEMA requirements.
Town of Reading 47 FY 2025 Budget
MNRHSO: The Metro North Regional Housing Services Office, served by 5 communities
including Reading. Anser Advisory is the consultant and helps the Town on
programming, research, and resident support.
Bicycle and Multi-modal travel: Staff reviewing further need for transit-oriented
development and support through use of annual TNC funds. Considerations of a new
bike and ped plan are ongoing for 2024.
Streetscape Project & Municipal Lot Redesign: Staff have been working with Engineering
on scope, funding, design concepts, and consultant coordination for the Phase II
Streetscape Project (Lower Haven & High), and a redesign of the Upper Haven parking
lot behind CVS. Public engagement on the effort is expected in 2024.
Green Communities Designation: Staff previously worked with MAPC to successfully
complete criteria needed for Green Communities Designation; an application for
designation was submitted to DOER in December 2021. Upon submission it was found
new legislation language is needed and such is underway. The Town will look to reapply
for designation in late 2023.
Net Zero Plan: Staff applied for Community Compact grant funding to support a local Net
Zero Plan initiative and development in order to align with State energy
goals/requirements. Also applied for and received MAPC Technical Assistance Program
(TAP) funding to further support the upcoming effort.
Eastern Gateway: Partnering with Economic Development for ongoing analysis of
redevelopment potential, infrastructure needs, and constraints, with some conceptual
design work by consultants (i.e., Gamble Associates).
Walkers Brook Drive Corridor Study: Partnering with Economic Development for the
Housing Choice Initiative grant work for further survey and conceptual design
improvements for the Walkers Brook Drive corridor and intersections. This builds upon
previous efforts in the area.
Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP): Staff worked with consultant to be
designated an MVP community in fall 2020, which unlocked further grant opportunities.
Staff applied for and were awarded $2.1 million for the Maillet, Sommes, Morgan wetland
project and are continuing the effort towards completion of the project. The MVP 2.0
Process will also kick-off in 2024.
Community Garden: Staff applied for MAPC Accelerating Climate Resilience (ACR) grant
to fund Phase II of the Mattera Community Garden. Such was awarded and the project
will be completed before the 2024 planting season.
CPA Adoption: Pursuing engagement and education around Community Preservation
Act.
Other: Oakland Road feasibility grant writing; Affordable Housing Trust Fund and RHA
partnering; Climate Advisory initiatives (PACE, Polystyrene, etc.)
Town of Reading 48 FY 2025 Budget
Economic Development Division
Economic Development Division Overview
The Economic Development Division provides professional, technical work advancing the
Towns economic development activities and goals to generate revenue for the Town. The Town
does this through streamlined permitting, policy updates, business resources and incentives,
and proactive implementation the Towns Economic Development Action Plan. Our approach
is to 1) keep downtown vital, 2) preserve what is important, 3) be queued up for opportunities.
Readings Economic Development Action Plan is available on the Towns website.
Economic Development Division Activities
Grants Received (2023-2024)
$25,000 Massachusetts Downtown Initiative (MDI) Arts and Culture Master Plan to
invigorate our arts and culture community and identify new opportunities across Town
for placemaking and cultural programming.
$100,000 Community Planning Grant to evaluate zoning and infrastructure needs to
unlock potential and desired development around the Eastern Gateway/Industrial
Zoning District.
$2,000,000+ Massworks Infrastructure Grant to support the lower downtown
streetscape improvements.
State Earmarks Received by Reading (2022)
$100,000 Continuing Implementation of Placemaking and the Local Rapid Recovery
Plan within Readings Downtown
o $10,000 utilized for continuing the stewardship of the potential Business
Improvement District (BID).
o $10,000 utilized for new Storefront Improvement Program, which will assist
property owners in enhancing storefronts, accessibility, energy efficiency and
other.
Economic Development Initiatives: In addition to the above project management the
following initiatives are also included in the division workflow:
Continuing efforts of Downtown Parking Management and Kiosk installation
Town of Reading 49 FY 2025 Budget
Economic Development Summit The Division organized and hosted its 7th Annual
Economic Development Summit. The Economic Development Director will begin
planning for the next Economic Development Summit for the Fall of 2024 as needed.
The Town will plan to host special events on the Reading Town Common and establish
desirable and attractive uses at these events. The Town will also collaborate with the
Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club and others to assist in stewarding Winterfest,
the Fall Street Fair, and other public events meant to promote downtown activity.
Bistro Table and Amenities Program Continue to implement passive infrastructure that
supports the downtown businesses such as Outdoor Bistro Tables, Town Common
seating, and Pocket Parks.
Business Openings and Support (2023) Supporting services to new and existing
businesses such as signage applications; building improvements; permitting needs; etc.
CPA Adoption pursuing engagement and education around Community Preservation
Act.
Town of Reading 50 FY 2025 Budget
Inspections Division
Inspections Division Overview
A full-time Building Commissioner and three part-time building inspectors (each retired as
Building Commissioner from another community and collectively bring 60+ years of expertise
to Reading), plus two part-time highly credentialed Plumbing/Gas and Electrical Inspectors
round out the team.
Inspections Division Activities
All Inspectors work collaboratively on projects to assure Town and State requirements are met.
The Building Commissioner works closely with the Planning Division and Zoning Board of
Appeals admin staff to assure proposals conform to the Zoning Bylaw. The Permits Coordinator
helps manage the online permitting software, which also requires training staff and guiding
Applicants. Building and Permitting staff provides data and support on zoning amendments,
state designations (i.e. Housing Choice Initiative data), long-term plan initiatives (i.e. Housing
Production Plan data), and land use applications (Home Business Certificates, etc.).
Town of Reading 51 FY 2025 Budget
Conservation Division
Division Overview
The Conservation Division is responsible for protecting Readings streams and wetlands and
providing staff and technical services support to the Reading Conservation Commission.
Principal duties include enforcement and administration of Massachusetts Wetland Protection
Act M.G.L. Chapter 131, Section 40 and the Reading Wetland Protection General Bylaw Section
7.1. The Commission manages over 989 acres of Town-owned conservation land and monitors
conservation easements and restrictions.
Division Activities
Conservation Division Activities include: managing and reviewing development projects such
as subdivisions, site plans, and residential improvements that are located within protected
areas; implementing recommendations of the 2022-23 Open Space and Recreation Plan;
support on MVP Action Grant applications and development; overseeing the DCR Trail grants;
opening up inaccessible land and developing new trail systems through partnership with private
development; providing staff leadership on the Mattera Cabin Community Garden initiative;
assistance with Town Forest projects and Trail Committee projects; conducting outreach and
education regarding the Town's natural resources and watersheds; and working with
community organizations to complete service projects on public land.
Town of Reading 52 FY 2025 Budget
Historic Division
Historic Division Overview
The Historical Committees are primarily self-managed by volunteers with assistance from
department staff as needed. The Historical Commission (RHC) oversees historic preservation
including the demolition delay bylaw. They also provide input on applications within Scenic
Roads of South Street and Walnut Street. The Historic District Commission (HDC) has a
regulatory role over properties within the local historic districts (West St & Summer Ave).
Considerations for regulation amendments and improvements are ongoing for 2024.
Historic Division Activities
The HDC met 10 times which was on an as-needed basis. The RHC met 13 times to review
applications. Supporting information is also provided to the Community Planning and
Development Commission (CPDC) for relevant applications.
Town of Reading 53 FY 2025 Budget
Community Services
Community Services Overview
Community Services includes:
Recreation (REC)
Elder/Human Services (EHS)
Veterans Services Office (VSO)
FY25 Budget Summary
Community Services is dedicated to offering services, support and programming to all
individuals in the Town of Reading.
Recreation continues to grow existing and new programming, garnering over 5,000
registrations since January of this year. In last years budget, we asked for our Recreation
Coordinator to be full-time instead of part-time through the ARPA funding. The Recreation
Coordinator assists with additional programming at night and on the weekends for adults,
including seniors as well as coordinates several intergenerational opportunities throughout the
year. In FY25 we are asking for the ARPA funds to continue to support this position.
Elder & Human Services continues to thrive with their programming initiatives. ARPA funding
has allowed our team to drastically increase the number and quality of programs. In last years
budget, we asked that the Senior Coordinator be moved to full-time and be offset by the ARPA
funding grant. The intention was to also use ARPA funding for a part-time Volunteer Coordinator
which will be starting in December. In FY25 we are asking for the ARPA funds to continue to
support the Senior Coordinator position and the Volunteer Coordinator position.
Veterans Services continues to be a safe-place for many of our Veterans. The Veterans
Services Officer offers Scuttlebutt once a month for Reading Veterans typically at the Senior
Center but also has coordinated a few off-site trips which are well liked and attended.
Ceremonies on Memorial Day and Veterans Day have also seen good attendance. We are
hoping to ask for a part-time Administrative Assistant in the future for Veterans Services. Our
VSO needs more assistance with scheduling and claims so more outreach can be done to find
veterans who are in need and entitled to benefits.
Town of Reading 54 FY 2025 Budget
FY25 Budget Summary (Continued)
Town MeetingTown Manager
Community ServicesFY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChangeChange
Community Svcs Director$ 94,683$ 89,830$ 97,950$ 106,700$ 8,7508.9%
Elder/Human Services$ 198,245 $ 214,949$ 306,550 $ 284,884$ (21,666)-7.1%
Recreation$ 111,309 $ 83,863$ 125,500 $ 132,700$ 7,2005.7%
Veteran's Services$ 1,209$ 63,545$ 67,800$ 70,200 $ 2,4003.5%
Comm Services Wages$ 405,446 $ 452,187$ 597,800 $ 594,484$ (3,316)-0.6%
Elder/Human Svcs Administrator$ 71,625$ 81,710$ 79,175$ 82,000 $ 2,8253.6%
Senior Center Coordinator$ 11,797$ 35,378$ 57,650$ 58,300 $ 650 1.1%
Elder/Human Svcs Clerk$ - $ -$ 47,000$ 48,600 $ 1,6003.4%
Van Drivers$ 49,680$ 52,358$ 77,200$ 78,100 $ 900 1.2%
Nurse Advocate$ 71,185$ 73,567$ 76,650$ 79,400 $ 2,7503.6%
Senior Case Manager$ 58,037$ 59,860$ 63,700$ 66,000 $ 2,3003.6%
Overtime$ 313$ -$ 1,000$ 1,000$ -0.0%
Buyback$ 1,057$ -$ - $ -$ -0.0%
Grants/Offsets$ (65,448)$ (87,924) $ (95,825)$ (128,516) $ (32,691)34.1%
Elder/Human Service Wages$ 198,245 $ 214,949$ 306,550 $ 284,884$ (21,666)-7.1%
Recreation Administrator$ 67,836$ 58,441$ 87,100$ 91,900 $ 4,8005.5%
Recreation Coordinator$ 36,984$ 23,614$ 60,400$ 62,800 $ 2,4004.0%
Overtime$ - $ -$ - $ -$ -0.0%
Grants/Offsets$ - $ -$ (22,000)$ (22,000)$ -0.0%
Buyback$ 6,488$ 1,808 $ - $ -$ -0.0%
Recreation Wages$ 111,309 $ 83,863$ 125,500 $ 132,700$ 7,2005.7%
Veteran's Service Officer$ 1,209$ 63,545$ 67,800$ 70,200 $ 2,4003.5%
Veteran's Service Wages$ 1,209$ 63,545$ 67,800$ 70,200 $ 2,4003.5%
Town MeetingTown Manager
Community ServicesFY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChangeChange
Elder/Human Services$ 22,368$ 6,950 $ 50,000$ 50,000 $ -0.0%
Recreation (Revolving Fund)$ - $ -$ - $ -$ -0.0%
Veteran's Services$ 119,555 $ 88,338$ 147,000 $ 147,000$ -0.0%
Comm Services Expenses$ 141,923 $ 95,288$ 197,000 $ 197,000$ -0.0%
Community Organizations$ 5,250$ -$ 7,000$ -$ (7,000)-100.0%
Meal Delivery$ 7,226$ 63 $ 11,000$ 11,000 $ -0.0%
Programs$ 2,889$ 2,419 $ 13,000$ 13,000 $ -0.0%
Volunteer Support$ 588$ -$ 1,500$ 1,500$ -0.0%
Other$ 6,415$ 4,468 $ 17,500$ 24,500 $ 7,00040.0%
Elder/Human Service Expenses$ 22,368$ 6,950 $ 50,000$ 50,000 $ -0.0%
Recreation (Revolving Fund)$ - $ -$ - $ -$ -0.0%
Recreation Expenses$ - $ -$ - $ -$ -0.0%
Veteran's$ 119,555 $ 88,338$ 147,000 $ 147,000$ -0.0%
Veteran's Expenses$ 119,555 $ 88,338$ 147,000 $ 147,000$ -0.0%
Town of Reading 55 FY 2025 Budget
Recreation Division
Division Overview
The mission of Reading Recreation is to provide the community with year-round recreational
activities. The Division believes programs should be broad-based to meet the recreational
needs of all segments of the population. The Recreation Division must continually strive to
update and modify programs to meet the communitys needs. As Readings participation in and
awareness of local recreational programs increase, so do expectations. The Recreation Division
strives to be ready to anticipate and adapt to theseexpectations. Due to the increased activities
and participants each year, the need for a full-time Recreation Coordinatoris,as always, a top
priority for the division. We are asking for the Recreation Coordinator continue to be full-time
and off-set by the ARPA grant.
Division Activities
Programming for all agesincluding sports, enrichment, special events, etc.
Field & Amplified Use Permitting
Parks & Fields Planning and Projects
Liaison to the Recreation Committee & Friends of Reading Recreation
Scholarship Awards
Division Highlights
6,500 Program Registrants forcalendar year 2023
4,374Ages 0-10
1,101 Ages 11-20
216 Ages 21-40
503 Ages 41-60
306 Ages 61+
Continued Park & Playground Improvements including construction of BirchMeadow
Design Phase I, Memorial Park Playground Improvement and Sturges Park Court
Resurfacing
Community Engagement Downtown Trick or Treat, Town Day, Beer Gardens
Turns back proceeds from revenue generated by RecreationRevolving Fund
Town of Reading56FY 2025 Budget
Elder & Human Services Division
Division Overview
Reading Elder and Human Services offers a variety of programs and services to Reading
residents of all ages. In one year, with only a full staff as of March of 2023, Elder & Human
Services has spent 20% of the allotted ARPA Grant Funding with a thought-out projected plan
for the remaining funds including the much-needed feasibility study. Popular new Elder Services
programs include Coach bus trips, Wellness Wednesdays, Lunch & Learns, and off-site special
Events. The center plans to improve accessibility in FY25, continue with expanded
programming, and work on a feasibility study for a new Senior Center/Community Center. The
staff is dedicated to assisting all residents in the community to live active, healthy lives. In
addition, as the division enrollment grows, the need for additional space and staff should be a
necessary pre-planned factor. We are asking that the Senior Coordinator continue to be full-
time and off-set by the ARPA grant.
Division Activities
Programming Offerings in health, enrichment, exercise, events, trips, etc.
Van Rides
Blood Pressure & Flu Clinics
Memory Caf é
Reading Response (Lifeline, Medical Transportation, Adult Day Health)
Hoarding Task Force
Adopt a Family
Homebound Holiday Meals
Reading Response - Lifeline Services & Transportation
Knox Box Program
Bereavement Group
Round Table Discussions with Police & Fire
Collaboration with schools, food pantry, doctors, hospitals, short-term rehabs, VNAs,
Mystic Valley Elder Services
Home Visits & Informational Roadshows
EHS Health Fair
Referrals for healthcare & financial assistance (fuel assistance & SNAP
Liaison to COA
Town of Reading 57 FY 2025 Budget
Division Highlights
Total Enrollments/Interactions at the center 28,075 (1/1/2023 to 10/31/2023)
14,811 Program/Event Registrations
3,044 Rides (not including Medical rides with ATS)
381 Large Bus TripsRegistrations
Continued to offerARPA Funded Programs Wellness Wednesdays, Lunch & Learns, Day
Trips
Explorednewoff-site opportunities for programming including holding a large event at
Hillview in September that received over 100 participants. Continued to use other off-site
restaurants for the Memory Caf é and continued to hold Wellness Wednesdays at the
Library.
Town of Reading58FY 2025 Budget
Veterans Services
Division Overview
The priority of the Veterans' Services Office is to aid and assist all veterans, their widows or
spouses, and/or their dependent children, in the Town of Reading through the Massachusetts
Department of Veterans Services, with short or long-term medical assistance, financial aid,
assistance with state applications for veterans' benefits, and administration of veteran's benefits
provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs. The mission is to support the Veterans
residing in Reading by identifying veterans and their families in need of service and providing
information and access to the services for which they are eligible under the law.
Our current VSO, William Valliere, has been here since June of 2022. He is an accredited agent
through Veterans Affairs which means he can process the claims on his own before sending to
Boston to review. This enables him to help more Veterans in a timely manner and allows for
more relationship building within the community. Will is hoping to reach more veterans in
Reading. Chapter 115 benefits are a crucial part of the VSO role, that must be worked on every
day to ensure the Town receives its proper turnback of State funding in the amount of 75%.
He has also reached out to nearby communities to inquire about their staff for Veterans Services.
He has found that many towns are regionalized but have multiple VSOs and a full-time assistant
to help. Also, right next door in Wilmington there is a VSO and two full-time assistants to help
file benefits. In the future, we hope to be able to add a part-time Administrative Assistant for our
VSO to allow appropriate support for our Reading Veterans and to reach more Veterans who
are in need of assistance.
Division Activities
Discharge copies and requests for replacement
Chapter 115, a public assistance program, to eligible veterans and dependents
State annuity acquisition
VA Healthcare applicant assistance
Military awards and medals
State bonus acquisition
Tax exemptions
Veterans license plates
Homeless veteran referrals
Town of Reading 59 FY 2025 Budget
Chelsea Soldiers Home
Employment initiatives
Grave markers
Burial in a National or State Veterans Cemetery
Disability for service-connected or non-service connected disability
G.I. Life Insurance
VA Home Loans
VA Educational Assistance
VA Death Pensions
Monthly Scuttlebutt Meet-ups and/or off-site trips
Division Highlights
Assisted 300 Veterans this year
Memorial Day and Veterans Day Ceremonies
A new lighted flagpole is donated, installed and dedicated at Memorial Park in honor of
nd
2 Lt. TJ McGrath on Veterans Day
Boulder moved from Salem Street to the new flagpole at Memorial that honors fallen
Veterans from WWI. Boulder rededicated on Veterans Day.
Scuttlebutt continues to be well-attended.
Town of Reading 60 FY 2025 Budget
Public Safety
Department Overview
Public Safety is comprised of three separate departments:
Public Health
Fire and Emergency Management
Police
o Coalition for Prevention & Support
o Dispatch
Town Meeting votes these budgets as one bottom line each for wages and for expenses.
FY25 Budget Summary
Combined FY25 budgets show a 4.1% increase. Most of this increase is related to changes to
wages per bargaining agreements.
Town MeetingTown Manager
DepartmentFY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChange
Public Health$ 319,051 $ 378,422$ 434,125$ 457,0005.3%
Fire/EMS$ 5,668,333$ 5,671,339 $ 6,136,176 $ 6,390,732 4.1%
Police$ 5,724,064$ 6,328,665 $ 6,426,525 $ 6,704,835 4.3%
Coalition$ 186,121 $ 298,753$ 313,550$ 299,350-4.5%
Dispatch$ 750,773 $ 600,531$ 723,250$ 759,5005.0%
DEPARTMENT TOTAL$ 12,648,343 $ 13,277,710$ 14,033,626$ 14,611,4174.1%
Town of Reading 61 FY 2025 Budget
Line J91 FY25 Budget Public Safety Wages
Town MeetingTown Manager
DepartmentFY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChange
Public Health$ 228,411 $ 279,625$ 321,125$ 349,5008.8%
Fire/EMS$ 5,493,032$ 5,463,688 $ 5,927,275 $ 6,179,536 4.3%
Police$ 5,443,660$ 6,022,430 $ 6,101,025 $ 6,379,335 4.6%
Coalition$ 144,946 $ 235,213$ 248,800$ 257,6003.5%
Dispatch $ 728,609 $ 564,483$ 684,250$ 720,5005.3%
DEPARTMENT WAGES$ 12,038,659 $ 12,565,439$ 13,282,475$ 13,886,4714.5%
Line J92 FY25 Budget Public Safety Expenses
Town MeetingTown Manager
DepartmentFY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChange
Public Health$ 90,640 $ 98,797 $ 113,000$ 107,500-4.9%
Fire/EMS$ 175,300 $ 207,652$ 208,901$ 211,1961.1%
Police$ 280,404 $ 306,235$ 325,500$ 325,5000.0%
Coalition$ 41,176$ 63,540 $ 64,750 $ 41,750 -35.5%
Dispatch$ 22,164$ 36,047 $ 39,000 $ 39,000 0.0%
DEPARTMENT EXPENSES$ 609,684 $ 712,271$ 751,151$ 724,946-3.5%
Town of Reading 62 FY 2025 Budget
Public Health
Department Overview
The towns investment in the Public Health department in the past few years has contributed
immensely to the success of the department and great health outcomes for our community in
general. With competent leadership and an effective workforce, our department will continue
to maximize opportunities to improve public health within the Town of Reading. We will
continue to build our public health capacity and ensure that we continue to meet the needs of
our residents and the people we serve.
Department Activities
We are working to build a strong and coordinated collaboration with community partners, as well
as other departments within our town government, to ensure that our public health programs
are effective. Our schools, places of worship, businesses, nonprofits, and health professionals are
all partners who have a vital interest and role in maintaining a healthy Reading community. We
will continue to improve our collaboration with emergency management, local officials,
healthcare, and community partners to plan for and respond to emergency situations, disasters,
health hazards, disease outbreaks and bioterrorism threats that can dramatically impact the
health of our community.
FY25 Budget Summary
The departments FY25 budget is increased by 5.3% compared to last year. This is primarily due
to scheduled step increases and cost of living adjustments.
Town of Reading 63 FY 2025 Budget
FY25 Budget Summary (Continued)
Town MeetingTown Manager
Public HealthFY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChange
Health Director$ 102,546 $ 118,190$ 121,500$ 134,40010.6%
Health Agent$ - $ -$ -$ -0.0%
Health Inspectors$ 38,517$ 65,243 $ 68,250 $ 70,700 3.6%
Health Nurse$ 85,183$ 63,159 $ 74,875 $ 77,500 3.5%
Support Staff$ - $ 34,404 $ 57,600 $ 66,500 15.5%
Overtime$ 875$ 438 $ 1,000$ 2,500150.0%
Health Buyback$ 3,389$ 291 $ -$ -0.0%
Health Grants/Offsets$ (2,100) $ (2,100)$ (2,100)$ (2,100)0.0%
Health Services Wages$ 228,411 $ 279,625$ 321,125$ 349,5008.8%
Mosquito Control$ 44,050$ 44,050 $ 46,000 $ 46,000 0.0%
Animal Disposal$ 1,650$ 3,525$ 10,000 $ 5,000-50.0%
Regional Animal Control$ 10,725$ 25,000 $ 25,000 $ 25,000
Professional Services$ 29,948$ 20,944 $ 28,500 $ 26,500 -7.0%
Health Other$ 4,267$ 5,278$ 3,500$ 5,00042.9%
Health Expenses$ 90,640$ 98,797 $ 113,000$ 107,500-4.9%
Town of Reading 64 FY 2025 Budget
Fire/Emergency Medical Services
Department Overview
The Reading Fire Department is responsible for: fire suppression, fire prevention, the
emergency medical system, and emergency management. The Fire Department is also
responsible for coordinating and applying for all reimbursements for State and Federal disaster
declarations. The department offers Advanced Life Support (ALS) as a benefit to the residents
of the community.
The department is organized into four groups that each work two 24-hour shifts every eight
days. Each day the on-duty shift staffs two engines, a ladder truck, and an ambulance. Each
group is supervised by a Captain who is the shift commander. Captains are responsible for
responding to emergencies, delivering services, training, scheduling, equipment maintenance,
and routine fire prevention duties. Each group has two Lieutenants and they are assigned one
to each fire station. Lieutenants are responsible to provide supervision of the fire stations,
respond to emergencies, deliver services, training, and oversee equipment maintenance and
routine fire prevention duties.
Department Highlights
Key Performance Data 2021 2022 2023
Total Emergency Responses 4,248 4,456 4,602
Emergency Medical Responses 2,238 2366 2543
Fire and Emergency Responses 2,010 2,090 2,059
Mutual Aid Provided ~278 ~289 ~304
Mutual Aid Received ~264 ~316 ~357
Fire Inspections 900 1000 728
Permits Issued 1,007 901 762
Training Hours 1,214 2240 672
Permit Fees Received (Fiscal Year) $24,735 $20,610 $20,400
Ambulance Revenue Received (Fiscal Year) $737,534 $801,966 $984,900
~Vehicle responses
Town of Reading 65 FY 2025 Budget
Grants in Progress:
$4,381 SAFE. This is a state program that provides funding to allow us to deliver fire
safety instruction to children.
$2,277 Senior SAFE. This is a state program that provides funding to allow us to deliver
fire safety instruction and assistance to our elderly population.
$14,110 FY 2024 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant. This is a state program that will
provide funding for Safety equipment for Firefighters. We will use the grant to provide
protective clothing for Firefighters.
$6,500 FFY 2023 Emergency Management Planning Grant. This grant will provide
funding to purchase equipment to respond to Lithium-ion battery fires in vehicles.
Emergency Management Reimbursement:
$418,191 Federal Reimbursement for Towns Response to COVID-19.
last request for federal reimbursement for allowable costs incurred in responding to the
COVID-19 pandemic has been approved by FEMA. This reimbursement brings the total
COVID-19 reimbursement received from FEMA to $501,772 and this does not include
CARES Funding or stimulus funding.
FY25 Budget Summary
The departments FY25 budget has increased 4.1% compared to last year. There are no changes
in the number of personnel. The expense budget has increased 1.1% and wages are up 4.3%.
The increase to wages is driven by the implementation of the pay and class study, and union
personnel moving through the step system in accordance with the collective bargaining
agreement.
Overall, expenses are up slightly. The only requested change is a $2,300 increase to the
Ambulance Service Line item. This request is driven by increases to our EMS Region III
assessment, the service contract for our stretchers, stair chair and CPR compression device and
the service contract for our EMS high fidelity simulation manikins.
Currently, the department has 52 full-time positions, and this number has not changed. Our
requested budget consists of a Chief, Assistant Chief, one support staff, five Captains, eight
Lieutenants, thirty-six Privates, and one support staff position shared with the Police department.
One firefighter also works after hours as a part-time Fire Alarm Technician. In FY 24 we will have
seven Firefighters leave the Department. Four Firefighters will retire, two have transferred to
another Department and one has resigned. The need to hire and train replacement personnel
has pressured overtime due to new hires going through a long initial academy process.
Town of Reading 66 FY 2025 Budget
Our initiative to promote 4 additional Lieutenants and place the shift commander in a car has
been successful. It has improved our day-to-day operations and strengthened our response to
larger incidents. This program allows our shift commander to focus on an emergency incident
when required and provides the flexibility for this supervisor to respond throughout the
community. This model has increased the safety for the public and our personnel.
Town MeetingTown Manager
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChange
Fire Chief$ 178,778 $ 184,743$ 203,000$ 212,5004.7%
Assistant Fire Chief$ 140,166 $ 127,826$ 150,000$ 177,40018.3%
EMS Director$ 12,814$ 12,548 $ 12,500 $ 12,500 0.0%
Support Staff$ 88,650$ 91,567 $ 96,775 $ 100,2003.5%
Fire Alarm$ 11,128$ 7,901$ 20,000 $ 20,000 0.0%
Captains$ 636,727 $ 662,757$ 685,000$ 723,0005.5%
Lieutenants $ 478,333 $ 441,555$ 525,000$ 951,00081.1%
Firefighters $ 3,187,104$ 3,456,319 $ 3,710,000 $ 3,457,936 -6.8%
Grant Offset$ (63,451)$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Overtime$ 732,781 $ 464,068$ 525,000$ 525,0000.0%
Buyback$ 90,003$ 14,403 $ -$ -0.0%
FIRE / EMS WAGES $ 5,493,032$ 5,463,688 $ 5,927,275 $ 6,179,536 4.3%
Town MeetingTown Manager
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChange
ALS Medical Supplies $ 55,428$ 53,116 $ 60,000 $ 60,000 0.0%
Ambulance Services$ 13,029$ 24,708 $ 25,705 $ 28,000 8.9%
Billing Services$ 29,970$ 38,374 $ 37,000 $ 37,000 0.0%
Supplies and Equipment$ 2,191$ 2,391$ 3,500$ 3,5000.0%
Equipment Maintenance$ 8,915$ 16,052 $ 17,000 $ 17,000 0.0%
Miscellaneous$ 1,773$ 2,095$ 2,000$ 2,0000.0%
Office Supplies and Equipment$ 436$ 418 $ 1,000$ 1,0000.0%
Professional Development$ 15,362$ 16,740 $ 15,500 $ 15,500 0.0%
Uniforms and Clothing$ 48,196$ 53,758 $ 47,196 $ 47,196 0.0%
FIRE /EMS EXPENSES $ 175,300 $ 207,652$ 208,901$ 211,1961.1%
Town of Reading 67 FY 2025 Budget
Police
Department Overview
The Reading Police Department is committed to providing the highest level of public safety and
service to the residents, businesses, and visitors within the community. The department is
empowered to enforce the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Bylaws of the
Town of Reading to ensure that the peace and tranquility of our neighborhoods are maintained,
and that crime and the fear of crime are reduced.
The department emphasizes and values integrity, honesty, impartiality, and professionalism
from our members to create an environment that values difference and fosters fairness and
flexibility in our approach to achieving our mission of safety. The department encourages citizen
input and interaction that will assist us in developing sound and sustainable partnerships
between the community and the police force. Working together we can enhance the quality of
life for everyone within the town.
Department Highlights
Remain active on social media, 9,700 followers on Facebook and 2,051 on Instagram.
The Department ran two RAD (Womens Self-Defense) classes, a Citizens Police
Academy Course, Seniors Dinner, and lunchroom takeover at all the elementary
schools, and bicycle helmet citation program.
The Department continues to be very active in training.
FY25 Budget Summary
The departments FY25 budget has increased 4.0% compared to last year, encompassing
Police, Dispatch, and the Coalition. We are at full staffing* with 46 sworn officers, (we do have
to make a promotion to the rank of sergeant, and we have a new outreach coordinator starting
in January). We have 2 officers finishing their Field Training in early December. We are fully
staffed with 11 civilian dispatchers; one dispatcher is currently in training. We have three
Coalition Staff members, three Administrative Staff, a Parking Enforcement Officer, and 15 per-
diem school crossing guards.
Town of Reading 68 FY 2025 Budget
FY25 Budget Police Wages
Town MeetingTown Manager
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChange
Police Chief$ 192,576 $ 200,132$ 210,000$ 218,6004.1%
Deputy Police Chief$ 148,848 $ 158,847$ 178,000$ 177,200-0.4%
Police Support Staff$ 155,049 $ 162,545$ 170,600$ 176,6003.5%
Parking Enforcement$ 7,305$ 33,993 $ 45,925 $ 47,500 3.4%
Animal Control$ - $ -$ -$ -0.0%
Crossing Guards$ 120,989 $ 119,814$ 182,000$ 182,0000.0%
Lieutenants$ 558,478 $ 642,336$ 600,000$ 650,0008.3%
Sergeants$ 845,195 $ 834,250$ 1,050,000 $ 1,078,935 2.8%
Patrol Officers$ 1,908,949$ 2,406,454 $ 2,440,000 $ 2,600,000 6.6%
Detectives$ 814,671 $ 722,125$ 762,000$ 786,0003.1%
Training$ 72,139$ 82,404 $ 45,000 $ 45,000 0.0%
Overtime$ 527,895 $ 509,707$ 415,000$ 415,0000.0%
Fitness Stipend$ - $ -$ -$ -0.0%
Cell Monitors$ - $ -$ 2,500$ 2,5000.0%
Buyback$ 91,565$ 149,823$ -$ -0.0%
POLICE WAGES $ 5,443,660$ 6,022,430 $ 6,101,025 $ 6,379,335 4.6%
FY25 Budget Police Expenses
Town MeetingTown Manager
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChange
Police Cruisers$ 97,290$ 124,000$ 135,000$ 135,0000.0%
Supplies and Equipment$ 48,100$ 38,123 $ 37,000 $ 37,000 0.0%
Equipment Maintenance$ 21,806$ 35,860 $ 40,000 $ 40,000 0.0%
Miscellaneous$ 7,035$ 3,672$ 8,500$ 8,5000.0%
Office Supplies, Equipment$ 39,391$ 35,465 $ 24,500 $ 24,500 0.0%
Professional Development$ 53,451$ 47,195 $ 58,500 $ 58,500 0.0%
Uniforms and Clothing$ 13,331$ 21,922 $ 22,000 $ 22,000 0.0%
POLICE EXPENSES $ 280,404 $ 306,235$ 325,500$ 325,5000.0%
Town of Reading 69 FY 2025 Budget
Coalition for Prevention and Support
Department Overview
The Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support (formerly RCASA) mobilizes community
partners and residents to build collaborative approaches and to reduce youth substance abuse.
RCASA was dissolved after expiration of the Federal grant, and the Director appointed
interested parties to continue the work. An independent community non-profit will form within
the next two years. The Coalition promotes a healthy community environment using a strategic
prevention framework to ensure that everyone who lives, works, or goes to school in Reading
can enjoy an optimum quality of life.
FY25 Budget Summary
The Coalition budget is reduced -4.5% for FY25, as recent past increases to both a staff position
and outsourced mental health services are maintained.
Staff includes a Director, an Outreach Coordinator, and a Public Safety Clinician.
The Director oversees fiscal management, public relations, community planning, training, coalition
communication, data collection, dissemination, reports, and program evaluation. The Outreach
Coordinator disseminates educational information to individuals and groups. The Clinician meets with
residents and students for brief therapeutic support and follows up on mental health calls for service.
Town MeetingTown Manager
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChange
Coalition Director$ 93,083$ 96,485 $ 102,450$ 106,1003.6%
Clinician & Outreach$ 61,862$ 138,727$ 146,350$ 151,5003.5%
Grant Offsets$ (10,000)$ -$ -$ -0.0%
COALITION WAGES $ 144,946 $ 235,213$ 248,800$ 257,6003.5%
Mental Health Services$ 30,000$ 30,000 $ 30,000 $ 30,000 0.0%
Programs$ 7,426$ 29,886 $ 31,000 $ 8,000-74.2%
Supplies$ 3,250$ 3,531$ 3,250$ 3,2500.0%
Professional Development$ 500$ 123 $ 500 $ 500 0.0%
Grant Offsets$ - $ -$ -$ -0.0%
COALITION EXPENSES $ 41,176$ 63,540 $ 64,750 $ 41,750 -35.5%
Town of Reading 70 FY 2025 Budget
Dispatch
Dispatch Overview
Dispatch provides outstanding Emergency Medical Dispatch, communications, and
coordination for the community and first responders, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Dispatch is located in the Police department but provides 911 Call Management for both Police
and Fire/EMS, and as needed for regional emergencies.
FY25 Budget Summary
The Dispatch budget is up by 5.0% compared to last year. The Dispatch Center is staffed with
ten civilian Telecommunicators and one civilian Head Dispatcher who oversees the
administration of the division and works several shifts per week as a Telecommunicator. In
addition to Town funding, $65,000 in 911 grant funds are used to offset existing wages. This
grant is not guaranteed and can be discontinued at any time but continues to increase with the
use of cell phones.
Town MeetingTown Manager
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChange
Head Public Safety Dispatcher$ 83,133$ 85,916 $ 89,250 $ 92,400 3.5%
Public Safety Dispatchers$ 496,707 $ 542,836$ 600,000$ 633,1005.5%
Overtime$ 145,646 $ 124,573$ 60,000 $ 60,000 0.0%
Buyback$ 3,123$ 1,058$ -$ -0.0%
E911 Grant Support$ - $ (189,899) $ (65,000)$ (65,000)0.0%
DISPATCHER WAGES $ 728,609 $ 564,483$ 684,250$ 720,5005.3%
Supplies and Equipment$ 443$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Equipment Maintenance$ 14,211$ 22,151 $ 23,500 $ 23,500 0.0%
Technology$ 5,415$ 2,381$ 7,000$ 7,0000.0%
Professional Devleopment$ 1,058$ 5,057$ 6,000$ 6,0000.0%
Uniforms and Clothing$ 1,038$ 6,459$ 2,500$ 2,5000.0%
DISPATCHER EXPENSES $ 22,164$ 36,047 $ 39,000 $ 39,000 0.0%
Town of Reading 71 FY 2025 Budget
Finance Department
Department Overview
The Finance Department maintains timely and accurate financial records on all financial activities
of the Town. The Finance Department also administers internal financial controls; facilitates the
evaluation of the Towns financial condition; ensures that Town services are delivered in
compliance with Massachusetts General Laws that govern municipal finance; and safeguards
the financial assets of the Town. The Town Accountant also serves as the Chief Financial Officer
and department head.
FY25 Budget Summary
The Finance Departments budget increased by 3.9% compared to the previous year.
Wages are +4.2% while staffing remains consistent with prior years. The Finance Department
staff will receive one step ranging between 2.35%-2.50% and a 1.25% COLA. In FY25, the
Assistant Town Accountant and Assistant Treasurer positions are going up slightly more than
the standard increase as these positions are proposed to be re-graded due to increased
responsibilities.
The Assistant CFO/Treasurer salary is going up 10.7% due to increased responsibilities related
to budget creation and being a backup to the CFO.
Expenses are +2.1%; most expense line items are level funded to the prior year except for the
Regional Assessor contract that is projected up by 5.1% in FY25.
Town MeetingTown Manager
DivisionsFY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChangeChange
Accounting$ 317,940 $ 339,928$ 384,950 $ 397,400$ 12,4503.2%
Assessor$ 161,010 $ 148,399$ 188,300 $ 194,800$ 6,500 3.5%
Finance$ 442,246 $ 507,929$ 561,150 $ 585,950$ 24,8004.4%
Department Total$ 921,195 $ 996,256$ 1,134,400$ 1,178,150 $ 43,7503.9%
Town of Reading 72 FY 2025 Budget
Department Highlights
Provides support to Town, School, and Light departments.
1,300 employees paid each payroll biweekly; 9,000 quarterly property tax billing;
24,000 yearly bills - motor vehicle excise billing; 26,000 invoices processed and paid per
year; 129,000 cash receipts processed per year.
Line I91 FY25 Finance Wages
Town MeetingTown Manager
DivisionsFY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChangeChange
Accounting$ 313,410 $ 337,290$ 379,250 $ 391,700$ 12,4503.3%
Assessor$ 69,976$ 72,055$ 75,300$ 77,900 $ 2,600 3.5%
Finance$ 405,034 $ 458,157$ 510,700 $ 535,900$ 25,2004.9%
Department Wages$ 788,421 $ 867,502$ 965,250 $ 1,005,500 $ 40,2504.2%
Line I92 FY25 Finance Expenses
Town MeetingTown Manager
DivisionsFY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChangeChange
Accounting$ 4,530$ 2,638 $ 5,700$ 5,700$ -0.0%
Assessor$ 91,034$ 76,344$ 113,000 $ 116,900$ 3,900 3.5%
Finance$ 37,211$ 49,772$ 50,450$ 50,050 $ (400) -0.8%
Department Expenses$ 132,774 $ 128,755$ 169,150 $ 172,650$ 3,500 2.1%
Town of Reading 73 FY 2025 Budget
Accounting Division
Division Overview
This division is under the direction of the CFO/Town Accountant and is responsible for
maintaining financial records for the Town, Schools, and Light Department. Accounting ensures
that all financial transactions comply with legal requirements and are correctly recorded on a
timely basis. The Accounting Division oversees bills paid by the Town, provides timely and
accurate financial reporting services to Town Departments and other key stakeholders, and
manages the Towns accounting system to conform to GAAP and comply with Massachusetts
General Laws and Regulations.
Division Activities
Met all reporting requirements {for Massachusetts DLS and Massachusetts DOR}
Collaborated with the Chief Assessor on the setting of the annual tax rate set by the DOR.
Prepared audit deliverables; maintained clean audit opinion from auditors.
Provided budget oversight and assistance.
Quarterly updates provided to the Select Board.
26,000 payments processed for Town, School, and RMLD.
Review and update department policies.
Town MeetingTown Manager
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChangeChange
CFO/Town Accountant$ 126,401 $ 136,912$ 153,850 $ 159,200$ 5,350 3.5%
Asst. Town Accountant$ 74,020$ 77,883$ 90,150$ 94,200 $ 4,050 4.5%
Support Staff$ 110,329 $ 119,555$ 127,250 $ 130,300$ 3,050 2.4%
Budget Stipend$ - $ -$ 5,000$ 5,000$ -0.0%
Overtime$ 2,661$ 1,360 $ 3,000$ 3,000$ -0.0%
Buyback$ - $ 1,579 $ - $ -$ -0.0%
Division Wages$ 313,410 $ 337,290$ 379,250 $ 391,700$ 12,4503.3%
Prof. Development$ 4,300$ 2,638 $ 4,900$ 4,900$ -0.0%
Office Supplies$ 230$ -$ 800$ 800 $ -0.0%
Division Expenses$ 4,530$ 2,638 $ 5,700$ 5,700$ -0.0%
Town of Reading 74 FY 2025 Budget
Assessing Division
Division Overview
The Assessment Division is obligated under law to assess all property at its full and fair market
value as of January 1 of each year for taxation. This process is accomplished by maintaining and
administrating all property tax data records.
In addition, the department also administers motor vehicle excise tax, real and personal taxes
and tax abatements, and all statutory tax exemptions as allowed by law. Property assessment is
the first step in tax revenue collection for the Town of Reading.
The Assessment Divisions function is to provide for the fair and equitable assessment of all
taxable real and personal property. A three-member Board of Assessors sets policy for this
division.
Mission Statement: The mission of the Reading Assessment Division is to provide fiscal stability
by promptly, fairly, and equitably determining the valuation of all real and personal property
located in the Town of Reading.
Division Activities
Advertised and administered the Senior Tax Relief program without additional staffing.
Collaborated with the CFO/Town Accountant on the certification and setting of the
annual tax rate.
Administration of Statutory and Local Property Tax Exemptions.
Provided online access to our property record database.
Conducted a state-mandated interim revaluation of all properties.
Reviewed and adjusted properties to reflect updated market conditions.
Completed a revaluation of all personal property accounts and canvassed the town for
new accounts.
Maintained and updated all real estate and personal property tax records.
Increase public awareness of exemptions through public meetings.
Updated existing tax maps.
Conducted ongoing sales verification.
Implemented new and efficient office policies and procedures as required.
Town of Reading 75 FY 2025 Budget
FY25 Budget Summary
Town MeetingTown Manager
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChangeChange
Assistant Assessor$ 69,976$ 72,055$ 75,300$ 77,900 $ 2,600 3.5%
Division Wages$ 69,976$ 72,055$ 75,300$ 77,900 $ 2,600 3.5%
Regional Assessor$ 72,279$ 65,712$ 87,500$ 92,000 $ 4,500 5.1%
Revaluation$ - $ -$ - $ -$ -0.0%
Appraisals/Inspections$ 15,860$ 8,180 $ 17,500$ 17,000 $ (500) -2.9%
Prof. Development$ 2,009$ 1,984 $ 3,800$ 3,800$ -0.0%
Supplies&Mileage$ 885$ 468$ 1,700$ 1,600$ (100) -5.9%
Division Expenses$ 91,034$ 76,344$ 110,500 $ 114,400$ 3,900 3.5%
Town of Reading 76 FY 2025 Budget
General Finance Division
Division Overview
Collections collect all taxes and other charges (including water/sewer/stormwater bills). They
also receive and process all deposits (such as schools and recreation).
Treasury is responsible for providing the cash for the operation of all Town, School, and Light
Department functions on a timely basis. In addition, it conducts all borrowing and investing
activities.
Payroll for the Town, School, and RMLD departments are all processed in-house through this
division.
Division Activities
AAA bond rating
Cash management for Town/School, RMLD, and Retirement
Processed biweekly payroll for approximately 1,300 employees
129,000 payments received and processed
Compilation of Treasury Procedure Manual
Debt management and issuance
Town of Reading 77 FY 2025 Budget
FY25 Budget Summary
Town MeetingTown Manager
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 BUDGETFY25 BudgetChangeChange
Treasurer/Asst. CFO$ 96,581$ 115,990$ 118,900 $ 131,600$ 12,70010.7%
Assistant Treasurer$ 70,989$ 75,371$ 86,500$ 90,000 $ 3,500 4.0%
Collector$ 77,964$ 82,430$ 93,400$ 96,500 $ 3,100 3.3%
Support Staff$ 153,222 $ 172,795$ 206,400 $ 212,300$ 5,900 2.9%
Asst Treasurer Stipend$ - $ 3,115 $ 3,000$ 3,000$ -0.0%
Overtime$ - $ -$ 2,500$ 2,500$ -0.0%
Buyback$ 6,278$ 8,456 $ - $ -$ -0.0%
Division Wages$ 405,034 $ 458,157$ 510,700 $ 535,900$ 25,2004.9%
Printing Services$ 14,981$ 14,156$ 17,500$ 17,500 $ -0.0%
Banking Services$ 7,082$ 5,043 $ 12,000$ 11,600 $ (400) -3.3%
Tax Title Services$ 7,572$ 20,905$ 8,500$ 8,500$ -0.0%
Prof. Development$ 2,544$ 3,026 $ 6,150$ 6,150$ -0.0%
Office Supplies$ 5,032$ 6,643 $ 6,300$ 6,300$ -0.0%
Division Expenses$ 37,211$ 49,772$ 50,450$ 50,050 $ (400) -0.8%
Town of Reading 78 FY 2025 Budget
Department of Public Works
Department Overview
The Public Works Department is responsible for all endeavors relating to planning, designing,
operating, maintaining, and managing public ways, parklands, open space, public grounds,
town cemeteries, water distribution systems, sewer collection systems, and the collection and
disposal of solid waste. The Department also provides engineering support services and motor
equipment maintenance services to all town and school departments.
The Department of Public Works consists of several divisions: administration, engineering,
highway and equipment maintenance, stormwater (not the enterprise fund), parks and cemetery
and forestry. The Department also includes three Enterprise Funds (Water, Sewer and Storm
Water).
FY25 Budget Summary
The Department of Public Works FY25 budget increased by 3.6%. Full-time staffing positions
remain unchanged. Attraction and retention of employees continues to be an ongoing struggle.
Some projects were delayed due to supply chain issues, while others experienced budget
increases due to the shortages.
Department Highlights
Received grants from several agencies including:
MassDEP: Sustainable Materials Recovery Program: $5460.
Earmark: Laurel Hill Gravestone Restoration: $35K.
Earmark: Laurel Hill Wall Restoration: $25K.
MassDOT: Local Bottleneck Reduction: $309K.
MassDOT: Complete Streets (Auburn St and Parkview Rd sidewalks): $500K.
MassDOT: Safe Routes to Schools (Oakland Rd safety improvements): $2.2M.
MIIA: FY-24 Risk Management: $9500.
Town of Reading 79 FY 2025 Budget
Maintained:
111 miles of water main.
7890 residential, 236 commercial and 71 municipal water connections.
75 miles of traffic markings.
80 acres of grass and 16 tennis/basketball courts.
3,000 catch basins.
70 miles of the Towns drainage pipes.
12 sewer pump stations.
Additional items of Interest:
Tree City USA for the 38th consecutive year.
Planted 131 shade trees.
172 trees trimmed.
134 trees removed (25 Ash trees).
301 hangers identified through windshield survey.
22,721 cars visited the Compost Center.
20,000 Holiday Lighting bulbs.
Over 200 Dig Safe markouts.
200+ repairs/services for Town/School vehicles.
Completed annual road paving: 3.1 miles of roads resurfaced.
Completed Sturges Sewer Pump Station.
Completed Downtown Water main Improvements.
Completed NPDES Annual Permit.
Completed MWRA Phase 12 Sewer Improvements.
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25FY24-25
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Administration$ 457,096 $ 451,417$ 484,250 $ 486,400 $ 2,1500.4%
Engineering$ 500,952 $ 672,400$ 542,750 $ 558,700 $ 15,950 2.9%
Highway & Equipment$ 1,531,072$ 1,647,900 $ 1,746,700$ 1,846,300$ 99,600 5.7%
Storm Water (Genl Fund)$ 135,165 $ 114,563$ 172,975 $ 177,300 $ 4,3252.5%
Forestry*$ 604,441 $ 321,037$ 415,600 $ 454,300 $ 38,700 9.3%
Parks & Cemetery*$ 262,821 $ 562,262$ 685,025 $ 712,100 $ 27,075 4.0%
DPW OPERATIONS TOTALS$ 3,491,546$ 3,769,579 $ 4,047,300$ 4,235,100$ 187,8004.6%
Snow/Ice$ 844,416 $ 701,708$ 675,000 $ 675,000 $ -0.0%
Traffic/Street Lighting$ 105,034 $ 101,476$ 135,000 $ 135,000 $ -0.0%
Rubbish & Recycling$ 1,834,569$ 1,887,204 $ 2,034,250$ 2,091,278$ 57,028 2.8%
SNOW/LIGHT/RUBBISH TOTALS$ 2,784,020$ 2,690,388 $ 2,844,250$ 2,901,278$ 57,028 2.0%
DEPARTMENT TOTALS$ 6,275,565$ 6,459,967 $ 6,891,550$ 7,136,378$ 244,8283.6%
*change in grouping from previous years
Town of Reading 80 FY 2025 Budget
Line K91 FY25 Public Works Wages
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25FY24-25
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Administration$ 409,689 $ 432,079$ 465,750 $ 467,900 $ 2,1500.5%
Engineering$ 467,521 $ 484,583$ 488,750 $ 504,700 $ 15,950 3.3%
Highway & Equipment$ 858,290 $ 889,825$ 992,000 $ 1,031,500$ 39,500 4.0%
Storm Water (GenlFd)$ 132,412 $ 112,387$ 169,975 $ 174,300 $ 4,3252.5%
Forestry*$ 545,293 $ 256,589$ 345,600 $ 382,300 $ 36,700 10.6%
Parks & Cemetery*$ 243,415 $ 519,059$ 634,525 $ 659,000 $ 24,475 3.9%
DPW OPERATIONS WAGES$ 2,656,620$ 2,694,522 $ 3,096,600$ 3,219,700$ 123,1004.0%
Snow/Ice$ 233,218 $ 177,325$ 130,000 $ 130,000 $ -0.0%
Traffic/Street Lighting$ - $ -$ - $ - $ -0.0%
Rubbish & Recycling$ - $ -$ - $ - $ -0.0%
SNOW/LIGHT/RUBBISH WAGES$ 233,218 $ 177,325$ 130,000 $ 130,000 $ -0.0%
DEPARTMENT WAGES$ 2,889,838$ 2,871,847 $ 3,226,600$ 3,349,700$ 123,1003.8%
*change in grouping from previous years
Line K92 FY25 Public Works Expenses
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25FY24-25
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Administration$ 47,407$ 19,339 $ 18,500$ 18,500$ -0.0%
Engineering$ 33,431$ 187,818$ 54,000$ 54,000$ -0.0%
Highway & Equipment$ 672,782 $ 758,074$ 754,700 $ 814,800 $ 60,100 8.0%
Storm Water (GenlFd)$ 2,753$ 2,177$ 3,000$ 3,000$ -0.0%
Forestry*$ 59,147$ 64,448 $ 70,000$ 72,000$ 2,0002.9%
Parks & Cemetery*$ 19,405$ 43,203 $ 50,500$ 53,100$ 2,6005.1%
DPW OPERATIONS EXPENSES$ 834,925 $ 1,075,058 $ 950,700 $ 1,015,400$ 64,700 6.8%
Snow/Ice$ 611,199 $ 524,383$ 545,000 $ 545,000 $ -0.0%
Traffic/Street Lighting$ 105,034 $ 101,476$ 135,000 $ 135,000 $ -0.0%
Rubbish & Recycling$ 1,834,569$ 1,887,204 $ 2,034,250$ 2,091,278$ 57,028 2.8%
SNOW/LIGHT/RUBBISH EXP.$ 2,550,802$ 2,513,063 $ 2,714,250$ 2,771,278$ 57,028 2.1%
DEPARTMENT EXPENSES$ 3,385,727$ 3,588,121 $ 3,664,950$ 3,786,678$ 121,7283.3%
*change in grouping from previous years
Town of Reading 81 FY 2025 Budget
Line K93 Snow & Ice; Line K94 Traffic/Street Lighting; Line K95
Rubbish & Recycling
Snow and Ice Funding is level-funded and is meant to fund below the average year since, by
law, funding can never be reduced in future years; this is the only budget line where deficit
spending is allowed by law during difficult years; and overfunding would be an opportunity cost
for other needs.
Traffic and Street Lighting costs are level-funded. The Town continues to work with RMLD on
improvements in efficiency.
Rubbish Disposal costs are in an upheaval due to the pandemic and related factors. The town
signed a five-year contract with Covanta that expires June 30, 2025. In FY25, there is a +3%
annual charge.
Rubbish and Recycling collection continues to enjoy a ten-year contract (approved by Town
Meeting) at a +3% annual charge. The overall Rubbish and Recycling budget increased 2.8% for
FY25, as some funds were moved to the Health Department to fund sharps recycling. This topic
is causing serious harm in other communities as the industry consolidates in the face of
economic upheaval. In FY23, Republic Services purchased our rubbish and recycling vendor
(JRM). Republic Services will take over the current contract that expires on June 30, 2026. Leaf
collections are part of the contract, and significantly reduce resident trips to the compost center.
Town of Reading 82 FY 2025 Budget
Line K93 Snow & Ice; Line K94 Traffic/Street Lighting; Line K95
Rubbish & Recycling (Continued)
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25FY24-25
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Snow and Ice Regular Wages$ 34,342$ 28,746 $ 30,000$ 30,000$ -0.0%
Snow and Ice Overtime$ 198,876 $ 148,579$ 100,000 $ 100,000 $ -0.0%
SNOW AND ICE WAGES$ 233,218 $ 177,325$ 130,000 $ 130,000 $ -0.0%
Snow / Ice Plowing & Hauling $ 196,541 $ 79,527 $ 215,000 $ 215,000 $ -0.0%
Snow / Ice Supplies/Equip.$ 315,056 $ 329,533$ 250,000 $ 250,000 $ -0.0%
Snow / Ice Fuel$ 68,413$ 71,826 $ 45,000$ 45,000$ -0.0%
Snow & Ice Meal Tickets $ 10,098$ 8,997$ 10,000$ 10,000$ -0.0%
Snow / Ice Police Details $ 6,092$ -$ 10,000$ 10,000$ -0.0%
Street Sweeping $ 15,000$ 34,500 $ 15,000$ 15,000$ -0.0%
SNOW AND ICE EXPENSES$ 611,199 $ 524,383$ 545,000 $ 545,000 $ -0.0%
SNOW AND ICE$ 844,416 $ 701,708$ 675,000 $ 675,000 $ -0.0%
Traffic Light Electricity $ 5,091$ 5,405$ 10,000$ 10,000$ -0.0%
Streetlight Electricity $ 99,054$ 95,647 $ 105,000 $ 105,000 $ -0.0%
Street Light Maint. & Repair $ 889$ 424 $ 20,000$ 20,000$ -0.0%
TRAFFIC/STR LIGHT$ 105,034 $ 101,476$ 135,000 $ 135,000 $ -0.0%
Rubbish Collection$ 783,600 $ 863,049$ 915,000 $ 942,450 $ 27,450 3.0%
Solid Waste Disposal$ 673,809 $ 639,553$ 694,250 $ 715,078 $ 20,828 3.0%
Curbside Recycling $ 335,568 $ 346,380$ 345,000 $ 355,350 $ 10,350 3.0%
Misc. Recycling $ 41,592$ 38,223 $ 80,000$ 78,400$ (1,600)-2.0%
RUBBISH/RECYCLING$ 1,834,569$ 1,887,204 $ 2,034,250$ 2,091,278$ 57,028 2.8%
Town of Reading 83 FY 2025 Budget
DPW Administration
Division Overview
The Administration Division is responsible for DPW payroll, invoice payment, cemetery
administration, engineering support services, DPW dispatch, water conservation rebate
program, quarterly newsletters to residents, spring and fall mailers for recycling events.
Division Activities
Three Household Hazardous Waste collection days
Two events for paper shredding, rigid plastic and metals pickup
Five Town-wide leaf pickups
Styrofoam and electronics recycling program
Water Conservation Program
WasteZero (Simple Recycling Program)
Black Earth Composting Program
Quarterly newsletters to residents
Spring and Fall mailer to residents
Mattress Recycling Program
FY25 Budget Summary
Staffing remains unchanged. Expenses are level-funded.
Town of Reading 84 FY 2025 Budget
FY25 Budget Summary (Continued)
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25FY24-25
DPW AdministrationFY22 ActualFY23 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
DPW Director$ 134,457 $ 138,694$ 145,850 $ 137,100 $ (8,750)-6.0%
Assistant DPW Director$ 106,807 $ 110,157$ 117,600 $ 122,100 $ 4,5003.8%
Support Staff$ 168,304 $ 182,979$ 200,300 $ 206,700 $ 6,4003.2%
Overtime$ 121$ 248 $ 2,000$ 2,000$ -0.0%
Buyback$ - $ -$ - $ - $ -0.0%
DIVISION WAGES$ 409,689 $ 432,079$ 465,750 $ 467,900 $ 2,1500.5%
Advertising$ 1,279$ 5,459$ 2,500$ 2,500$ -0.0%
Supplies and Equipment$ 37,926$ 11,287 $ 8,000$ 8,000$ -0.0%
Professional Development$ 8,202$ 2,593$ 8,000$ 8,000$ -0.0%
DIVISION EXPENSES$ 47,407$ 19,339 $ 18,500$ 18,500$ -0.0%
Town of Reading 85 FY 2025 Budget
Engineering Division
Division Overview
The Engineering division is responsible for: the preparation of plans, specifications, estimates,
survey layout, inspection and supervision of town construction projects; review of site plans for
accuracy/conformance with subdivision regulations; review of Conservation submittals; upkeep
of all traffic markings/signals; issuance/compliance of utility, street opening, and Jackies law
permits and Dig Safe mark outs.
FY25 Budget Summary
Staffing remains unchanged. Increases in wages follow contractual obligations. Expenses were
level-funded.
Division Activities
Annual Road Paving; Approximately 3.1 miles of roadway resurfaced
Line Painting
NPDES Annual Permit
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25FY24-25
EngineeringFY22 ActualFY23 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Town Engineer$ 115,331 $ 119,424$ 125,000 $ 129,600 $ 4,6003.7%
Senior/Civil Engineers$ 261,075 $ 263,139$ 268,150 $ 276,200 $ 8,0503.0%
Field Tech/Surveyor$ 80,559$ 81,518 $ 83,100$ 86,400$ 3,3004.0%
Overtime$ 10,556$ 9,068$ 12,500$ 12,500$ -0.0%
Buyback$ - $ 11,434 $ - $ - $ -0.0%
DIVISION WAGES$ 467,521 $ 484,583$ 488,750 $ 504,700 $ 15,950 3.3%
Traffic Control Repairs $ 11,697$ 16,571 $ 25,000$ 25,000$ -0.0%
Professional Services$ 2,785$ 156,300$ 3,000$ 3,000$ -0.0%
Supplies and Equipment$ 9,624$ 7,447$ 14,000$ 14,000$ -0.0%
Police Details$ 9,326$ 7,500$ 12,000$ 12,000$ -0.0%
DIVISION EXPENSES$ 33,431$ 187,818$ 54,000$ 54,000$ -0.0%
Town of Reading 86 FY 2025 Budget
Highway Division
Division Overview
The Highway Division is responsible for street maintenance, catch basin repair, roadside cutting,
sidewalks, street signs, and potholes. This Division also repairs and services over 200 pieces of
equipment for Town and School departments.
Division Activities
Annual springtime street sweeping, signage, and tree lawn repair
Repairs and cleaning of over 3,000 catch basins
Roadside cutting
Sidewalk/curbing maintenance and installation
Pothole repair
Repairs and services for over 200 pieces of equipment town-wide
Oversight of rubbish and recycling
FY25 Budget Summary
While staffing levels remain unchanged, salaries are increasing due to contractual obligations.
Gravel crushing, equipment maintenance and fuel expenses were all increased.
Town of Reading 87 FY 2025 Budget
FY25 Budget Summary (Continued)
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25FY24-25
Highway & EquipmentFY22 ActualFY23 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Highway/St. Water Supervisor$ 71,130$ 75,012 $ 78,000$ 81,100$ 3,1004.0%
Managing/Working Foreperson$ 178,976 $ 180,407$ 206,650 $ 216,300 $ 9,6504.7%
Senior/Junior Operators$ 264,410 $ 225,940$ 349,500 $ 360,400 $ 10,900 3.1%
Laborers$ 21,119$ 111,622$ - $ - $ -0.0%
Mechanics$ 236,163 $ 215,006$ 276,850 $ 292,700 $ 15,850 5.7%
Seasonal Staff$ 1,293$ 512 $ 6,000$ 6,000$ -0.0%
Overtime/On Call$ 85,006$ 76,717 $ 75,000$ 75,000$ -0.0%
Buyback$ 192$ 4,609$ - $ - $ -0.0%
DIVISION WAGES$ 858,290 $ 889,825$ 992,000 $ 1,031,500$ 39,500 4.0%
Equipment Parts & Maint.$ 237,456 $ 253,163$ 225,000 $ 235,000 $ 10,000 4.4%
Outsourced Repairs$ 139,116 $ 133,558$ 150,000 $ 150,000 $ -0.0%
Fuel$ 164,420 $ 213,515$ 190,000 $ 230,000 $ 40,000 21.1%
Line Painting$ 46,930$ 65,000 $ 90,000$ 90,000$ -0.0%
Road and Sidewalk Repairs$ 36,155$ 46,552 $ 45,000$ 55,000$ 10,000 22.2%
Supplies and Equipment$ 21,003$ 22,616 $ 24,000$ 24,000$ -0.0%
Outsourced Services$ 3,713$ 2,790$ 10,000$ 10,000$ -0.0%
Police Details$ 19,257$ 15,449 $ 16,000$ 16,000$ -0.0%
Utilities/Licenses$ 4,732$ 5,431$ 4,700$ 4,800$ 100 2.1%
DIVISION EXPENSES$ 672,782 $ 758,074$ 754,700 $ 814,800 $ 60,100 8.0%
Town of Reading 88 FY 2025 Budget
Storm Water Division
Division Overview
This division contains all the storm water related work that the Town was doing before the
creation of the Enterprise Fund.
FY25 Budget Summary
Note that both the Supervisor position, a Foreperson position, and a Mechanics position are
shared with the Highway division. Staffing levels remain unchanged, salaries are increasing due
to contractual obligations. Expenses are level-funded.
Division Activities
Please see the Storm Water Enterprise Fund for a complete summary of work done in this area.
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25FY24-25
Storm Water (GF)FY22 ActualFY23 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Highway/St. Water Supervisor$ 18,230$ 18,767 $ 19,550$ 20,300$ 750 3.8%
Managing/Working Foreperson$ 14,720$ 15,017 $ 15,300$ 16,200$ 900 5.9%
Senior/Junior Operators$ 85,049$ 64,390 $ 67,725$ 71,800$ 4,0756.0%
Laborers$ - $ -$ 51,800$ 49,800$ (2,000)-3.9%
Mechanics$ 5,263$ 6,551$ 7,100$ 7,700$ 600 8.5%
On Call$ 1,200$ 1,800$ - $ - $ -0.0%
Overtime$ 7,950$ 5,597$ 8,500$ 8,500$ -0.0%
Buyback$ - $ 265 $ - $ - $ -0.0%
DIVISION WAGES$ 132,412 $ 112,387$ 169,975 $ 174,300 $ 4,3252.5%
Supplies and Equipment$ 2,753$ 2,177$ 3,000$ 3,000$ -0.0%
DIVISION EXPENSES$ 2,753$ 2,177$ 3,000$ 3,000$ -0.0%
Town of Reading 89 FY 2025 Budget
Forestry Division
Division Overview
The forestry division is responsible for maintaining all trees on public grounds and within the
public right-of-way along streets and easements and assists Conservation with tree maintenance
in various resource areas.
Division Activities
Oversight of all Town trees: Planting, trimming, removal. In 2023, 131 trees were planted by
Town staff as street trees and in parks, schools, and cemeteries. There were 172 trees trimmed,
and 134 tree removals (25 Ash Trees). Division is responsible for Holiday lighting in the Town
Common (over 20,000 bulbs).
FY25 Budget Summary
Staffing remains unchanged. Increases in wages follow contractual obligations. There was a
slight increase in stump/brush disposal.
Town of Reading 90 FY 2025 Budget
FY25 Budget Summary (Continued)
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25FY24-25
Forestry*FY22 ActualFY23 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Pks./Frst. Cem. Supervisor$ 46,450$ 48,262 $ 50,250$ 52,200$ 1,9503.9%
Managing/Working Foreperson$ 132,615 $ 103,893$ 148,150 $ 162,000 $ 13,850 9.3%
Senior/Junior Opers/Tr. Clmbr.$ 262,487 $ 68,131 $ 122,700 $ 143,600 $ 20,900 17.0%
Laborers$ 10,034$ -$ - $ - $ -0.0%
Seasonal Staff$ 56,908$ 18,657 $ - $ - $ -0.0%
Overtime/On Call$ 36,799$ 17,113 $ 24,500$ 24,500$ -0.0%
Buyback$ - $ 533 $ - $ - $ -0.0%
DIVISION WAGES$ 545,293 $ 256,589$ 345,600 $ 382,300 $ 36,700 10.6%
Supplies and Equipment$ 12,991$ 14,287 $ 13,500$ 13,500$ -0.0%
Prof. Svc. and Repairs$ 14,400$ 15,517 $ 22,000$ 22,000$ -0.0%
Shade Trees$ 14,856$ 17,959 $ 16,000$ 16,000$ -0.0%
Stump/Brush Disposal$ 6,500$ 7,500$ 10,000$ 12,000$ 2,00020.0%
Police Details$ 7,870$ 7,000$ 7,000$ 7,000$ -0.0%
Utilities/Licenses$ 2,531$ 2,184$ 1,500$ 1,500$ -0.0%
Revolving Fund Support$ - $ -$ - $ - $ -0.0%
DIVISION EXPENSES$ 59,147$ 64,448 $ 70,000$ 72,000$ 2,0002.9%
Town of Reading 91 FY 2025 Budget
Parks/Cemetery Division
Division Overview
The Parks/Cemetery Division operates four town-owned cemeteries, along with various Parks,
which consist of 80 acres of grassed area throughout town, 16 tennis and basketball courts, 11
tot lots, 6 skating rinks, and 13 ballfields.
Division Activities
Funeral Arrangements (15,940 total burials); 107 Interments; 40 Lot sales
Grounds maintenance (51 acres)
Set Markers/Set foundations for headstones
Record keeping
Assist with Memorial Day preparations
Oversight of the Compost Center
FY25 Budget Summary
The Supervisor position is shared between Parks/Cemetery and Forestry. The Managing
Foreperson and the Working Foreperson positions are shared between Parks and Cemetery. A
Veterans Trust Fund supports annual flowers for Memorial Day. Trust fund support also pays a
portion of seasonal wages.
Town of Reading 92 FY 2025 Budget
FY25 Budget Summary (Continued)
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25FY24-25
Parks/Cemetery*FY22 ActualFY23 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Pks./Frst. Cem. Supervisor$ 46,487$ 48,318 $ 50,200$ 52,200$ 2,0004.0%
Managing/Working Foreperson$ 77,293$ 142,114$ 148,200 $ 157,900 $ 9,7006.5%
Senior/Junior Opers/Tr. Clmbr.$ 103,598 $ 276,564$ 405,325 $ 417,600 $ 12,275 3.0%
Laborers$ 76,297$ 132,515$ 51,800$ 52,300$ 500 1.0%
Seasonal Staff$ 5,197$ 12,986 $ 61,500$ 61,500$ -0.0%
Overtime$ 33,580$ 46,563 $ 37,500$ 37,500$ -0.0%
Buyback$ 964$ -$ - $ - $ -0.0%
Revolving Fund Support$ (100,000)$ (140,000) $ (120,000)$ (120,000)$ -0.0%
DIVISION WAGES$ 243,415 $ 519,059$ 634,525 $ 659,000 $ 24,475 3.9%
Supplies and Equipment$ 12,611$ 31,563 $ 33,600$ 34,600$ 1,0003.0%
Repairs$ 15,390$ 19,247 $ 20,000$ 21,000$ 1,0005.0%
Lot Repurchase$ - $ -$ 400$ 400$ -0.0%
Fuel$ 580$ 1,130$ 500$ 500$ -0.0%
Utilities/Licenses$ 8,528$ 8,614$ 10,500$ 10,600$ 100 1.0%
Veterans Flowers$ 1,561$ 2,650$ 2,500$ 3,000$ 500 20.0%
Trust/Revolving Fund Support$ (19,264)$ (20,000)$ (17,000)$ (17,000)$ -0.0%
DIVISION EXPENSES$ 19,405$ 43,203 $ 50,500$ 53,100$ 2,6005.1%
*Parks moved in with Cemetery
Town of Reading 93 FY 2025 Budget
Reading Public Library
Department Overview
FY25 is the fifth year in the Librarys 5-year strategic plan. The plan, available at readingpl.org,
has three areas of focus:
Customer Convenience and Accessibility
Community Learning and Engagement,
The Library as Space and Place
The strategic plan foundations are the Librarys Vision, Mission, and Core Values:
Vision
Evolving together to strengthen communication, equity, collaboration, and learning.
Mission
The Reading Public Library is a center and resource for learning and civic engagement.
We provide a place and platform of, by, and for the people who can benefit as individuals
as well as contribute to the well-being of the community.
Core Values
Education: To help all people reach their full potential.
Equity: So that all people can participate justly and fully in all dimensions of their
individual and community identities.
Access: For all people to learn and participate in both civic and community life by
providing unbiased pathways and reducing systemic barriers.
Accountability: When individuals are responsible for their words and actions and take
shared ownership for overcoming challenges, celebrating successes, and ensuring a just
community.
Town of Reading 94 FY 2025 Budget
FY25 Budget Summary (+3.6%)
The Board of Trustees recommends an overall increase of 3.6.% in salaries and expenses.
The primary drivers for this budget:
Employee retention through Step + 1.25% COLA increase for non-union salaries.
Maintaining certification and eligibility for State Aid
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25FY24-25
DivisionsFY22 ActualFY23 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Administration$ 736,910 $ 837,326$ 853,825 $ 895,300 $ 41,475 4.9%
Public Services$ 644,077 $ 647,902$ 714,900 $ 779,400 $ 64,500 9.0%
Collection Services$ 472,281 $ 488,426$ 536,300 $ 506,450 $ (29,850)-5.6%
LIBRARY TOTALS$ 1,853,268$ 1,973,654 $ 2,105,025$ 2,181,150$ 76,125 3.6%
Department Highlights
In FY23, the Library was open 52 weeks for 3,078 hours. This includes 64 hours a week from
October to May and 60 hours from June through September. Including staffing the half-day on
Sundays, the Library averages 25 FTE. These dedicated employees provide in-person services
at four public desks across three floors of a 38,000 SF building. Additional services include
reference and research support and basic instruction for onsite and virtual services and
collections.
The Library averages over 13,000 visitors monthly. In addition to being a welcoming space for
studying, work, and leisure reading, visitors attended over 500 programs in FY23. These
programs ranged from intimate one-to-one genealogy sessions to large community cultural
events including the annual MLK, Jr. Day celebration and the third annual Juneteenth Freedom
Festival.
The Library provides physical and online resources for individuals of all ages, abilities, and
interests. This includes reading, watching, and listening to content in various media, including
print, downloads, and streaming. Other virtual learning services include free online tutoring,
standardized and professional certification test preparation, and language learning. In FY23, the
physical and digital collections had over half a million uses, 345,244 physical circulations, and
159,022 electronic content interactions.
Town of Reading 95 FY 2025 Budget
Library Wages L91 (+3.3%) and Library Expenses L92 (+4.9%)
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25FY24-25
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Administration$ 370,548 $ 437,876$ 446,950 $ 468,400 $ 21,450 4.8%
Public Services$ 644,077 $ 647,902$ 714,900 $ 779,400 $ 64,500 9.0%
Collection Services$ 472,281 $ 488,426$ 536,300 $ 506,450 $ (29,850)-5.6%
LIBRARY WAGES$ 1,486,906$ 1,574,204 $ 1,698,150$ 1,754,250$ 56,100 3.3%
Administration$ 366,362 $ 399,450$ 406,875 $ 426,900 $ 20,025 4.9%
Public Services$ - $ -$ - $ - $ -0.0%
Collection Services$ - $ -$ - $ - $ -0.0%
LIBRARY EXPENSES$ 366,362 $ 399,450$ 406,875 $ 426,900 $ 20,025 4.9%
Salaries account for 81% of the Library budget. Our employees are our greatest asset, and the
FY25 salary budget request includes a Step plus the 1.25% COLA. The overall salary increase is
3.45%. All Library staff are non-union.
Most expenses for FY24 were cut or level-funded with a net increase of less than 2%. FY25
expenses will increase by 4.9% and return some expense lines to FY23 levels. Additionally, in
FY23 the Library spent roughly $11,500 on new community and cultural programming which
was offset by $4,000 in grants. The FY25 program budget increases the program line from
$4000 to $10,500 to help keep pace with the net cost of this expanded programming.
Town of Reading 96 FY 2025 Budget
Administration Division
The Administration Division is responsible for the overall management, finance,
communications, and strategic planning functions of the Library. This budget reflects the Office
of Equity as part of the Administration Division. The Office of Equity is an inward and outward-
facing position that works with Town departments and the Reading community to foster a
culture of diversity, belonging, and inclusion.
SALARIES (+4.8%)
The Administration budget includes expected step increases and adjustments for the
Administrative Assistant and the Director for Equity.
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25FY24-25
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Library Director $ 112,232 $ 116,315$ 121,400 $ 126,000 $ 4,6003.8%
Library Assistant Director $ 79,460$ 82,352 $ 90,950$ 94,300$ 3,3503.7%
Dir of Equity & Social Justice$ 25,859$ 78,813 $ 85,100$ 92,300$ 7,2008.5%
Communications Specialist$ 40,327$ 41,784 $ 43,375$ 44,900$ 1,5253.5%
Support Staff$ 77,597$ 93,902 $ 96,125$ 100,900 $ 4,7755.0%
Library Substitutes $ 16,352$ 23,010 $ 10,000$ 10,000$ -0.0%
Sick/Vacation Buyback $ 18,721$ 1,700$ - $ - $ -0.0%
ADMINISTRATION WAGES$ 370,548 $ 437,876$ 446,950 $ 468,400 $ 21,450 4.8%
EXPENSES (+4.9%)
This expense budget corrects for cuts made in FY24, increases programming funds, and
includes a materials budget that meets the minimum for state certification.
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25FY24-25
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Library Materials $ 253,784 $ 263,370$ 273,675 $ 283,900 $ 10,225 3.7%
Equipment Contract/Repair $ 16,274$ 18,330 $ 22,000$ 23,000$ 1,0004.5%
Software License & Support$ 62,754$ 67,334 $ 69,200$ 70,500$ 1,3001.9%
Technology Supplies $ 8,142$ 10,313 $ 11,000$ 11,000$ -0.0%
General Supplies$ 10,629$ 13,081 $ 13,000$ 14,000$ 1,0007.7%
Professional Development$ 11,828$ 17,016 $ 14,000$ 14,000$ -0.0%
Library Programs $ 2,951$ 10,006 $ 4,000$ 10,500$ 6,500162.5%
LIBRARY EXPENSES$ 366,362 $ 399,450$ 406,875 $ 426,900 $ 20,025 4.9%
Town of Reading 97 FY 2025 Budget
Public Services Division
The Public Services Division is responsible for all Library programs and services. Programs
include budgeting, planning, and implementing classes, lectures, meetups, and special events
for all ages. Services include research, readers advisory, one-to-one instruction, technology
assistance, homebound services, and support for Reading Public Schools.
The 9.8% increase is due to transferring one position from Collection Services to Public Services.
Without that transfer, the net change would increase by 2.1%.
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25FY24-25
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Public Services Division Head$ 77,852 $ 80,747 $ 85,100 $ 84,100 $ (1,000)-1.2%
Librarian II$ 137,255 $ 132,821$ 148,800 $ 148,700 $ (100)-0.1%
Librarian$ 403,132 $ 408,204$ 448,100 $ 463,900 $ 15,800 3.5%
Support Staff$ - $ -$ - $ 49,700$ 49,700 0.0%
Sunday Hours$ 25,838$ 26,129 $ 32,900$ 33,000$ 100 0.3%
9.0%
PUBLIC SERVICES WAGES$ 644,077 $ 647,902$ 714,900 $ 779,400 $ 64,500
Collection Services Division
The Collection Services Division is responsible for the acquisition of and access to all materials.
Materials include all forms of physical and digital items that are borrowed, streamed, or
downloaded. Acquisitions include budgeting, purchasing, licensing, and payment for all
materials. Access includes processing, cataloging, patron account management, interlibrary
loan services, and all aspects of circulation control.
The reduction (-5.4%) of this salary budget reflects the transfer of one position to Public Services.
Without that transfer, the net change would be an increase of 3.7%
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25FY24-25
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Collection Services Division Head$ 84,322$ 87,402 $ 91,200$ 94,500$ 3,3003.6%
Librarian II$ 66,965$ 58,908 $ 73,500$ 76,100$ 2,6003.5%
Librarian I$ 64,623$ 31,046 $ - $ - $ -0.0%
Support Staff$ 248,227 $ 298,222$ 358,350 $ 322,600 $ (35,750)-10.0%
Sunday Hours$ 8,145$ 12,848 $ 13,250$ 13,250$ -0.0%
COLLECTION SERVICES WAGES$ 472,281 $ 488,426$ 536,300 $ 506,450 $ (29,850)-5.6%
Town of Reading 98 FY 2025 Budget
Facilities Department
Department Overview
The Facilities Department supports the Town's Educational and Municipal Government
functions through the quality-driven delivery of Facilities Services in a timely and cost-effective
manner, along with exceptional customer service.
Facilities staff members strive to maintain an efficient, safe, clean, attractive, and inviting
environment for all public buildings. The Facilities Department also provides the necessary
services to facilitate building use for internal and external users.
The Core budget includes all systems, equipment, and large-scale operational needs common
to all buildings; the Town and School Buildings budgets contain items unique to those facilities.
Department Preventative Maintenance Program
(17) buildings: Service fire extinguisher/suppression systems; exit signs and emergency
lighting; provide monthly pest control services
(336) Exhaust Fans - Serviced annually
(299) Unit Ventilators - Serviced three times/year
(55) Roof Top Equipment - Serviced 2-3 times/year
(41) Boilers - Serviced annually
(12) Elevator and Lift Service - Serviced monthly
(11) In and outside Grease Traps - Serviced annually
(9) Emergency Generators - Serviced twice per year
(2) Acid Waste Tanks - Serviced annually
(13) buildings: Sprinkler/Fire - Serviced annually
(15) buildings: Fire Alarm - Serviced three times/year
Town of Reading 99 FY 2025 Budget
FY25 Budget Summary
Town Meeting votes on two lines directly: M91 for the total of Core Facilities and M92 for the
total of Town Buildings. The School Building costs are part of the School Committee budget
which is voted as one bottom line figure by Town Meeting.
In FY25, Core Facilities budgets are showing an 8.7% increase (11.8% in energy expense and
4.9% Core Facilities Wages and Expenses) and Town Buildings a 2.4% increase.
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25FY24-25
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Core Facilities (M91)$ 2,907,530$ 3,188,005 $ 3,633,780$ 3,948,760 $ 314,9808.7%
Town Buildings (M92)$ 339,208 $ 360,532$ 369,650$ 378,450$ 8,8002.4%
School Buildings see School Budget
FACILITIES DEPT. TOTALS$ 3,246,738$ 3,548,537 $ 4,003,430$ 4,327,210 $ 323,7808.1%
Core Facilities$ 664,021 $ 671,199$ 713,400$ 748,500$ 35,100 4.9%
Town Buildings$ 244,107 $ 249,590$ 258,700$ 267,500$ 8,8003.4%
School Buildings see School Budget
FACILITIES DEPT. WAGES TOTAL$ 908,128 $ 920,789$ 972,100$ 1,016,000 $ 43,900 4.5%
Core Facilities$ 2,243,509$ 2,516,806 $ 2,920,380$ 3,200,260 $ 279,8809.6%
Town Buildings$ 95,102$ 110,942$ 110,950$ 110,950$ -0.0%
School Buildings see School Budget
FACILITIES DEPT. EXPENSES TOTALS$ 2,338,610$ 2,627,748 $ 3,031,330$ 3,311,210 $ 279,8809.2%
Line M91: Core Facilities
Wages
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25FY24-25
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Facilities Director $ 145,389 $ 150,691$ 157,100$ 163,000$ 5,9003.8%
Facilities Assistant Director $ 107,086 $ 110,977$ 118,050$ 122,500$ 4,4503.8%
Facilites Support Staff$ 79,880$ 72,871 $ 75,950$ 78,700 $ 2,7503.6%
Maintenance Staff$ 305,820 $ 314,860$ 326,000$ 348,000$ 22,000 6.7%
Overtime$ 25,846$ 21,800 $ 36,300$ 36,300 $ -0.0%
Buyback$ - $ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
CORE FACILITIES WAGES$ 664,021 $ 671,199$ 713,400$ 748,500$ 35,100 4.9%
Town of Reading 100 FY 2025 Budget
Expenses
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25FY24-25
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Core Energy Expenses$ 1,360,557$ 1,492,898 $ 1,965,500$ 2,198,300 $ 232,80011.8%
Core Maint. & Repairs$ 483,164 $ 588,562$ 415,100$ 445,120$ 30,020 7.2%
Core HVAC Expenses$ 164,346 $ 107,698$ 221,500$ 238,560$ 17,060 7.7%
Core Plumbing Expenses$ 34,525$ 41,540 $ 31,500$ 31,500 $ -0.0%
Core Electrical Expenses$ 21,656$ 14,461 $ 44,500$ 44,500 $ -0.0%
Core Elevator Expenses$ 49,826$ 49,223 $ 59,400$ 59,400 $ -0.0%
Core Alarm Expenses$ 62,858$ 128,007$ 84,900$ 84,900 $ -0.0%
Core Fire Equip. Expenses$ 6,098$ 4,825$ 35,000$ 35,000 $ -0.0%
Core Pest Mgmt. Expenses$ 10,732$ 15,062 $ 14,280$ 14,280 $ -0.0%
Core Misc$ 49,747$ 74,530 $ 48,700$ 48,700 $ -0.0%
CORE FACILITIES EXPENSES$ 2,243,509$ 2,516,806 $ 2,920,380$ 3,200,260 $ 279,8809.6%
Energy Budgets
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25FY24-25
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
School Bldg. Electricity$ 495,075 $ 526,859$ 801,600$ 820,200$ 18,600 2.3%
Town Bldg. Electricity$ 181,673 $ 207,505$ 266,400$ 272,800$ 6,4002.4%
Conservation-Electric$ 9,691$ 10,156 $ 12,000$ 12,000 $ -0.0%
ELECTRICITY EXPENSES$ 686,439 $ 744,520$ 1,080,000$ 1,105,000 $ 25,000 2.3%
School Bldg. Natural Gas$ 409,762 $ 426,873$ 509,080$ 661,804$ 152,72430.0%
Town Bldg. Natural Gas$ 108,156 $ 112,716$ 166,920$ 216,996$ 50,076 30.0%
NATURAL GAS EXPENSES$ 517,918 $ 539,589$ 676,000$ 878,800$ 202,80030.0%
School Bldg. Wtr/Swr/Stwtr.$ 132,201 $ 179,648$ 175,450$ 179,700$ 4,2502.4%
Town Bldg. Wtr/Swr/Stwtr.$ 24,000$ 29,141 $ 34,050$ 34,800 $ 750 2.2%
W/S/SW EXPENSES$ 156,201 $ 208,789$ 209,500$ 214,500$ 5,0002.4%
ENERGY EXPENSES TOTALS$ 1,360,557$ 1,492,898 $ 1,965,500$ 2,198,300 $ 232,80011.8%
Town of Reading 101 FY 2025 Budget
Line M92: Town Buildings
Wages
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25FY24-25
Town BuildingsFY22 ActualFY23 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Custodians$ 215,195 $ 206,013$ 231,200$ 240,000$ 8,8003.8%
Buyback$ - $ 12,496 $ -$ -$ -0.0%
Overtime$ 28,912$ 31,081 $ 27,500$ 27,500 $ -0.0%
TOWN BLDG. WAGES$ 244,107 $ 249,590$ 258,700$ 267,500$ 8,8003.4%
Expenses
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25FY24-25
Town BuildingsFY22 ActualFY23 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Outsourced Cleaning Services$ 81,500$ 91,280 $ 93,725$ 93,725 $ -0.0%
Building Supplies$ 876$ 288 $ 5,000 $ 5,000$ -0.0%
Other$ 12,725$ 19,374 $ 12,225$ 12,225 $ -0.0%
TOWN BLDG. EXPENSES$ 95,102$ 110,942$ 110,950$ 110,950$ -0.0%
TOWN FACILITIES BUDGET$ 339,208 $ 360,532$ 369,650$ 378,450$ 8,8002.4%
Town of Reading 102 FY 2025 Budget
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Town of Reading 103 FY 2025 Budget
Contact Information
website at www.reading.k12.ma.us
Recommended Budget, please feel free to contact the Central Office Administration for assistance at 781-944-5800.
Also, please reach out directly to the Superintendent or Director of Finance and Operations:
Thomas Milaschewski, Ed.D. Derek Pinto, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools Director of Finance and Operations
781-944-5800 781-670-2880
Thomas.Milaschewski@reading.k12.ma.us Derek.Pinto@reading.k12.ma.us
Photo Credits
With gratitude and appreciation, we recognize the work of the following Reading Memorial HIgh School (RMHS)
Alicia Williams (Photographer, CordelePhotography.com)
Town of Reading 104 FY 2025 Budget
School Committee Members
Thomas Wise, Chairperson
Erin Gaffen, Vice Chairperson
Shawn Brandt, School Committee Member
Sarah McLaughlin, School Committee Member
Carla Nazzaro, School Committee Member
Charles Robinson, School Committee Member
Superintendent of Schools
Thomas Milaschewski, Ed.D.
Reading Public Schools
82 Oakland Road
Reading, Massachusetts
Website: http://reading.k12.ma.us
Town of Reading 105 FY 2025 Budget
District Leadership Team
Central Office Administrators
Sarah Hardy, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Teaching
Derek Pinto, Ed.D., Director of Finance and Operations
Michelle Roach, Human Resources Director
Jennifer Stys, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent for Student Services
Other District Administrators
Erin Burchill, Humanities Curriculum Coordinator
Julian Carr, Network Manager
Catherine Franzetti, Director of School Nutrition
Kevin Gerstner, Facilities Manager
Mary Giuliana, Director of Health Services
Karen Hall, Multilingual Learner (MLL) Department Coordinator
Joseph Huggins, Director of Facilities for Town and School Buildings
Mary Anne Lynn, Interim STEM Curriculum Coordinator
Kurtis Martin, METCO Director
Christopher Nelson, Director of Extended Day, Drivers Education, and Adult and Community Education
Kerry Wilcox, R.I.S.E. Preschool Director
Allison Wright, Special Education Director
Town of Reading 106 FY 2025 Budget
School Administrators
Reading Memorial High School
Jessica Callanan, Principal
Kadi Buckley, Assistant Principal
Meredith Flanagan, Assistant Principal
Jessica Theriault, Assistant Principal
Thomas Zaya, Assistant Principal, Athletics & Extra-curricular Activities
A.W. Coolidge Middle School
Sarah Marchant, Principal
Brienne Karow, Assistant Principal
W.S. Parker Middle School
Rochelle Rubino, Principal
Jill Story, Assistant Principal
Alice Barrows Elementary School
Alissa Gallegos, Principal
Annemarie Ring, Assistant Principal
Birch Meadow Elementary School
Stephen Burnham, Principal
Lisa Azzarito, Assistant Principal
Joshua Eaton Elementary School
Caitlin Shelburne, Principal
Jessica Swindell, Assistant Principal
J.W. Killam Elementary School
Lindsey Fulton, Principal
Talia Hallett, Assistant Principal
Wood End Elementary School
Nicole Schwartz, Principal
Jessica Hester, Assistant Principal
RISE Preschool
Kerry Wilcox, Director
Town of Reading 107 FY 2025 Budget
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTORY SECTION 110
....................................................................................................................................................... 111
.................................................................................................................................. 112
.............................................................................................. 113
Mission, Vision, Statement of Equity, and Portrait of a Graduate ............................................................................................ 113
Budget Development Process and Timeline ............................................................................................................................. 115
Budget Review: FY23 and FY24 Investments .......................................................................................................................... 117
FY25 Recommended Budget Investments ............................................................................................................................... 123
Major Focus Areas with No Impact to FY25 Recommended Budget ........................................................................................ 123
Funding Considerations for the Future ................................................................................................................................... 124
FY25 Recommended Budget Priorities .................................................................................................. 126
Preschool and Elementary Level Priorities: ........................................................................................................................... 126
Secondary and District Level Priorities: ................................................................................................................................ 127
FINANCIAL SECTION 128
FY25 Recommended Budget by Cost Center ............................................................................................... 130
Administration Cost Center Summary .................................................................................................................................. 133
Regular Day Cost Center Summary ....................................................................................................................................... 135
Special Education Cost Center Summary .............................................................................................................................. 137
School Facilities Cost Center Summary ................................................................................................................................. 140
District Wide Programs Summaries: ..................................................................................................................................... 142
OTHER FUNDING SOURCES 150
Offset Summary ........................................................................................................................................................................
151
Town of Reading 108 FY 2025 Budget
Special Revenue Funds ............................................................................................................................................................. 152
Federal and State Grants .......................................................................................................................................................... 154
Five-Year Capital Plan ...............................................................................................................................................................
156
APPENDICES 157
APPENDIX A: Cost Center Budget Detail and Information ........................................................................................................ 158
APPENDIX B: Student Enrollment ............................................................................................................................................. 170
APPENDIX C: District Organizational Structure ......................................................................................................................... 176
APPENDIX D: 2023-2024 School Improvement Plans ............................................................................................................... 180
APPENDIX E: Acronyms ............................................................................................................................................................. 181
Town of Reading 109 FY 2025 Budget
INTRODUCTORY SECTION
Town of Reading 110 FY 2025 Budget
Message
Dear Reading Community,
As we present the recommended budget for FY25, we extend our deepest gratitude to each member of our
community for their unwavering support of our schools. Your financial contributions, along with the invaluable
time, energy, and advocacy, play a crucial role in shaping the success of our students. The commitment and pride
that our Reading community exhibits towards public education are truly commendable, and on behalf of our
district, I express sincere appreciation for your continuous support.
In the upcoming fiscal year, the FY25 budget reflects strategic additions aimed at enhancing our special education
department. We are pleased to announce the expansion of a district-wide speech/language pathologist role from
0.4 to 1.0 FTE (Full-Time Equivalent), along with the shift of a 0.5 FTE Special Education/LEAD (Language, Executive
Functioning, Academics, Determination) teacher position at Joshua Eaton from a one-year role to a full-time
position. These enhancements prioritize direct services to students, ensuring that their individual needs are met
effectively.
As we embark on FY25, we remain focused on leveraging the roles, programs, and initiatives introduced over the
past two fiscal years to elevate student outcomes. Throughout this budget book, we delve into the impact of
additions from FY23 and FY24, providing an update on their influence within our school communities. We are
encouraged to report that these recent additions are already demonstrating a positive impact on our students and
schools, particularly around the quality of teaching and learning in classrooms and overall student sense of
belonging and connectedness.
Our district is committed to optimizing the impact of every financial resource to bolster student outcomes. With
your continued support, we are confident that these investments will cultivate an environment conducive to
academic excellence and personal growth.
In partnership for our students,
Dr. Thomas Milaschewski, Superintendent
Town of Reading 111 FY 2025 Budget
In October 2023, the Finance Committee voted for a FY25 School Department budget guideline of 4.00%, over the
community priority for Full-Day Kindergarten. It was added to increase the school base, and so as not to lose it as
-
reducing the Full-Day Kindergarten (FDK) tuition fee Offset, bringing the community one step closer to providing
Universal Free FDK, and moving the cumulative School Department budget totals from $54,006,623 in FY24, to
$56,310,811 in FY25; an increase of 4.27%.
Town of Reading 112 FY 2025 Budget
Developing a school district budget that effectively aligns resources to initiatives outlined within the district strategic
plan requires collaborative discussion on how funds are spent. The Reading School Committee provided the following
guidance to suppo
with the following School Committee guidance:
Sustain and meet contractual obligations
Maintain ESSER (Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief Fund) staffing
Maintain the path towards Universal FDK
Maintenance and expansion of Special Education investments
Exploration of additional Tier II support
Structural support for Reading Memorial High School (RMHS) leadership
Implementation of recommendations from Secondary Math Pathways advisory committee
Review of Middle School literacy curriculum
Continue the expansion of RMHS Innovation Pathways
Mission, Vision, Statement of Equity, and Portrait of a
Graduate
Mission of the Reading Public Schools
Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow.
Vision of the Reading Public Schools
It is the vision of the Reading Public Schools to instill a joy of learning by inspiring, engaging and supporting our youth
to become the innovative leaders of tomorrow. We will accomplish our vision by focusing on a few key strategic
initiatives that lead to a meaningful and relevant curriculum, innovative instructional practices, strong analysis and
thoughtful dialogue about evidence, a collaborative and team approach to learning and teaching, and a safe and
nurturing learning environment. The overall physical and behavioral well-being of our children will be our top priority,
as students will not learn if they are not physically and psychologically safe. Education will truly be the shared
responsibility of both the schools and the community, with families playing active roles in the schools and being full
partners in ensuring the success of their children. In the interest of the entire Reading community, the school district
and town government shall work cooperatively and collaboratively. As educators and members of our community,
we believe that implementing this vision is our ethical responsibility to the children of the Town of Reading.
celebrate the diversity of the Reading Community and beyond by embracing differences to empower every student,
staff member and family of the Reading Public Schools (RPS). We embrace all members of the community no matter
where we live, what we look like, what we believe, what language we speak, who we love, or how we learn, consistent
with the human dignity of all. When we are unwavering in our commitment to equity, we support every student and
staff member in maximizing individual potential. This requires us to identify, analyze, and confront gaps in
opportunities and outcomes for all students.
Town of Reading 113 FY 2025 Budget
Reading Memorial High School Portrait of a Graduate
RPS Graduates are leaders of their own learning journey who demonstrate kindness and empathy towards others and
a commitment to wellness. They persevere through challenges, embrace multiple perspectives, and aspire to be their
best selves in the service of others to better our community and our world.
Learn - Grow - Teach - RPS Graduates are critical thinkers and creative problem solvers. They take ownership of their
learning journey and are open to struggle to foster personal growth. They are confident in their beliefs and consider
the thoughts and ideas of others. They embrace collaboration to help teach others and remain curious life-long
learners.
Empathize - Consider Perspectives - Practice Communal Care - RPS Graduates show kindness and empathy towards
others and a commitment to personal wellness and communal care. They are able to persevere through challenges
and demonstrate resilience. They authentically reflect through hearing and understanding the experiences,
perspectives, and needs of people around them. To navigate relationships with generosity and patience, they listen
actively and compassionately.
Engage - Serve - Thrive - RPS Graduates responsibly shape our world through collaboration with their community.
They engage with and communicate multiple perspectives, aspire to be their best selves in the service of others in
order to thrive, and bring their skills and knowledge to action for the benefit of each other and our world.
Town of Reading 114 FY 2025 Budget
Budget Development Process
Within the context of the Budget Guidelines established by the Finance Committee and School Committee, the
-2026 District Strategic Plan, the Central Office Leadership
Team committed to conduct a productive and effective FY25 Budget Development Process. The approach taken by
the district leaders was foundational to a successful budget process, outlined below:
Endeavored to create a fiscally responsible budget responsive to stakeholder needs.
Strove for alignment with the 2023-2026 District Strategic Plan Objectives:
a. Supportive, Equitable and Safe Learning Environments
b. Coherent instructional Systems
c. School Operations
d. Family and Community Engagement
Sought to optimize funding and heighten efficiency with expense-related items.
Engaged stakeholders, including: district and site leadership, School Committee and the town.
Ensured that the budget development process was open, collaborative and transparent.
Baseline costs were calculated for personnel and non-personnel accounts to ensure compliance with contractual and
legal mandates. Projected enrollment, class sizes, student needs, and known/anticipated spending trends guided the
process. The process taken to build the baseline budget involved the following:
Aligned budgets with employment contracts and negotiated bargaining agreements.
Calculated costs based on historical spending trends, known service/material rate changes, and anticipated
requirements.
Evaluated staffing schedules, student groupings, and caseloads based on student enrollment, class size and
student needs.
Redeployed existing resources, Grants, and Revolving Accounts to support changes in baseline operating
expense and fund investment priorities.
Personnel and non-personnel resources were maximized to make progress toward addressing strategic objectives
include, but were not limited to the following:
Personnel Non-personnel
Recognized retirement savings. Considered a multi-year review of past, present, pending,
Utilized METCO, Department of Public Health, Special and projected out of district tuition rates and changes in
Education and other Grant funding. placements.
Accounted for savings generated between outgoing/budget Applied the increase in Circuit Breaker Reimbursement.
salaries and new incoming staff. Reduced/reallocated existing budgets based on historical
Moved some wages to IDEA 240 grant, FY25: perhaps allocate spending patterns and anticipated future needs
lunchtime/para wages to Food Services special revenue fund. Applied School Choice funding.
Engage stakeholders in a collaborative process.
Ensure all contractual and legal obligations will be met.
Identify spending priorities to support teaching and learning.
Maximize existing resources through redeployment of existing resources and leveraging all funds.
Town of Reading 115 FY 2025 Budget
Budget Timeline
The budget cycle is formulated around key dates and touchpoints to have a fully approved budget in place by the
start of the fiscal year.
Date Task Date Task
July-October Craft enrollment projections December Finalize budget priorities and requests
FY25 class sizes, groupings, staffing Finalize/publish Superintendent's
ratios Recommended FY25 Budget Book
Work on financial forecasts
Examine FY23, FY24 expenditures January January 4, 2024
Anticipated FY25 needs, School Committee Budget Night 1
investments, sustainability of Q&A on Cost Center Presentations
request Administration, Special Education
Build budgets January 11, 2024
Personnel & non personnel - person School Committee Budget Night 2
by person, item by item Q&A on Cost Center Presentations
Regular Day, District Wide, School Facilities
November Collaborate on budget priorities FY25 Budget Public Hearing 1
Contract negotiations/settlements January 18, 2024
Meeting student anticipated needs FY25 Budget Hearing 2
Maximizing revenues across Questions and Responses published
program/level January 25, 2024
Evaluate budget requests School Committee vote on the
Solicit feedback on necessary FY25
investments January 26, 2024
Prioritize, align with district strategic
objectives, determine cost and FY25 Budget Book
rationale for request
Examine budget data, site/district to the Town Manager
Personnel: person, position, step,
degree, stipend, retirement, vacancy February February 28, 2024 (tentative)
Scheduling: School Committee FY25 Budget Presentation
teachers/paraprofessionals to Finance Committee
evaluated on effectiveness, student
need April-May Town Meeting Vote on FY25 Budget
Non-personnel: data examined by April 22, April 25, April 29, May 2
line item, description, expenditure
trend, projected use
Town of Reading 116 FY 2025 Budget
Budget Review: FY23 and FY24 Investments
Over the past two budget cycles, our district has invested heavily in new positions, programs, and supports to
improve student outcomes - academically, socially, and emotionally - across our schools. Below, we provide a brief
rationale for each of these recent additions and an update of their impact on our students. Collectively, these
additions have significantly enhanced the quality of educational programming in all of our schools.
Position Budget Year Description
Added
5.0 FTE School Adjustment FY23 Budget Prior to the implementation of the FY23 budget, the
Counselor/METCO Coordinator elementary schools did not have school counselors. We know
at each elementary school
community is one of the largest factors in determining
academic success, and one of our primary strategies in
improving student connectedness and belonging has been to
increase student access to school counselors. Our counselors
play a pivotal role in supporting students through academic,
personal, and social challenges, such as navigating peer
relationships, balancing academic priorities and demands, and
deepening self-confidence. These roles also serve as direct
liaisons and supports for our Boston resident students and
families. As schools continue to see an increase in social-
emotional and academic need following the pandemic, our
school counselors have become increasingly critical in the
educational experience of our students. Through this
addition, each elementary school has a full-time School
Counselor/METCO Coordinator. The funding for these roles is
split between the district operating budget and the METCO
grant.
1.0 FTE Director of Academic FY23 Budget This role has been instrumental in moving several key
Achievement at the high school initiatives forward at RMHS, including:
Developing four new Innovation Pathways, with significant
funding from DESE (Department of Elementary and
Secondary Education) and partnerships with our
community, aimed at developing employable skills in high-
demand occupations, connecting learning to authentic and
real-world settings, and aligning school-based
opportunities to the ever-expanding interests of our
students.
Scaling our paid senior internship program to include over
80 students and 60 community partners, enabling seniors
to experience career exploration through a wide range of
work-based learning opportunities.
Town of Reading 117 FY 2025 Budget
Developing partnerships with several local universities to
expand dual-enrollment opportunities, enabling students
to gain college credits while taking courses at RMHS.
Restructuring our school-based Instructional Leadership
Team to empower and support our Department Heads,
leading to significant improvements in teaching and
learning in classrooms across the school.
Ms. Callanan was originally hired into this role in 2022, but
shifted to the interim principal role in 2023. As she moved to
the interim principal role, Ms. Callanan maintained the job
responsibilities associated with the Director of Academic
Achievement position. The Director of Academic
Achievement position was reallocated to an additional
Assistant Principal position, which has been maintained in the
FY25 budget.
1.0 FTE teacher in the English FY23 Budget We have seen a significant increase of multilingual learners
Language Learner department (MLL) in our district over the past several years, growing from
and translation services 42 in October 2018 to 74 in October 2023. As the MLL
population continues to grow in the district, these positions
.20 FTE increase to English are crucial in ensuring appropriate group ratios, services, and
Language Coordinator instruction for our English Language Learners.
FY24 Budget
1.5 FTEs of ESL (English as a With a high number of MLL students assessing as beginner-
Second Language) teacher level English proficiency in 2022, the district saw a need for
positions additional teachers. We continue to see an increase in our
MLL population with this addition being utilized to provide
weekly recommended instructional hours to students.
Supporting the language development of MLL students is
essential to their academic and social progress in school.
.20 FTE staff in the Stepping FY23 Budget This position continues to provide five full days of academic
Stones Program
hospital and out-of-school settings. This can be a challenging
transition for students and the additional support has been
instrumental in building out this program.
1.0 FTE increase in School FY23 Budget The REACH (Resiliency, Executive Functioning, Academics,
Counselors at the middle school Coping Strategies, Habits of Mind) program moved from
level Coolidge Middle School to Parker Middle School during the
2022-2023 school year, creating a need at the high school and
1.0 FTE Social Worker increase middle school level for increased support. The investment in
for the REACH program at the these resources has increased access for social emotional
middle school level support to students, equalized social emotional support
available to students across both Coolidge and Parker Middle
Schools.
Town of Reading 118 FY 2025 Budget
Investing in these positions contributes valuable resources
that enhance students' access to social and emotional support
at the secondary level.
1.0 FTE Nurse FY23 Budget The addition of this position has expanded support to
students and positions the Director of K-12 Health Services to
oversee the district wide health services and be available to
provide direct services to students as needed. Students now
have more access to district wide health programming
through the actionable work of the Director of Health
Services.
.40 FTE District Data Specialist FY23 Budget As the district continues to expand analysis of student
performance and targeted interventions, increasing the
District Data Specialist role from 0.6 to 1.0 FTE provided for
oversight of curriculum applications, adoption of assessments
and benchmarking data diagnostics. The data specialist is
charged with compiling student data from a variety of sources
and creating data displays for district and school leaders to
ensure the accurate use of data in decision making, analysis of
trends and reporting of progress. For example, the data
specialist created and monitors a data dashboard for each
school to track student attendance based on a need to reduce
the number of students who are chronically absent.
Additionally, the data specialist manages assessment
platforms and compiles data required for state reporting. The
data specialist supports the district's data-driven approach
through statistical analysis of data from student assessments
supporting an environment of continuous improvement.
5.0 FTE Elementary Assistant FY24 Budget All 5 of our elementary schools now have a full-time Assistant
Principals Principal. Prior to the FY24 budget, our elementary schools
each had a full-time teacher who received a stipend to serve
as a part-time Assistant Principal. Investing in building
leadership is at the core of improving academic outcomes. A
effective principals raise the achievement of a typical student
in their schools by between two and seven months of learning
in a single school year; ineffective principals lower
is difficult to envision an investment in K-12 education with a
higher ceiling on its potential return than improving school
professional development and individualized coaching for
principals, our administrative structure at the elementary
Town of Reading 119 FY 2025 Budget
level posed a barrier to leveraging the impact of principals on
student outcomes. With the significant changes in the field of
education, especially within the last 5 years, the roles of
building leaders have become exponentially more challenging.
Within Reading, our adoption of high-quality curriculum
materials, our increased enrollment of diverse populations,
and our increases in student social-emotional and academic
needs have all added significant responsibilities and
expectations to those leading our buildings. These shifts also
highlight the need for principals to act as instructional leaders
in their schools. To do so, it was necessary to provide the
staffing required to ensure the responsibilities and
management of our buildings was done efficiently and
effectively to create structures for success in our schools. To
support all our students, families, educators, and principals,
elementary assistant principals share building-level
responsibilities including (but not limited to) teacher
evaluations, programmatic support, family and community
engagement, and responding to day-to-day needs, allowing
our principals to enhance their own capacity as leaders of
learning communities. Overall, these new roles provide our
elementary schools with the administrative leadership
structure necessary to harness the impact of principal
leadership on students. This new structure also creates an
internal pipeline of leadership talent to fill principal vacancies
as they arise in this district.
2.0 FTE K-8 Math Coaches FY24 Budget These roles were developed to improve math outcomes in our
district by providing teachers with access to consistent, job-
embedded coaching and support. K-8 math coaches are
integrating externally provided training into our district while
working within our existing frameworks alongside our
educators. They support increased implementation of high-
quality curriculum materials, improve instructional practices,
and foster deeper opportunities for rigorous math learning.
This includes ensuring vertical and horizontal alignment,
embedding educator professional learning into daily teaching
cycles, and offering targeted training opportunities,
collaborative sessions with teacher groups, and personalized
1:1 coaching. Furthermore, they play a crucial role in
onboarding new staff, ensuring sustained implementation of
our curriculum materials beyond the initial adoption phase.
We are already seeing increased utilization of the K-8 Math
Coaches by teachers and anticipate seeing this grow
throughout the 23/24 school year.
Town of Reading 120 FY 2025 Budget
1.0 FTE Middle School FY24 Budget With an increased need to support the social-emotional and
Adjustment Counselor/METCO behavioral health of our students, this shared Middle School
(Metropolitan Council for Adjustment Counselor/METCO Coordinator position supports
Educational Opportunity) the social-emotional and behavioral health of students and
Coordinator the goals of the METCO program at Coolidge and Parker
Middle Schools. This role mirrors the School Adjustment
Counselor/METCO Coordinator roles in our five elementary
schools. This new role has received positive feedback from
our students, staff, and families in the impact it is having on
students academically, socially, and emotionally. The funding
for this role is split between the district operating budget and
the METCO grant.
1.0 FTE RMHS METCO FY24 Budget This role helps to support all students, specially Boston
Coordinator resident students as we see an increase in enrollment. This
role has been pivotal in serving as a liaison with students,
families, and staff regarding the academic and social-
emotional progress of students. This role is funded fully
through the METCO grant.
1.0 FTE 1 to 1 Nurse FY24 Budget
medical need for the student to access the school setting.
3.0 FTE High School Counselors FY24 Budget In the last two budget cycles, 3.0 FTE counselors were added
at RMHS in the following capacities:
1.0 FTE allocated full-time to the Stepping Stones
program
1.0 FTE allocated to school-wide counseling and
social-emotional support for all student
1.0 FTE allocated to the RMHS Guidance Department
1.0 FTE Elementary Special FY24 Budget This position continues to be a requirement to ensure
Education Teacher compliance with IEP (Individualized Education Plan) services.
This position at Joshua Eaton provides inclusion and direct
instruction to students who require special education literacy
and math instruction.
1.0 FTE Middle School Special FY24 Budget The addition of this position at Coolidge ensures compliance
Education Teacher with IEP services. This position at Coolidge provides inclusion
and direct instruction to students who require special
education literacy and math instruction.
2.6 FTE Special Education Team FY24 Budget To ensure consistency with practice and compliance, the
Chairs additional team chair positions allow each school to have at
least one full-time special education administrator. This allows
the team chairs to have a direct role in instructional support
Town of Reading 121 FY 2025 Budget
within special education classrooms. Additionally, they are
responsible for implementing the reading protocol, as
needed, during the evaluation process to ensure all students
have access to appropriate instruction and data collection
methods.
1.0 Board Certified Behavior FY24 Budget In alignment with the special education program review
Analyst (BCBA) recommendations, this additional BCBA provides support for
students enrolled in the SOAR (Social Skills Organizational
Skills Academics in Real World Situations)/EMBARC (Education
Meaningful Inclusion, Becoming Independent, Advocacy,
Relaxation, and Leisure Activities2, Community Integration)
programs. This position serves students in Preschool to grade
12. The primary role of the BCBA is to provide consultative
support to teams and families regarding evaluations,
behavioral interventions, and data collection.
1.0 Secondary Transition FY24 Budget In alignment with the special education program review
Specialist recommendations, this position provides direct evaluation
and transition planning support for students ages 14-22. This
position supports teams and students to identify the skills
needed to further their post schooling endeavors. As part of
the IEP process for all students there must be a transition plan
beginning at age 14. The transition specialist helps develop an
evaluation protocol and education support to make sure all
students who receive special education services are prepared
for their post-secondary transition. Additionally, for students
who need more specific job, leisure and life skills this position
helps support community-based learning activities.
Town of Reading 122 FY 2025 Budget
FY25 Recommended Budget Investments
The following positions have been identified as priorities and are funded in the FY25 budget:
Speech Language Pathologist from 0.4 FTE to 1.0 FTE: Due to growing caseloads, the need for program expansion,
and the demands of IEPs, we will be increasing one Speech Language Pathologist from 0.4 FTE to 1.0 FTE. An
increase to this position will allow for maintenance of applications to ensure we are meeting the needs of students
and providing improved outcomes outlined in Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). - Strategic Objective 2:
Coherent Instructional Systems
Elementary LEAD Program Teacher (0.5 FTE): To meet the needs of students in the LEAD program at Joshua Eaton
Elementary School, we are continuing the investment of 0.5 FTE which was originally a 1-year position funded in
FY24. This continuation aims to ensure consistency in providing effective instruction aligned with the goals and
objectives outlined in student IEPs and specifically provide direct structured multisensory reading instruction by
certified staff.. - Strategic Objective 2: Coherent Instructional Systems
ESSER Funded Positions: Positions that were funded through the ESSER grant through FY24 have been evaluated to
determine sustaining these roles long term. The FY25 budget includes the following positions which were
previously funded by the ESSER grant: 2.0 FTE Secondary Guidance Counselors and 1.0 FTE Middle School Special
Education Teacher. The incorporation of these positions into the operating budget ensures compliance with IEPs
and supports the behavioral health of our students. - Strategic Objective 1 - Supportive, Safe, and Equitable
Learning Environments; Strategic Objective 2: Coherent Instructional Systems
Major Focus Areas with No Impact to FY25 Recommended
Budget
Accelerating Futures: RMHS Innovation Career Pathways & Dual Enrollment Expansion
Reading Memorial High School was approved by DESE to move forward with two Innovation Career Pathways (ICP)
in the 2023-24 academic year. These pathways are in Advanced Manufacturing (Engineering) and Information (both
Computer Science and Digital Media). Currently, there are 80 students enrolled in an ICP in the first year of
implementation. Since 2022, RMHS has been awarded $125,000 in grant funding from DESE for Innovation Career
Pathways. Last year, the school received a $25,000 Planning Grant for the Advanced Manufacturing (Engineering)
and Information (Computer Science & Digital Media) pathways, and in September of 2023 was awarded a $75,000
Implementation Grant for the same pathways. Earlier this year, RMHS was awarded another $25,000 Planning
Grant to support work on two new pathways in Clean Energy and Healthcare and Social Assistance. RMHS
continues to apply for grant funding to continue and expand upon Innovation Career Pathways. Grant funding can
help us increase skills and offerings, as well as pay student intern salaries. Ten grants have been applied for to date,
and if successful, RMHS has the potential to secure upwards of $800,000 in grant funding.
Reading Memorial High School has offered Dual Enrollment (DE) courses for students in the past through various
higher education institutions. RMHS is currently working with UMass Lowell to offer dual-enrollment courses that
are part of the existing ICP offerings in the areas of Computer Science, Arts and Business. Dual-enrollment provides
students with the opportunity to earn college credits while at RMHS.
Town of Reading 123 FY 2025 Budget
Funding Considerations for the Future
The FY25 recommended budget makes great strides toward moving our district forward and we are grateful for the
recommended budget, certain items were prioritized to achieve the greatest and most immediate impact on
many other priorities that have emerged throughout the budget process. Those items are outlined below (not in
order of importance/priority):
Preschool and Elementary Level Priorities:
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Curriculum: The elementary SEL Curriculum, Open Circle, has been in place for
many years, but in recent years, teachers have reported the content of the program does not provide adequate
instruction in social-emotional competencies. A curriculum review in the area of SEL is underway to examine
district-wide SEL practices and supports. Several elementary schools are piloting a new SEL curriculum with the
goal of identifying a curriculum to utilize for SEL instruction. A new SEL curriculum would improve student access
to developmentally appropriate, explicit instruction in SEL and allows schools to build consistent vocabulary and
expectations that support positive school environments.
Additional Tier II Interventionists (math and literacy): Tier II Interventionists play an important role in ensuring
students receive required academic interventions. In addition to the core, grade-level classroom instruction, some
students benefit from additional instruction, often in small groups to reinforce, practice and reteach material. We
are continuously looking for ways to improve and expand our Tier II model.
Secondary Level Priorities:
Health Teacher (Middle Level): Currently at Coolidge Middle School, the health curriculum is delivered as part of
classes be taught by a licensed health teacher, and only one of the Coolidge PE teachers holds that educator
license. Adding a health teacher would improve the quality of instruction in health-related skills, which are
essential to the development of middle school students. This additional teacher would also allow alignment in the
model for health instruction between the two middle schools.
High School Administrative Assistant (1.0 FTE): Increasing staffing in the high school main office would provide
more support to students, staff, and families and create more equity in office staffing ratios with other schools in
the district.
High School Assistant Athletic Director (1.0 FTE): The Athletic Director is also an acting Assistant Principal. The
addition of an Assistant Athletic Director would alleviate some of the workload put onto the Athletic Director while
also helping to ensure the efficient operation of the department.
SEL Programming: It is important to foster a robust SEL curriculum and programming in order to meet the social,
emotional needs of our current study population. Partnering with outside organizations builds the capacity of our
Town of Reading 124 FY 2025 Budget
students, teachers, and families and caregivers to see outside of themselves. Programming such as Challenge Day
or Urban Improv Rehearsal for Life are great partners who can help build this aspect for students.
District Level Priorities:
Additional METCO Coordinator/School Adjustment Counselor (SAC): The middle school METCO Coordinator/SAC is
split between two buildings. Moving to a model where each of our middle schools had a full-time METCO
Coordinator/SAC would provide each of our middle school students with more access to social-emotional and
academic support.
Additional Special Education Staff: Updating our special education staffing models is critical as we respond to
growing caseloads and meet student needs in both sub separate and learning centers.
Additional District Nurse: This additional staffing would support the growing health and medical needs of our
students. This role would include assessment and management of acute and chronic illness, injury assessment,
development of individualized health care plans and participation in 504 and IEP meetings, communication with
staff and families around health issues.
Building Substitute: Providing schools with access to a full-time building substitute would be helpful in effectively
covering staff absences, meetings, and peer observations.
Town of Reading 125 FY 2025 Budget
Priorities
five Bargaining Units. As of this writing, this is incomplete, but remains the number one priority for the
district. The totals summarized in the sections below represent an investment of $780,457. Of this total,
$91,786 is supported through the deployment of existing funds, $485,000 is funded through the Revolving
Account, and $203,671 consists of new funding. The FY25 priorities reflect an increase of 4.1. FTEs over
FY24.
Each priority and their relative relationship to the 2023-2026 District Strategic Plan Objective is described
below by level. Preschool and Elementary have been grouped together, as have Secondary and District
priorities.
1. Supportive, Equitable and Safe Learning Environments
2. Coherent instructional Systems
3. School Operations
4. Family and Community Engagement
Preschool and Elementary Level Priorities:
As noted in the table above, the FY25 Elementary (Preschool to Grade 5) Budget Priorities are supported
through a total investment of $576,786 and 1.1FTEs. This investment will be supported through $91,786
of existing operating funds and $485,000 of revolving funds that will be redeployed to support these
priorities.
Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP): In response to increased caseloads, the need for
program expansion and to both meet the demands and ensure compliance with the delivery of
LEAD Teacher: To meet the needs of students in the LEAD program at Joshua Eaton Elementary
School, we are continuing the investment of 0.5 FTE which was originally a 1-year position
funded in FY24. This continuation aims to ensure consistency in providing effective instruction
Town of Reading 126 FY 2025 Budget
aligned with the goals and objectives outlined in student IEPs.
Continuing the pathway toward Universal Full-Day Kindergarten, the FY25 Recommended
decrease of FDK tuition fees from $2650 to $1450.
closer to providing free FDK for all students. Some ways in which personnel and non-personnel resources
were maximized to support new investments, including operationalizing the FDK program to reduce
tuition fees.
Secondary and District Level Priorities:
At the Secondary Level (grades 6 to 12), the total investment amount is $203,671, all of which will be
supported through the use of new funds. A total investment of 3.0 FTEs is associated with these priorities,
all funded through the operating budget.
ESSER II and III grant funds (now expiring), were previously utilized to allocate resources for Special
Education teaching and Team Chair positions, and secondary counseling support through FY24, to
guarantee students receive the necessary specially designed instruction and comprehensive social
emotional support. The remaining positions that were supported through this grant were to be
incorporated into the operating budget in FY25 to ensure compliance with IEPs and support the behavioral
health of our students. These personnel expenses are recommended to be adopted by the district in the
FY25 Recommended Budget.
Town of Reading 127 FY 2025 Budget
FINANCIAL SECTION
Photography by community member Alicia Williams
Town of Reading 128 FY 2025 Budget
FINANCIAL SECTION
In summary, the FY25 Budget is defined into the following sections:
Operating Funds ($50,125,483):
An increase of $2,072,060 over FY24 has been allocated to meet the increased costs of
strategic plan.
The district priority is to settle increases in personnel costs and comply with
employment contracts and bargaining unit agreements. All five bargaining units
(cafeteria staff, custodians, paraprofessionals, secretaries and teachers) have contracts
expiring in 2024, which need to be renewed.
Special Education Accommodated Costs ($6,035,328):
An increase of $232,128 over FY24 is allocated to Accommodated Costs, which includes
out-of-district special education placement tuition and transportation costs.
:
Monies have been allocated for use toward reducing the FDK tuition fee.
The leadership team used financial, staffing and student outcome data to identify trends, analyze resource
allocations, and make strategic decisions. In addition to contractual obligations and mandated services,
spending trends and projected student needs were factored into the allocation of funds when developing
detailed by the Cost Center. The following information can be found within each subsection:
1. Summary of FY24 Appropriated Budget, FY25 Recommended Budget, and the
dollar/percentage change between the two.
2. Primary Function Description summarizing core services.
3. A table summarizing the Cost Center compared with prior fiscal years
4. A chart summarizing the Cost Center expenses by category, expressed as a percentage.
5. Description of Personnel and Non-personnel Budget Drivers that have impacted and
shaped the FY25 Recommended Budget
Detailed information for the FY24 Appropriated and FY25 Recommended Budgets by org and object codes,
in comparison with actual expenditures (excluding end of year encumbrances) for FY21, FY22 and FY23,
for each Cost Center can be found in the Appedicies.
Town of Reading 129 FY 2025 Budget
Center
The Cost Centers named below were established by a vote of the School Committee. During the current
fiscal year, the administration is authorized to transfer funds within any Cost Center. The transfer of funds
between Cost Centers occurs when a recommendation is made and substantiated by the District Finance
Director at the time of the quarterly financial report presentations. The School Committee must approve
the transfer through a majority vote.
The table below provides a comparison of the dollar amounts of the recommended budget as compared
with prior fiscal years. The actual expended amounts for FY21, FY22, FY23, the Appropriated FY24 Budget
oted. The totals are separated by five Cost
Centers: Administration, Regular Day, Special Education, School Facilities and District Wide (including:
Athletics, Extracurricular Activities, Health Services and Technology) Programs. The table below also
provides the percentage change between the FY25 Recommended Budget and the FY24 Appropriated
Budget by Cost Center:
Summary of FY25 Recommended Budget by Cost Center Compared with Prior Fiscal Years:
In the ensuing sections, some summary detail on each of the five Cost Centers will be provided, with an
explanation on the most significant changes (increases or decreases) within the Cost Center. Budget detail
and further relevant information on each Cost Center is offered in Appendix A.
expenditures at the end of each fiscal year from FY21 to FY23, the FY24 Appropriated and FY25
Recommended budgets.
The inclusion of this data is meant to convey the proportion of spending in each Cost Center year-over-
year. As can be seen, Administration expenditures have remained relatively constant, with slight
decreases in both Regular Day and Facilities, while Special Education and District Wide expenditures have
grown slightly.
There has been overall budget growth of $8.7M FY21 to FY25. The percentage decrease as a proportion
of the budget does not reflect the change in dollars spent by the Cost Center, as seen in the table above.
An example would be the Regular Day Cost Center. This Cost Center has grown in terms of actual and
Town of Reading 130 FY 2025 Budget
projected expenditures by $4.11M, but represents a smaller percentage of the budget spend in FY24.
Further detail is offered in the examination of each Cost Center and Appendix A.
Proportion of Spending, FY25 Recommended Budget by Cost Center Compared with Prior Fiscal Years:
The pie chart below provides a visual representation of expenditures attributed to each Cost Center in the
is allocated to Regular Day expenditures. The Regular Day expenditures include professional, clerical and
other salaries, contract services, supplies and materials and other expenses.
Cost Center Percentage to Total Budgets and Expenditures:
In the table below, personnel and non-personnel actual expenditures are reflected for FY21 through FY23,
the FY24 Appropriated Budget and the FY25 Recommended Budget. Budgets have the following makeup:
Personnel: professional salaries, clerical salaries, and other salaries (i.e. paraprofessionals and
substitutes)
Non-personnel: contracted services, supplies and materials and other expenses categories (i.e.
dues, memberships, professional development, technology and equipment)
Town of Reading 131 FY 2025 Budget
FY25 Recommended Budget by Categories of Spending Compared with Prior Fiscal Years:
Categories of spending are defined by DESE with their chart of accounts, which are requirements for
and criteria for financial reporting can be found here: DESE End of Year Financial Report.
Financial and narrative overviews for each Cost Center are found in the section to follow including a
-personnel funding to
meet all contractual and mandated obligations and to address investment priorities in the daily delivery
of academic, social, emotional, health and extracurricular services to our students.
Town of Reading 132 FY 2025 Budget
Administration Cost Center Summary
FY24 Appropriated Budget: $1,311,157
: $1,374,689
$ Change over FY24: $63,532
% Change over FY24: 4.85%
Primary Function: The Administration Cost Center includes the salaries and expenses for Central Office
and some District-wide administration which includes the following primary functions: School Committee,
Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Business and Finance, Human Resources, and District-wide
Data and Information Management. The Administration Cost Center currently accounts for 2.44% of the
total district budget. The FY25 Recommended Budget for the Administration Cost Center summary
follows, with a comparison provided for previous years. A 0% change indicates the budget for that line
FY25 Recommended Budget by Categories of Spending Compared with Prior Fiscal Years:
The pie chart below shows the components of the Administration budget by percentage.
Cost Center (Administration) Percentage to Total Budgets and Expenditures:
Town of Reading 133 FY 2025 Budget
Administration Budget Drivers:
The most significant changes between the FY25 Recommended and FY24 Appropriated budgets are
summarized below by personnel and non-personnel categories:
Personnel: The most significant driver in the Administration Cost Center budget is salary. The year-over-
year salary differences in the
staffing exchange: outgoing staff salaries are higher than incoming staff, resulting in budget
savings
step increases: ascension of staff members in their respective column of the salary matrix
degree changes: movement across rows of the salary matrix with increased education
credit/degree attainment
cost-of-living salary increase: In this case, assumptions have been made about potential
settlement with unrepresented personnel - any settlement agreements will need to be
approved by the School Committee
The professional salaries line is anticipated to increase by 4.47% or $31,676 from $707,915 (FY24) to
$739,591 (FY25). It includes salaries of the following non-represented administrators: the Superintendent,
Assistant Superintendent, Director of Finance & Operations, Human Resources Director and a portion of
the Network Administrator salary.
The clerical salaries line is anticipated to increase by 8.21% or $29,306 from $357,167 (FY24) to $386,473
(FY25). It includes the salaries of the following non-represented personnel: the assistants to the
Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Finance Director and a central office Administrative Assistant.
Aside from these anticipated salary increases, there has been a reallocation of the Offset for School Choice
funding. The Offset has been reallocated from the Administration Cost Center to support the Regular Day
Cost Center. The $25,000 noted in this Cost Center is the Offset for Extended Day. The change amounted
to 44.08% or $19,706 from $44,706 (FY24) to $25,000 (FY25).
Further information for this Cost Center is furnished in the Administration Cost Center detail in
Appendix A.
Town of Reading 134 FY 2025 Budget
Regular Day Cost Center Summary
FY24 Appropriated Budget: $31,954,246
: $33,077,097
$ Change: $1,122,851
% Change: 3.51%
Primary Function: The Regular Day Cost Center encompasses all personnel and non-personnel expenses
related to delivering core, general education instructional programs to our students. Personnel costs for
school principals, instructional and support staff, as well as non-personnel costs related to curriculum
materials; professional development; instructional materials, supplies, and equipment; instructional
technology; library materials and technology; and other instructional services are captured in this Cost
Center budget
FY25 Recommended Budget. The FY25 Recommended Budget for the Regular Day Cost Center summary
is as follows, with a comparison provided for previous years.
FY25 Recommended Budget by Categories of Spending Compared with Prior Fiscal Years:
Cost Center (Regular Day) Percentage to Total Budgets and Expenditures:
Town of Reading 135 FY 2025 Budget
Regular Day Budget Drivers:
The most significant changes between the FY25 Recommended and FY24 Appropriated budgets are
summarized below by personnel and non-personnel categories:
Personnel:
The most significant driver in the Regular Day Cost Center budget is salary. The year-over-year salary
reflect:
staffing exchange: outgoing staff salaries are higher than incoming staff, resulting in budget
savings
step increases: ascension of staff members in their respective column of the salary matrix
degree changes: movement across rows of the salary matrix with increased education
credit/degree attainment
cost-of-living salary increase: in compliance with employment contracts and bargaining unit
agreements approved by the School Committee
The clerical salaries line has been budgeted for an increase of 15.12% or $76,321 from $504,652 (FY24)
to $580,974 (FY25). As a result of successful negotiations, the salaries of school secretaries and a guidance
secretary have been adjusted upwards, comprising the majority of the change.
The other salaries line is anticipated to increase by 22.06% or $283,612 from $1,285,665 (FY24) to
$1,569,277 (FY25). This includes potential salary adjustments. As of this writing, negotiations are
incomplete, and the contract has not been settled.
Other noteworthy items in the Regular Day Cost Center include addressing priorities in the district
strategic plan and noted by our stakeholders :
Increases in longevity as negotiated in the new Reading Teachers Association contract
The incorporation of two RMHS guidance counselors that were previously paid for from the
ESSER III grant
A reduction in the FDK tuition from $2,650 to $1,450 utilizing Revolving Fund Support
The centralization of curriculum budgets for Elementary, Middle and High School
Non-personnel:
The other expenses line reflects a 25% decrease or $154,200 from $616,866 (FY24) to $462,666 (FY25).
This includes a reallocation of the School Choice revolving fund support in order to offset regular day
instruction.
C ontract services. The cost of providing transportation services for local students is increasing based on
the responses that were received in our advertised request for services.
Further information for this Cost Center is furnished in the Regular Day Cost Center detail in Appendix
A.
Town of Reading 136 FY 2025 Budget
Special Education Cost Center Summary
FY24 Appropriated Budget: $16,716,166
$17,635,574
$ Change: $919,408
% Change: 5.50%
Primary Function: The Special Education Cost Center encompasses all personnel and non-personnel
expenses necessary to deliver special education and related services to students in our school community.
As mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Americans
with Disabilities Act, we strive to provide programs and services to allow our students with disabilities to
be educated in the least restrictive environment that enables them to make effective progress. In FY25,
the Special
FY25 Recommended Budget by Categories of Spending Compared with Prior Fiscal Years:
Cost Center (Special Education) Percentage to Total Budget and Expenditures
Town of Reading 137 FY 2025 Budget
Special Education Budget Drivers: The changes between the FY25 Recommended and FY24 Appropriated
budgets are summarized below by personnel and non-personnel categories:
Personnel: The most significant driver in the Special Education Cost Center budget is salary. The year-
over-
staffing exchange: outgoing staff salaries are higher than incoming staff, resulting in budget
savings
step increases: ascension of staff members in their respective column of the salary matrix
degree changes: movement across rows of the salary matrix with increased education
credit/degree attainment
cost-of-living salary increase: In this case, assumptions have been made about potential
settlement with unrepresented personnel - any settlement agreements will need to be
approved by the School Committee
The professional salaries line has been budgeted for an increase of 6.14% or $584,029 from $9,517,998
(FY24) to $10,102,027 (FY25).
As a result of successful negotiations, longevity was also added through the new RTA contract.
The clerical salaries line is anticipated to increase by 10.30% or $11,730 from $113,996 (FY24) to $125,666
(FY25). This includes salary adjustments as a result of successful negotiations and a new secretarial
contract.
The other salaries line is anticipated to increase by 20.78% or $370,638 from $1,783,996 (FY24) to
$2,154,634 (FY25). This includes potential salary adjustments. As of this writing, negotiations are
incomplete, and the contract has not been settled.
Non-personnel: The Special Education Non-personnel budget reflects some shifting of funds to align
funding with anticipated spending, such as the increase to support out-of-district transportation costs
which are expected to increase by $29,207 or 2.75%.
tuition is sufficient to cover all current and anticipated costs and be responsive to address the
unpredictable nature of this need for service. The district has prudently and thoughtfully budgeted for
each student enrolled in out of district placements at the tuition rate expected.
In the FY25 Recommended Budget, the tuition rates were budgeted at a 5% increase for all Out of District
(OOD) placements (Collaborative, IN/Out of state Private Day and Residential). A total of $890,456 has
been budgeted. Tuition for out of district private day tuition fees are set by the Commonwealth's
Operational Services Division, formerly the Rate Setting Commission. Funds are also earmarked for
students who are being considered for or who may need an out of district placement, which totals
$327,711 in FY25. It is important to know that the budget for tuition placements is dependent on
individual IEP team decisions and therefore is variable.
Conservative budgeting and thoughtful spending has allowed the district to meet the current and
unanticipated needs for students. However, the change in placements, some of which are unanticipated,
Town of Reading 138 FY 2025 Budget
are due to several reasons including graduating from/aging out of placements, changing placements,
terminated contracted placements, students returning to the district, or moving out of the Reading
community.
Lastly, a prepayment of tuition totaling $982,000 (FY23) and $923,000 (FY24) were factored into previous
budgets. With these careful budgeting practices for tuition, the district is reasonably protected from
unanticipated out of district expenditures. At the end of each year, the unspent tuition funds are
reallocated for a one-time support of other needs with the district, such as the purchase of classroom
computers, added to the Special Education Tuition prepayment, and turned back to Free Cash.
Further information for this Cost Center is furnished in the Special Education Cost Center detail in
Appendix A.
Town of Reading 139 FY 2025 Budget
School Facilities Cost Center Summary
FY24 Appropriated Budget: $1,644,782
FY25 $1,696,953
$ Change: $52,171
% Change: 3.17%
Primary Function:
School Building Facilities budget funds the salaries and expenses necessary to clean and maintain our eight
school buildings, preschool program, and central office spaces, which makes up 85% of the square feet of
all municipal buildings, or a total of 935,000 square feet. The work orders created and filled for all services,
including but not limited to preventative maintenance and building repairs, for our school buildings
totaled more than 2,357 in FY23. The Facilities Department also provides the necessary services to
facilitate building use for internal and external users. The School Building Facilities budget accounts for
Y25 Recommended Budget.
The Facilities Department Mission Statement is:
The Facilities Department supports the Town's Educational and Municipal Government functions
through the quality driven delivery of Facilities Services in a timely and cost- effective manner
along with exceptional customer service. Facilities staff members strive to maintain an efficient,
safe, clean, attractive, and inviting environment for all public buildings associated with the Town
of Reading.
FY25 Recommended Budget by Categories of Spending Compared with Prior Fiscal Years:
Town of Reading 140 FY 2025 Budget
Cost Center (School Facilities) Percentage to Total Budget and Expenditures
Facilities Budget Drivers: The most significant changes between the FY25 Recommended and FY24
Appropriated budgets are summarized below by personnel and non-personnel categories:
Personnel:
The most significant driver in the Facilities Cost Center budget is salary. The year-over-year salary
staffing exchange: outgoing staff salaries are higher than incoming staff, resulting in budget
savings
step increases: ascension of staff members in their respective column of the salary matrix
degree changes: movement across rows of the salary matrix with increased education
credit/degree attainment
cost-of-living salary increase: in compliance with employment contracts and bargaining unit
agreements approved by the School Committee
The professional salaries line has been budgeted for a decrease of 17.80% or $17,515 from $98,400 (FY24)
to $80,885 (FY25). Salary has been reallocated to a revolving account for facilities rental and the budget
adjusted accordingly.
The other salaries line is anticipated to increase by 6.46% or $66,551 from $1,030,501 (FY24) to
$1,097,052 (FY25) This includes anticipated salary adjustments. This includes salary adjustments as a
result of successful negotiations and a new custodial contract.
Non-personnel: Increases in Supplies & Materials and equipment to include (but are not limited to):
cleaning supplies, paper products, floor cleaning solutions, hand soap, and plastic liners are reflected in
the FY25 budget.
Further information for this Cost Center is furnished in the Facilities Cost Center detail in Appendix A.
Town of Reading 141 FY 2025 Budget
District Wide Programs Summaries:
Total FY24 Appropriated Budget: $2,380,272
: $2,526,498
Total $ Change: $146,226
Total % Change: 6.14%
Primary Function: The District Wide Cost Center consists of the budgets for four functional areas that
serve the district: Athletics, Extra-Curricular Activities, Health Services, and Technology. An overview of
each District Wide Cost Center budget follows in the sections post the summary below. The District Wide
FY25 Recommended Budget by Categories of Spending Compared with Prior Fiscal Years:
Cost Center (District Wide) Percentage to Total Budget and Expenditures
Town of Reading 142 FY 2025 Budget
Athletics
FY24 Appropriated Budget: $720,528
$789,018
$ Change: $68,490
% Change: 9.51%
Primary Function: The Athletics program budget funds the salaries and expenses necessary to operate
the High School athletics program.
FY25 Recommended Budget by Categories of Spending Compared with Prior Fiscal Years:
Cost Center (District Wide - Athletics) Percentage to Total Budget and Expenditures
Town of Reading 143 FY 2025 Budget
Athletics Budget Drivers: The most significant changes between the FY25 Recommended and FY24
Appropriated budgets for the Athletics Cost Center are summarized below by personnel and non-
personnel categories:
Personnel: The most significant driver in the Athletics Cost Center budget is salary. The year-over-year
staffing exchange: outgoing staff salaries are higher than incoming staff, resulting in budget
savings
step increases: ascension of staff members in their respective column of the salary matrix
degree changes: movement across rows of the salary matrix with increased education
credit/degree attainment
cost-of-living salary increase: in compliance with employment contracts and bargaining unit
agreements approved by the School Committee
The clerical salaries line has been budgeted for an increase of 15.07% or $8,730 from $57,936 (FY24) to
$66,666 (FY25). This includes salary adjustments as a result of successful negotiations and a new
secretarial contract.
The other salaries line is anticipated to increase by 49.19% or $47,984 from $97,544 (FY24) to $145,528
(FY25). This includes an accurate budgeting for coaches and related open positions that are paid out of
the operating account, and accounts for the entire increase in this line. The Athletics revolving fund
support that is used to offset these expenses will remain at the same level as FY23 and FY24.
Non-Personnel - The Athletics program offers 30 different sports for students enrolled at RMHS. More
than 780 student athletes have participated on teams so far this year. On average, in recent years, total
participation was steady at about 1,200 students, excluding the Covid-19 pandemic impact on
participation in FY20.
Further information for this Cost Center is furnished in the Athletics Cost Center detail in Appendix A.
Extra-Curricular Activities
FY24 Appropriated Budget: $78,087
$81,186
$ Change: $3,099
% Change: 3.97%
Primary Function: The Extra-Curricular Activities Program budget funds the salaries, stipends, and a small
portion of the expenses necessary to offer extra-curricular activities at the high school.
Town of Reading 144 FY 2025 Budget
FY25 Recommended Budget by Categories of Spending Compared with Prior Fiscal Years:
Cost Center (District Wide - Extra Curricular) Percentage to Total Budget and Expenditures
Extra-Curricular Budget Drivers: The changes between the FY25 recommend and FY24 appropriated
budgets are summarized below by personnel and non-personnel categories:
Personnel: The most significant driver in the Facilities Cost Center budget is salary. The year-over-year
staffing exchange: outgoing staff salaries are higher than incoming staff, resulting in budget
savings
step increases: ascension of staff members in their respective column of the salary matrix
degree changes: movement across rows of the salary matrix with increased education
credit/degree attainment
cost-of-living salary increase: in compliance with employment contracts and bargaining unit
agreements approved by the School Committee
Town of Reading 145 FY 2025 Budget
The professional salaries line has been budgeted for an increase of 6.37% or $3,099 from $48,687 (FY24)
to $51,786 (FY25). This includes salary adjustments as a result of successful negotiations and COLA
adjustments for both the coordinator salary and stipends.
Non-Personnel: The Contract Services for Other Student Activities, which is the account used for
transportation expenses, has remained level as it was increased substantially for FY24, and looks to be
appropriate for FY25.
Further information for this Cost Center is furnished in the Athletics Cost Center detail in Appendix A.
Health Services
FY24 Appropriated Budget: $913,224
$969,558
$ Change: $56,334
% Change: 6.17%
Primary Function: The Health Services program budget pays for the salaries and expenses for servicing
through grade 12. School nurses provide mandated health screenings, illness assessments, first aid, daily
medication and treatments, and support of students with chronic health issues including allergies,
asthma, diabetes, and gastrointestinal, autoimmune, and neurological disorders. We communicate with
families and providers to develop and maintain accommodation plans and individualized student health
care plans to support medical needs at school. School nurses are also part of the District Support team,
which also includes school counselors, social workers, and school psychologists. The team meets monthly
to discuss best practices and receive training and updates to support student mental health.
FY25 Recommended Budget by Categories of Spending Compared with Prior Fiscal Years:
Town of Reading 146 FY 2025 Budget
Cost Center (District Wide - Health Services) Percentage to Total Budget and Expenditures
Health Services Budget Drivers: The changes between the FY25 recommend and FY24 appropriated
budgets are summarized below by personnel and non-personnel categories:
Personnel: The most significant driver in the Health Services Cost Center budget is salary. The year-over-
staffing exchange: outgoing staff salaries are higher than incoming staff, resulting in budget
savings
step increases: ascension of staff members in their respective column of the salary matrix
degree changes: movement across rows of the salary matrix with increased education
credit/degree attainment
cost-of-living salary increase: in compliance with employment contracts and bargaining unit
agreements approved by the School Committee
The professional salaries line has been budgeted for an increase of 6.50% or $55,796 from $857,865
(FY24) to $913,661 (FY25). This includes salary adjustments for nurses as a result of a new teachers
contract of 6.84% and an increase of $52,359 from $765,011 (FY24) to $817,370 (FY25). This represents
the largest adjustment. Smaller adjustments are for COLA and longevity.
Non-Personnel: Increases in medical supplies and materials have been planned for.
Further information for this Cost Center is furnished in the Health Services Cost Center detail in
Appendix A.
Town of Reading 147 FY 2025 Budget
Technology
FY24 Appropriated Budget: $668,433
$686,736
$ Change: $18,303
% Change: 2.74%
Primary Function: The Districtwide Networking and Technology Maintenance budget funds the salaries
and expenses required to operate and maintain our technology infrastructure including our wide area
network, wireless networks, servers, computer hardware and peripheral devices, clocks and bells systems
and telecommunications equipment.
FY25 Recommended Budget by Categories of Spending Compared with Prior Fiscal Years:
Cost Center (District Wide - Technology) Percentage to Total Budget and Expenditures
Technology Budget Drivers: The changes between the FY25 Recommend and FY24 Appropriated budgets
are summarized below by personnel and non-personnel budget categories:
Personnel: The most significant driver in the Technology Cost Center budget is salary. The year-over-year
Town of Reading 148 FY 2025 Budget
staffing exchange: outgoing staff salaries are higher than incoming staff, resulting in budget
savings
step increases: ascension of staff members in their respective column of the salary matrix
degree changes: movement across rows of the salary matrix with increased education
credit/degree attainment
cost-of-living salary increase: in compliance with employment contracts and bargaining unit
agreements approved by the School Committee
The professional salaries line has been budgeted for an increase of 3.25% or $2,891 from $88,962 (FY24)
to $91,853 (FY25). The other salaries line has also been budgeted for an increase of 3.04% or $10,612
from $348,621 (FY24) to $359,233 (FY25) This includes anticipated cost-of-living salary increases for non-
bargaining unit personnel - the manager and technicians.
Non-Personnel:
technology needs, to include an assessment of all technology related services and equipment including a
device renewal plan. The work on an Educational and Operational Technology Plan was commenced in
FY24, and will need to be completed this year. The plan will provide recommendations for a sustainable
technology to deliver instruction to students and operate an efficient and effective school district.
The Technology Team has built a robust network infrastructure and the services provided to the district
have expanded to include telephony/phone services, clock and bell systems, intercom and paging
systems, management of the copier fleet and contracts, iPad devices, security system hardware, over
4,500 computers (one to one for students and staff), cloud-based services, single sign-on services, data
replication services, hybrid school, public/town meetings, new website, electronic payment options, and
employee onboarding systems, and many others. The Technology team has leveraged automation,
districtwide standards and practices, and developed a highly unified and functional team committed to
hard work with no changes to staffing level or function since 2015.
The ongoing proliferation of innovative digital learning technologies and the need to connect students,
teachers and consumers to jobs, life-long learning, and information have led to a steady rise in demand
for bandwidth in schools. The district has begun the application process to participate in the Federal
-Rate program, which is designed to make telecom and information
services more affordable. Our aim is to receive discounts on telecommunications and telecom services,
internet access, as well as internal connections, managed internal broadband services and basic
maintenance of internal connections.
Further information for this Cost Center is furnished in the Athletics Cost Center detail in Appendix A.
Town of Reading 149 FY 2025 Budget
OTHER FUNDING SOURCES
Town of Reading 150 FY 2025 Budget
Offset Summary
Several fee-based Special Revenue Funds and Grants have been allocated to offset direct and indirect
costs of the operating budget. In the charts below, the reader will find a summary of current year and
FY25 Recommended Budget Offsets by Special Revenue F
and the allocation of FY25 Recommended Offsets by Cost Center:
Apart from Full-Day Kindergarten and School Choice tuition, all other offsets will remain at the same
the redeployment of funding from several existing operating fund accounts, the reliance on the FDK
tuition fees has been reduced in FY25. We will continue to work toward providing free, universal FDK by
reducing the tuition in stages through FY26.
Town of Reading 151 FY 2025 Budget
In FY23, the district opened to School Choice students to allow students who live in other school districts
to enter a lottery to attend Reading Public Schools. In FY24, twenty-five students participated in the
program generating $125,000 of state tuition funding, which is currently budgeted to Regular Day to be
used for instructional services.
Special Revenue Funds
The district maintains thirty-three separate special revenue funds that were created and are required to
be maintained in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws and Department of Revenue Division of
Costing Municipal Services. Special Revenue Funds are established to dedicate
a specific source of revenue from fees or charges to pay expenses associated with providing the services
for which the payment was made. Special Revenue Funds also consist of donation accounts. The sources
of revenue for these funds vary by the nature of the fund and includes sales of meals, participation fees,
user fees, ticket sales, donations, and tuition. The type of expenditure for the funds also varies by the
nature of the fund and include salaries, supplies and materials, technology, contracted services, software
licenses and other expenses. The FY23 and FY24 beginning year balances are provided in the table below
with the calculated FY23 Gain/Loss:
Special Revenue Funds
Town of Reading 152 FY 2025 Budget
Athletics: Fees are paid by
Community Education, Drivers Education, Summer Programs: Fees are paid by families for
participation in Community Education events and courses.
Drama and Band
bands programs.
Extended Day: Fees are paid by families for students to participate in extended day programs
before and after-school.
Extracurricular Activities: Fees are paid by families for students to participate in afterschool
band and fine and performing arts activities.
Full-Day Kindergarten: Fees are paid by families for enrollment in the Full-Day Kindergarten
program.
Guidance: Fees are paid by families for students to take PSAT, SAT and AP tests.
R.I.S.E. Preschool: Fees are paid by families for enrollment in the R.I.S.E. preschool program.
Special Education Tuition: Fees paid by another public school district for students to attend
special education programs in Reading.
School Choice: Allows families to enroll their children in schools in communities other than the
city or town in which they reside. Tuition is paid by the sending district to the receiving district.
School Lunch: Revenues are generated through state and federal reimbursements and lunch-
time a la carte sales.
Transportation: Fees are paid by families for students to ride existing bus routes, based on seats
available.
Use of School Property: Some community organizations which use school facilities pay a fee for
space and/or custodial coverage.
Town of Reading 153 FY 2025 Budget
Lost Books: Fees are collected and used to replace lost or damaged books.
Gifts/Donations: Restricted donations for specific purposes and unrestricted donations for
general use are made to the School Committee for approval and acceptance in accordance with
School Committee Policy
Federal and State Grants
In addition to the Operating and Special Revenue Funds, our district is supported in FY24 by state, federal,
and private grants. Grant expenditures are tracked monthly and reviewed periodically with grant
coordinators. A list of the grants, descriptions, and award amounts are provided below compared with
prior year awards. Grants are approved by the School Committee as funding is awarded. The FY24
Quarter 1 balances for each grant awarded between FY22 and FY24 are provided in the table below:
Descriptions and acceptable uses of each State and Federal grant follows below:
State Grants:
METCO: The Met ropolitan Co uncil for Educational Opportunity is a state funded, voluntary
educational desegregation program designed to eliminate racial imbalance through the busing
of children from Boston, MA and Springfield, MA to suburban public schools in thirty-eight
communities. These funds pay for program coordination, transportation, instructional services,
and community engagement related to Boston resident students attending Reading Public
Schools through participation in the METCO program.
Department of Public Health: Provides for mandated screenings, professional development, and
substitute coverage for nurses.
New England Dairy: Funds can be used to support equipment and marketing needs
related to expanding school meal programs including breakfast, summer meals, and
serving new dairy menu items like smoothies and hot chocolate milk.
Earmark RMHS Keyboard: Not less than $25,000 shall be expended for a classroom set of
Nord stage 3 88 stage keyboards for the Reading Memorial high school performing arts
program.
Town of Reading 154 FY 2025 Budget
Investigating History: This competitive grant is designed to fund the costs associated with
professional development, as well as cover additional costs of implementation such as
teacher planning time outside of contract hours or the purchase of printed copies of the
Investigating History materials, to facilitate a successful adoption of the Investigating
History materials across a school or district.
Northeast Food for Schools: This opportunity has been proposed to increase the capacity
to procure local unprocessed/minimally processed foods, and foods from local producers
(including farmers, food hubs, and fishermen).
Innovation Career Pathways Planning & Support: Designed to give students coursework
and experience in a specific high-demand industry, such as information technology,
engineering, healthcare, life sciences and advanced manufacturing. Also, to create strong
partnerships with employers in order to expose students to career options and help them
develop knowledge and skills related to their chosen field of study before they graduate
high school.
Note although not a grant, DESE reimburses school districts for a portion of out of district tuition
placement and transportation costs. In FY 25, DESE will defray $1,930,874 tuition and transportation costs,
charging those expenses directly to the Circuit Breaker reimbursement fund.
Federal Grants:
Title I: Assists schools with high numbers or high percentages of children from low-income
families to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards. These funds
are allocated to paraprofessional and extended school year instructional services.
Title II A: Provides supplemental resources to school districts to support systems of support for
excellent teaching and learning. The priorities of Title IIA are to: increase student achievement
consistent with the challenging State academic standards; improve the quality and effectiveness
of teachers, principals, and other school leaders; Increase the number of teachers, principals,
and other school leaders who are effective in improving student academic achievement in
schools; and provide low-income and minority students greater access to effective teachers,
principals, and other school leaders. These funds are allocated to provide professional
development for teachers.
Title IV: Ensures that all students have access to a high-quality educational experience. The
priorities of Title IV are to: support well-rounded educational opportunities; support safe and
healthy students; and support effective use of technology. These funds pay for technology
integration activities and materials for teachers and classrooms.
IDEA 240: Provides appropriate special education services for eligible students and to maintain
state/local effort in special education. These funds pay for special education paras, BCBA, and
professional development.
IDEA 262: Ensures that eligible 3, 4, and 5-year-old children with disabilities receive a free and
appropriate public education that includes special education and related services designed to
meet their individual needs in the least restrictive environment. These funds pay for early
childhood instruction and professional development.
ARP (American Rescue Plan) 252: Addresses challenges related to the pandemic, including
school re-entry, disruption in the education of children with disabilities, mental health services;
sustainability; focuses on issues of equity in special education and early intervention services.
Funds are allocated to provide professional development, instructional materials, and
testing/assessment materials.
Town of Reading 155 FY 2025 Budget
ESSER II, III (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds): Provided in response to
Coronavirus
Five-Year Capital Plan
A Capital Project is a project that helps maintain or improve a Town asset. It is a new construction,
expansion, renovation, or replacement project for an existing facility or facilities. Typically, the project will
have a total cost of at least $10,000 and a life span of five or more years. Provided below is a five-year
capital project plan for the school district:
Town of Reading 156 FY 2025 Budget
APPENDICES
Joshua Eaton students photographed by community member Alicia Williams
Town of Reading 157 FY 2025 Budget
APPENDIX A: Cost Center Budget Detail and
Information
Administration Cost Center
FY25 Recommended Budget detail for Administration Cost Center follows.
Budget Detail, Administration Cost Center:
Town of Reading 158 FY 2025 Budget
Regular Day Cost Center
FY25 Recommended Budget detail of Regular Education follows below:
Budget Detail, Regular Day Cost Center:
Town of Reading 159 FY 2025 Budget
Budget Detail, Regular Day Cost Center (continued):
Town of Reading 160 FY 2025 Budget
Special Education Cost Center
FY25 Recommended Budget detail for the Special Education Cost Center follows.
Budget Detail, Special Education Cost Center:
Town of Reading 161 FY 2025 Budget
Budget Detail, Special Education Cost Center (continued):
Special Education Program and Learning Center Descriptions
Much of the special education in-district budget funds the salaries of the special education teaching and
support staff, as well as related services, which includes our in-district special education programs and
learning centers as determined by Individual Education Plans (IEPs). Each school offers a variety of special
education and related services to meet the individual needs of students. Additionally, to provide a
continuum of special education and related services, Reading Public Schools offers several specialized
programs which are described below:
EMBARC: Education Meaningful Inclusion, Becoming Independent, Advocacy, Relaxation, and Leisure
Activities Community Integration: The EMBARC program is the middle and high school continuum of the
SAIL and SOAR programs which serve students primarily within substantially separate settings in the areas
of functional academic, life, social, job and communication skill development. The students in the EMBARC
program requires highly individualized, consistent, and intensive special education and related service
with strong focus on transitional skills, activities of daily living, safety skills, and community access to
generalize skills taught in the classroom. EMBARC is located at Coolidge and RMHS.
LEAD: Language, Executive Functioning, Academics, Determination: LEAD is a comprehensive
educational program for students with dyslexia and/or significant language-based learning disabilities.
The students require a multi-sensory approach to support their reading, writing, listening, speaking and
organizational skills. Students require intensive, direct, specialized instruction throughout the school day
grounded in language-based methodologies. The students are provided varied opportunities to
demonstrate their talents and background knowledge to build upon strengths and foster a sense of
competence while developing their understanding of the general education curriculum concepts and
enhancing their reading, writing and executive functioning skills. LEAD is located at Joshua Eaton, Parker,
and RMHS.
Learning Center: The support provided within the learning center directly addresses the goals and
students are taught direct skills to ensure that they can participate in daily school life and activities while
Town of Reading 162 FY 2025 Budget
having access to general education given special education support. The Learning Center is available at
all schools.
LIFT: Living, Independence, Functional, Transition: The LIFT 18=22 year old program is a full day transition
program within the Reading Public Schools that assists students with disabilities in preparing for the
transition from the school to post-school life. The programming focuses on a wide variety of transition
skills including functional reading and math, independent living skills, activities of daily living and vocation
skills.
REACH: Resiliency, Executive Functioning, Academics, Coping Strategies, Habits of Mind. The REACH
program is a comprehensive educational program for students with significant emotional, behavioral
challenges and for some students, co-existing learning disabilities. There is a focus of building relationships
based on empathy, trust, and mutual respect. REACH is designed to meet both the shared and unique
needs of the students targeting age-appropriate academic, behavioral, and social development through a
foundational approach grounded in a positive behavioral support philosophy. Students require intensive,
direct, specialized instruction throughout the school day. The students are provided varied opportunities
to demonstrate their talents to build upon strengths and foster a sense of competence, and embedded
robust clinical, behavioral, and therapeutic supports. For the 24-25 school year, the program will be
located at Barrows, Parker, and RMHS.
RISE Preschool Program: Reading, Integrated School Experience. The RISE program serves children ages
three and four, including those turning five during the school year, who have mild, moderate as well as
intensive special education needs. Educators support students early learning by providing education
and/or specialized services to support individual learning needs. Reading Public Schools provide early
learning experiences in the least restrictive environment, which usually includes placement with typical
peers. Children with and without disabilities are provided early learning opportunities to support
language, literacy, social/emotional, and physical development, while exploring rich content to develop
ence. Rich content and hands-on learning experiences
are aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and Early Learning Standards. R.I.S.E. is
currently located at Killam, Wood End, and RMHS.
SAIL: Strategies to Support Academics, Independence, and Life Skills: The SAIL program provides
identified students with specialized and skills-based instruction through a modified curriculum primarily
in English Language Arts and math, as identified by individual student IEPs. Students are provided with
inclusive opportunities as indicated in their IEP. Students in the SAIL program benefit from direct and
repeated instruction with academic, life, social, and communication skill development. SAIL is located at
Wood End, Coolidge, and RMHS.
SOAR: Social Skills Organizational Skills Academics in Real World Situations: The SOAR program supports
identified students with needs relative to social skill acquisition and application, as well as the use of social
language. Students in the SOAR program benefit from support to independently engage in group
work/play and reciprocal conversations, convey thoughts and opinions, and understand nonverbal
which could include the use of alternative and augmentative communication. Academically and
behaviorally students may present with grade-level skills or may require modifications of the academic
curriculum and or setting. SOAR is located at Birch Meadow, Coolidge, and RMHS.
Town of Reading 163 FY 2025 Budget
School Facilities
FY25 Recommended Budget detail for the Facilities Cost Center follows.
Budget Detail, Facilities Cost Center:
Town of Reading 164 FY 2025 Budget
District Wide Program
FY25 Recommended Budget detail for the District Wide Cost Center follows. The District Wide Cost Center
includes: Athletics, Extra Curricular, Health Services and Technology.
Athletics
Budget Detail of Athletics Cost Center:
Town of Reading 165 FY 2025 Budget
Student Participation in Athletics:
Town of Reading 166 FY 2025 Budget
Extra-Curricular
Budget Detail of Extra-Curricular Cost Center:
Student Participation in Extracurriculars:
Town of Reading 167 FY 2025 Budget
Health Services
Budget Detail of Health Services Cost Center:
Town of Reading 168 FY 2025 Budget
Technology
Budget Detail of Technology Cost Center:
Town of Reading 169 FY 2025 Budget
APPENDIX B: Student Enrollment
Student Enrollment
On October 1 of each year, Reading Public Schools are required to record, verify, and report the total
number of students enrolled by grade to DESE. DESE and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts use
October 1 enrollment to calculate Foundation Enrollment and Chapter 70 Funding. October 1 enrollment
-personnel
operating budget is dev
projected enrollment:
Historical and FY25 Projected Enrollment by School:
Total enrollment in the Reading Public Schools on October 1, 2023, was 3,747 students, which exceeded
the projection by +43 students. Using a Cohort Survival Ratio (CSR) methodology and based on elementary
neighborhood school assignments, projected enrollment for FY25 is 3,723 students, which represents a
projected decrease of 24 students or (0.64%) districtwide.
CSR methodology is used to develop enrollment projections and is based on progression rates from grade
to grade, and considers housing growth, migration, retention, withdrawals, transfers and births over the
previous three school years. It produces reliable next year projections for enrollments in Grades 1-12.
However, the CSR is less reliable in predicting out-year enrollment as well as Kindergarten enrollment.
Students enrolled in Barrows and Joshua Eaton are assigned to Parker Middle School and students enrolled
in Birch and Wood End are assigned to Coolidge Middle School. Students enrolled in Killam Elementary
are typically allocated to both middle schools at a ratio of 66% to Parker and 33% to Coolidge for projection
purposes. Ratios are adjusted for sibling groups and the neighborhoods in which they reside.
Town of Reading 170 FY 2025 Budget
FY25 Enrollment Projections:
Reflected in the table below are FY24 actual enrollment and FY25 projected, or forecasted, enrollment
by grade. The change in the number of students by cohort and grade-level is illustrated. Cohorts have
been color-coded for easier reference:
FY24 Actual and FY25 Projected Enrollment by Grade:
Elementary Enrollment Projections:
Kindergarten enrollment forecasts are less reliable and are affected by several factors including
postponed kindergarten enrollment, attendance at private full-day kindergarten programs, adoption, and
housing turnover. There are several sources of data used as the basis for predicting kindergarten
enrollment including census data from the Town Clerk, birth data from five years before kindergarten
enrollment, and self-reported data from parents and local preschools. The FY25 kindergarten projections
have bee
who fall within the age requirements for entry into kindergarten compared to the kindergarten
projection* of 303 students. Not all students who reside in Reading and who are of age will be enrolled in
Reading Public Schools. Some families may choose private or parochial programs, homeschool, or
postpone entry. Other families with kindergarten age children may move to Reading. We saw an increase
Town of Reading 171 FY 2025 Budget
of 16 students from the FY24 projected number to the FY24 actual number. We will continue to monitor
the kindergarten enrollment as registration kicks off at the end of January.
and non-personnel supplies and services. Staffing levels at all grade levels are predicated upon the
number and demographics of students expected to be enrolled at the start of the school year. Using the
progression rates calculated above and making anticipated changes, elementary school class sizes have
been projected for FY25 and are outlined below in comparison with FY24 actual enrollment and class sizes.
Currently, we are projecting 89 sections at the elementary level with four sections at Killam and the ability
to shift if needed based on an increase or decrease in enrollment. It is important to note that three
Teaching Fellows remain in the budget to support elementary school class sizes:
Town of Reading 172 FY 2025 Budget
The Reading Public Schools provides special education services to eligible students aged three to twenty-
two years deemed eligible through the special education team evaluation process. Eligibility is based on
a determination that the student has a qualif
effective progress in the general education program without specialized instruction. Instructional or other
he table below shows
historical data regarding the number of students with IEPs based on October 1 enrollment data:
Student Enrollment Students with Individual Education Plans:
The Commonwealth mandates that special services required for students are defined on individual
education plans. Eligibility for special education services is based on a determination that the student has
a qualified disability that requires specialized instruction to achieve effective progress in the general
education programs. Instructio
Education Plan. The number of students on IEPs can vary significantly from year to year. The table above
illustrates the ebb and flow of the number of students who received special education service in and out
of the district, from preschool to 22 years of age during the last ten years.
From the academic year 2019-20 to 2023-24, total enrollment declined by (6.8%), from 4202 to 3915
students, the number of students on IEPs increased by (6.1%) from 727 to 771 and the number of out of
district placements increased by (13.7%), from 51 to 58. The number of students on IEPs in the current
academic year increased by (49) students, or (3%) year-over-year, and the number of students receiving
services in out of district placements increased by (6) students over the same time period.
Illustrated in the table above, the reader will note an increase in Out of District placements between FY23
and FY24, which was driven by a significant increase in social emotional and behavioral needs. Decreases
in placements occur for several reasons which include: leaving the Reading Public School district,
graduating from and aging out of placements, changing placements, or returning to the district. The
district has budgeted for additional Out of District placements of students pending evaluation of progress
and student needs.
The following tables provide information on some of our other significant student populations:MLL and
Boston Resident students.
Town of Reading 173 FY 2025 Budget
Our MLL students are students eligible to receive support with their English Language development. The
first table shows the enrollment of the students across the district, and the graph that follows illustrates
a growth trend in enrollment and infers an intensified need for service delivery as a result.
Boston Resident students come to us by way of our participation in the METCO Program, as detailed in
the State Grant section.
Student Enrollment Multilingual Learners:
Year-over-Year Change in Multilingual Learners
Beginner refers to language level. Students are scored on a standardized test for English proficiency in
listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Beginners are expected to receive double the amount of ESL
instruction (10 hours per week) as intermediates (5 hours per week). Beginners need more support in
the general education classroom, so their teachers need more coaching and support.
Town of Reading 174 FY 2025 Budget
Student Enrollment Boston Resident Students
Town of Reading 175 FY 2025 Budget
APPENDIX C: District Organizational Structure
Organizational Chart for Reading Public Schools
An organizational chart of the Reading Public Schools is provided below:
Town of Reading 176 FY 2025 Budget
District Leadership
School Committee
The role of the School Committee is to recruit, hire, evaluate, and make employment decisions on the
Superintendent; review and approve budgets for public education in the district; and establish educational
goals and policies for the schools in the district consistent with the requirements of law and statewide
goals and standards established by the Massachusetts Board of Education.
The Reading School Committee consists of six members elected by the voters of Reading for three-year
-election. The current
membership and terms of the Reading School Committee are as follows:
Thomas Wise, Chairperson, Term Expires 2025
Erin Gaffen, Vice Chairperson, Term Expires 2026
Shawn Brandt, School Committee Member, Term Expires 2024
Sarah McLaughlin, School Committee Member, Term Expires 2024
Carla Nazzaro, School Committee Member, Term Expires 2026
Charles Robinson, School Committee Member, Term Expires 2025
Under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 70, the School Committee has the power to select and to
terminate the Superintendent, review and approve the budget, and establish the educational goals and
policies for the schools in the district consistent with the requirements of law and statewide goals and
standards established by the Board of Education.
District Administration
The district is led by the Superintendent of Schools, the Central Office Leadership Team, District
Leadership Team, and Administrative Council. The Central Office Leadership Team includes the
Superintendent of Schools, Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching, Assistant Superintendent
for Special Education and Student Services, and Directors of Human Resources Director and Finance and
Operations. The District Leadership Team includes the Central Office Leadership Team, the eight building
principals, the R.I.S.E. Preschool Director, and the Assistant Director for Special Education and Department
Directors (Facilities, Food Services, Network Administrator, METCO, and Health Services). The
Administrative Council includes the District Leadership Team as well as all Assistant Principals, Special
Education Team Chairs and Program Directors.
Primary Function roles of the Administration Cost Center are described below:
Superintendent
The Superintendent of Schools serves as the chief educational leader for the school district. This position
works with the School Committee as well as with building administrators and Central Office administrators
, strategic goals, and objectives, to recommend a budget
ensure the success of all students. The Superintendent supervises and evaluates all Central Office
Administrators and Building Principals. In addition, the Superintendent co-supervises the Director of
Facilities with the Town Manager.
Town of Reading 177 FY 2025 Budget
Assistant Superintendents
The role of the Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching and Assistant Superintendent of
Student Services is to provide leadership to district administrators, teacher leaders, teachers, and support
staff in curriculum, instruction, and assessment. The Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching
also supervises the Director of Adult and Community Education, the Director of METCO, K-8 Curriculum
Coordinators, and the Elementary Technology Integration Specialist. The position is also responsible for
The Assistant
Superintendent of Student Services supervises the Directors of Special Education, RISE Preschool program,
Health Services, the lead social worke
coordinating the safety protocols within the district. The Assistant Superintendents work closely to ensure
a cohesive and comprehensive system of support, fostering an integrated approach to enhance academic
and student well-being.
Human Resources Director
The Human Resources Director for a school district is responsible for comprehensive oversight of human
resource management. This encompasses recruitment, hiring, and onboarding processes, as well as the
development, implementation, and/or application of policies and procedures related to collective bargain
terms, employee relations, and compliance. Additionally, the Director manages leaves of absences,
addresses personnel issues, and collaborates with school administrators to ensure the district attracts,
retains, and supports a diverse and qualified professional staff, fostering a positive work environment and
promoting a culture of excellence and inclusivity.
Director Finance and Operations
The Director of Finance and Operations leads the school finance and operations, including budget,
financial reporting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, transportation, grants management,
Medicaid reimbursement, and purchasing/procurement, collaborates closely with school facilities and
oversees network technology, school nutrition, and use of school property. The Director of Finance and
Operations supervises and evaluates the School Nutrition Director and Network Manager.
District Partnerships
There are eight schools in the Reading Public Schools: Reading Memorial High School (grades 9-12), A.W.
Coolidge Middle School (grades 6-8), W.S. Parker Middle School (grades 6-8), and five elementary schools
(grades K-5): Alice Barrows, Birch Meadow, Joshua Eaton, J.W. Killam, and Wood End. Reading also has
the R.I.S.E. Preschool program, an integrated preschool, with classrooms located at Reading Memorial
High School as well as in two elementary schools, which typically changes from year to year depending
upon availability of space.
Reading Public Schools are part of a larger community that believes in collaboration for the purpose of
benefiting the children of Reading Public Schools. We are fortunate to have many important partners
who enrich the lives of our students through their contributions of resources both financial and
volunteer time.
Town of Reading 178 FY 2025 Budget
Town of Reading
The Town of Reading is in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States, some 10 miles (16 km) north
of central Boston. Reading was incorporated on June 10, 1644, taking its name from the town of Reading
in England. Reading encompasses 9.9 square miles and is located North of Boston with easy access to
major routes including 125/I-95, I93 and routes 28 and 129. In addition, commuter rail and bus service
are available in Reading. The Town of Reading has a Representative Town Meeting form of government.
members. Reading also has a five member Select Board and a Town Manager.
service, and community engagement. We also share many resources and collaborate to efficiently
manage the operations of the community.
Cabinet and are actively working to improve access for all students. Therefore, the Community
Resource Group is being phased out but the work is continuing. Because of the foundation created by
this group the individual members often reach out to each other for support and resources regarding
individual activities and challenges.
Reading Education Foundation
The Reading Education Foundation is a volunteer organization of Reading residents working in partnership
with the Superintendent of Schools and Reading Public Schools. Its mission is to support innovation and
excellence within the Reading Public Schools by raising and providing private money to fund initiatives
that are beyond the reach of public funds.
Parent-Teacher Organizations
Each of our schools is fortunate to have a PTO composed of parent volunteers who support teachers in
each building. This support includes parent education, teacher appreciation events, mobilization of
classroom and school level volunteers, and funding for technology, enrichment, and other special
programs.
Parent Booster Organizations
Reading Public Schools are supported by a sizable number of parent booster organizations of parent
volunteers who raise, contribute, and dispense funds for the benefit of specific extra-curricular activities
including athletic teams, academic teams, and fine and performing arts.
Understanding Disabilities, Inc.
Understanding Disabilities, Inc. (UD) partners with Reading Public Schools to increase positive attitudes
toward people with disabilities. Thirty years of success teaching disability awareness in the Reading Public
Schools has supported the development of an innovative curriculum that supports inclusion and promotes
respectful interactions, which helps children process and understand the communities in which they live
and develop healthy relationships.
Town of Reading 179 FY 2025 Budget
APPENDIX D: 2023-2024 School Improvement Plans
Setting the stage for the FY25 budget development process was the work conducted by the School
Principals and their school communities to develop the 2023-2024 School Improvement Plans.
Overarching themes of providing equitable and rigorous learning environments are summarized in each
Elementary Schools
Alice M. Barrows Elementary School
Birch Meadow Elementary School
Joshua Eaton Elementary School
J.W. Killam Elementary School
Wood End Elementary School
Middle Schools
Coolidge Middle School
Walter S. Parker Middle School
High School
Reading Memorial High School
Town of Reading 180 FY 2025 Budget
APPENDIX E: Acronyms
This section contains some of the acronyms in the Budget Book
ARP: American Rescue Plan
DESE: Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MA)
EMBARC: Education Meaningful Inclusion, Becoming Independent, Advocacy, Relaxation, and
Leisure Activities Community Integration
ESL: English As a Second Language
ESSER: Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund
FDK: Full Day Kindergarten
FTE: Full Time Equivalent
IDEA: Individuals with DIsabilities Education Act
IEP: Individualized Education Plan
LEAD: Language, Executive Functioning, Academics, Determination
LIFT: Living, Independence, Functional, Transition
METCO: Met ropolitan Co uncil for Educational Opportunity
MLL: Multilingual Learners
OOD: Out Of District - refers to students being placed outside of RPS
REACH: Resiliency, Executive Functioning, Academics, Coping Strategies, Habits of Mind
RISE: Reading, Integrated School Experience (Preschool Program)
RPS: Reading Public Schools
RMHS: Reading Memorial High School
SAIL: Strategies to Support Academics, Independence, and Life Skills
SEL: Social Emotional Learning
SOAR: Social Skills Organizational Skills Academics in Real World Situations
Town of Reading 181 FY 2025 Budget
Birch Meadow students photographed by community member Alicia Williams
Town of Reading 182 FY 2025 Budget
Enterprise Funds
Water Enterprise Fund
FY25 Budget
Water Supply is responsible for the administrative management, operation, technical
support, maintenance, and security of the drinking water supply in accordance with all
Federal, State, and local regulations. Water Distribution is responsible for maintaining
and operating the municipal water distribution system following industry standards
and all applicable regulations. In addition, this division oversees water meter
installation, repair and meter reading, and the maintenance of all fire hydrants.
In FY25, local costs are projected to go down by 7.0%. The FY25 MWRA assessment is
estimated to increase by 3.0%.
WATER ENTERPRISE FUNDFY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25
FY22 actualFY23 actualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Wages$ 817,269$ 811,447 $ 878,900$ 913,0003.9%
Overhead Expenses$ 513,333$ 483,711 $ 601,000$ 641,5006.7%
Operational Expenses$ 323,069$ 441,638 $ 649,500$ 525,500-19.1%
General Fund Support$ 630,630$ 654,910 $ 681,107$ 708,3704.0%
Water Operational Costs$ 2,284,301 $ 2,391,706$ 2,810,507 $ 2,788,370 -0.8%
Capital$ 303,399$ 439,035 $ 145,000$ 75,000 -48.3%
Debt$ 2,834,489 $ 2,730,790$ 2,955,700 $ 2,635,500 -10.8%
Water Local Costs$ 5,422,190 $ 5,561,531$ 5,911,207 $ 5,498,870 -7.0%
MWRA Assessment$ 2,831,288 $ 2,833,828$ 2,894,300 $ 2,981,129 3.0%
Water Gross Costs$ 8,253,478 $ 8,395,359$ 8,805,507 $ 8,479,999 -3.7%
ARPA Grant Support (145,000) - -100.0%
Use of Financial Reserves (FY25 pending Select Board vote)$ (1,000,000)$ (600,000) -40.0%
Water Net Costs$ 7,660,507 $ 7,879,999 2.9%
Town Meeting votes: $ 8,479,999$ (708,370)$ 7,771,629
Town of Reading 183 FY 2025 Budget
Salaries
There is no change in staffing levels or significant changes in related costs.
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25
FY22 actualFY23 actualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Water/Sewer Supervisor$ 50,033 $ 51,207$ 53,300 $ 55,400 3.9%
Water Quality & Safety Admin$ 85,072 $ 88,176$ 91,850 $ 95,200 3.6%
Managing/Working Forepersons$ 206,695$ 221,327 $ 226,300$ 240,7006.4%
Senior/Junior Operators$ 188,562$ 192,565 $ 351,500$ 363,6003.4%
Laborers$ 105,215$ 94,324$ -$ -0.0%
W/S Assistant Collector$ 29,290 $ 32,711$ 34,100 $ 35,400 3.8%
Support Staff$ 26,808 $ 29,250$ 30,850 $ 31,700 2.8%
Seasonal Staff$ 10,792 $ 8,692$ 7,500$ 7,5000.0%
On Call/Out of Grade$ 13,326 $ 14,212$ 16,000 $ 16,000 0.0%
Overtime$ 101,338$ 78,541$ 75,000 $ 75,000 0.0%
Buyback$ 138 $ 442$ -$ -0.0%
Snow Removal$ -$ - $ (7,500)$ (7,500)0.0%
Water EF Wages$ 817,269$ 811,447 $ 878,900$ 913,0003.9%
Expenses
Local overhead expenses are up by 6.7%. General Fund support costs increased by
about 4.0% according to a methodology developed by the Town Accountant.
Town of Reading 184 FY 2025 Budget
Expenses (Continued)
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25
FY22 actualFY23 actualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Retirement Assessment$ 216,244$ 180,817 $ 195,000$ 224,00014.9%
OPEB Contributions$ 85,000 $ 85,000$ 85,000 $ 85,000 0.0%
Health Insurance$ 138,690$ 153,983 $ 246,500$ 255,0003.4%
Medicare Payments$ 12,621 $ 13,029$ 13,500 $ 14,000 3.7%
Legal Expenses$ 3,626$ - $ -$ -0.0%
P/C Insurance Premiums$ 42,422 $ 38,091$ 45,000 $ 47,500 5.6%
Worker Comp. Ins. Premiums$ 14,730 $ 12,790$ 16,000 $ 16,000 0.0%
Water EF Overhead Expenses$ 513,333$ 483,711 $ 601,000$ 641,5006.7%
Water Parts & Maintenance$ 137,381$ 193,764 $ 183,000$ 183,0000.0%
Water Supplies & Equipment$ 33,395 $ 88,206$ 195,000$ 55,000 -71.8%
Water Quality & Safety$ 20,235 $ 31,808$ 38,000 $ 41,000 7.9%
Water Conservation Promotion$ 11,010 $ 10,902$ 20,000 $ 20,000 0.0%
Outsourced Prof Services$ 13,093 $ 41,856$ 100,000$ 100,0000.0%
Gas & Utilities$ 39,634 $ 40,645$ 55,500 $ 60,500 9.0%
Office Supplies & Equipment$ 6,924$ 5,935$ 15,000 $ 23,000 53.3%
Professional Development$ 4,682$ 4,446$ 13,000 $ 13,000 0.0%
Police Details$ 56,715 $ 24,076$ 30,000 $ 30,000 0.0%
Water EF Operating Exp.$ 323,069$ 441,638 $ 649,500$ 525,500-19.1%
Wage Support - Adm Services$ 32,585 $ 33,840$ 35,194 $ 20,940 -40.5%
Wage Support - Technology$ -$ - $ -$ 15,700
Wage Support - Finance$ 27,995 $ 29,075$ 30,238 $ 31,450 4.0%
Wage Support - DPW$ 417,110$ 433,170 $ 450,497$ 468,5004.0%
Expense Support - Adm Services$ 21,130 $ 21,945$ 22,823 $ 1,670-92.7%
Expense Support - Technology$ -$ - $ -$ 22,050
Expense Support - Finance$ 5,750$ 5,970$ 6,209$ 6,4604.0%
Expense Support - DPW$ 126,060$ 130,910 $ 136,146$ 141,6004.0%
Water EF Genl Fund Support$ 630,630$ 654,910 $ 681,107$ 708,3704.0%
Capital & Debt
All planned spending except for a $75,000 for water main lining is either existing debt
service or annual maintenance. Please refer to the capital plan and debt schedule for
more details.
Town of Reading 185 FY 2025 Budget
Sewer Enterprise Fund
FY25 Budget
The Sewer Division is responsible for operating the municipal sewer collection systems
in accordance with all applicable state, federal, and MWRA regulations for the
collection and discharge of wastewater. This ranges from maintaining and repairing
over 100 miles of sewer mains and 12 pumping stations to responding to customer
service needs for individual sewer and drainage problems.
Local costs are projected to be up 40.4% in FY25 due to a $565,000 increase in capital
spending from the prior year. Included in capital in FY25 is $350,000 for a vacuum truck
which is Sewers share of the 50/50 split with Stormwater, $250,000 for design work for
two sewer stations and $75,000 for sewer main projects. When combined with +3.0%
MWRA charges, the gross budget is up 14%.
SEWER ENTERPRISE FUNDFY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25
FY22 actualFY23 actualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Wages$ 398,431 $ 449,624 $ 483,150 $ 496,800 2.8%
Overhead Expenses$ 145,034 $ 183,208 $ 203,600 $ 243,500 19.6%
Operational Expenses$ 144,472 $ 179,844 $ 383,000 $ 250,000 -34.7%
General Fund Support$ 262,550 $ 272,660 $ 283,567 $ 294,885 4.0%
Sewer Operational Costs$ 950,487 $ 1,085,336$ 1,353,317$ 1,285,185-5.0%
Capital$ - $ - $ 110,000 $ 675,000 513.6%
Debt$ 983,375 $ 918,800 $ 880,625 $ 1,331,07551.2%
Sewer Local Costs$ 1,933,862$ 2,004,136$ 2,343,942$ 3,291,26040.4%
MWRA Assessments$ 5,376,119$ 5,378,343$ 5,598,050$ 5,765,9913.0%
Sewer Gross Costs$ 7,309,981$ 7,382,479$ 7,941,992$ 9,057,25114.0%
Use of Financial Reserves (FY25 pending Select Board vote)$ (650,000)$ (1,300,000)100.0%
Sewer Net Costs$ 7,291,992$ 7,757,2516.4%
Town Meeting votes: $ 9,057,251$ (294,885)$ 8,762,366
Town of Reading 186 FY 2025 Budget
Salaries
There is no change in staffing levels or significant changes in related costs.
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25
FY22 actualFY23 actualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Water/Sewer Supervisor$ 49,795$ 51,266$ 53,300$ 55,4003.9%
Managing/Working Foreperson$ 74,474$ 75,085$ 76,250$ 80,8006.0%
Senior/Junior Operators$ 84,289$ 106,367 $ 225,150 $ 230,000 2.2%
Laborers$ 58,600$ 82,421$ - $ - 0.0%
W/S Assistant Collector$ 29,290$ 32,711$ 34,100$ 35,4003.8%
Support Staff$ 26,808$ 29,250$ 30,850$ 31,7002.8%
On Call/Out of Grade$ 2,418$ 1,800$ 6,000$ 6,0000.0%
Overtime$ 71,655$ 69,534$ 60,000$ 60,0000.0%
Buyback$ 1,102$ 1,189$ - $ - 0.0%
Snow Removal$ - $ - $ (2,500) $ (2,500) 0.0%
Sewer EF Wages$ 398,431 $ 449,624 $ 483,150 $ 496,800 2.8%
Expenses
Local overhead expenses increased by 19.6%. Local operational expenses decreased
by 34.7%; most line items are level funded with a slight increase in professional services
and software expenses. General Fund support costs increased by about 4.0%
according to a methodology developed by the Town Accountant.
Town of Reading 187 FY 2025 Budget
Expenses (Continued)
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25
FY22 actualFY23 actualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Retirement Assessment$ 54,917$ 74,744$ 80,100$ 111,000 38.6%
OPEB Contributions$ 23,000$ 25,000$ 25,000$ 25,0000.0%
Health Insurance$ 41,720$ 55,501$ 68,000$ 70,0002.9%
Medicare Payments$ 4,845$ 11,959$ 5,500$ 12,500127.3%
P/C Insurance Premiums$ 4,495$ 2,231$ 6,000$ 6,0000.0%
Worker Comp. Ins. Premiums$ 16,056$ 13,773$ 19,000$ 19,0000.0%
Sewer EF Overhead Expenses$ 145,034 $ 183,208 $ 203,600 $ 243,500 19.6%
Sewer Parts & Maintenance$ 20,394$ 49,858$ 103,000 $ 103,000 0.0%
Sewer Supplies & Equipment$ 39,773$ 32,389$ 184,000 $ 39,000-78.8%
Sewer Quality & Safety$ 35,468$ 43,227$ 37,000$ 41,00010.8%
Gas & Utilities$ 39,445$ 38,818$ 39,500$ 42,5007.6%
Office Supplies & Equipment$ - $ - $ - $ - 0.0%
Professional Development$ 9,391$ 2,553$ 11,500$ 16,50043.5%
Police Details$ - $ 13,000$ 8,000$ 8,0000.0%
Sewer EF Operating Exp.$ 144,472 $ 179,844 $ 383,000 $ 250,000 -34.7%
Wage Support - Adm Services$ 13,575$ 14,100$ 14,664$ 8,280-43.5%
Wage Support - Technology$ - $ - $ - $ 6,950
Wage Support - Finance$ 11,665$ 12,115$ 12,600$ 13,1004.0%
Wage Support - DPW$ 173,530 $ 180,210 $ 187,418 $ 194,915 4.0%
Expense Support - Adm Services$ 8,850$ 9,190$ 9,558$ 700-92.7%
Expense Support - Technology$ - $ - $ - $ 9,240
Expense Support - Finance$ 2,400$ 2,490$ 2,590$ 2,7004.2%
Expense Support - DPW$ 52,530$ 54,555$ 56,737$ 59,0004.0%
Sewer EF Genl Fund Support$ 262,550 $ 272,660 $ 283,567 $ 294,885 4.0%
Capital & Debt
Spending consists of paying existing debt and capital items such as $350,000 for a
vacuum truck which is Sewers share of the 50/50 split with Stormwater, $250,000 for
design work for two sewer stations and $75,000 for sewer main projects. The next
significant capital expense (financed by debt) is a change to smart-meter technology.
This cost will be split by both Water and Sewer Enterprise Funds, but due to the recent
water capital needed for the water main replacement and the water tank, the meter
work is delayed until FY26.
Please refer to the capital plan and debt schedule for more details.
Town of Reading 188 FY 2025 Budget
Storm Water Enterprise Fund
FY25 Budget
The Storm Water Division consists of some activities conducted under the General
Fund budget and some under the Enterprise Fund budget. The Division is responsible
for constructing, maintaining, and repairing all catch basins and storm drainage
systems.
STORM WATER ENTERPRISE FUNDFY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25
FY22 actualFY23 actualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Wages$ 109,251$ 97,556$ 120,750$ 125,3003.8%
Overhead Expenses$ 18,100$ 19,577$ 31,750$ 31,7500.0%
Operational Expenses$ 23,455$ 83,331$ 102,000$ 106,0003.9%
General Fund Support$ 104,970$ 109,015$ 113,375$ 117,9204.0%
Storm Water Operational Costs$ 255,777$ 309,479$ 367,875$ 380,970 3.6%
Capital$ 35,303$ 220,000$ 100,000$ 650,000550.0%
Debt$ 126,628$ 120,075$ 115,825$ 111,575-3.7%
Storm Water Local Costs$ 417,708$ 649,554$ 583,700$ 1,142,545 95.7%
MWRA Expenses$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Storm Water Gross Costs$ 417,708$ 649,554$ 583,700$ 1,142,545 95.7%
*Use of Financial Reserves (FY25 pending Select Board vote)$ -$ (475,000)0.0%
Storm Water Net Costs$ 583,700$ 667,54514.4%
Town Meeting votes: $ 1,142,545$ (117,920)$ 1,024,625
*suggested use of $475,000 of $1.0 million of reserves to keep rates unchanged
Salaries
There is no change in staffing levels for FY25.
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25
FY22 actualFY23 actualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Senior/Junior Operators$ 91,794$ 59,165$ 63,000$ 66,9006.2%
Laborers$ 10,668$ 33,179$ 51,750$ 52,4001.3%
On Call/Out of Grade$ -$ -$ 1,000 $ 1,000 0.0%
Overtime$ 6,789 $ 5,213 $ 5,000 $ 5,000 0.0%
Storm Water EF Wages$ 109,251$ 97,556$ 120,750$ 125,3003.8%
Town of Reading 189 FY 2025 Budget
Expenses
Local overhead expenses are unchanged, as shown in the table below:
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25
FY22 actualFY23 actualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Retirement Assessment$ -$ -$ 2,000 $ 2,000 0.0%
OPEB Contributions$ 10,500$ 10,500$ 10,500$ 10,5000.0%
Legal Expenses$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Health Insurance$ 6,505 $ 7,569 $ 17,000$ 17,0000.0%
Medicare Payments$ 1,096 $ 1,508 $ 2,250 $ 2,250 0.0%
Storm Water Overhead Expenses$ 18,100$ 19,577$ 31,750$ 31,7500.0%
Operating expenses have increased 3.9%. General Fund support costs increased by
about 4.0% according to a methodology developed by the Town Accountant.
FY24 BUDGETFY25 BUDGETFY24-25
FY22 actualFY23 actualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Drainage Maintenance$ -$ 16,887$ 20,000$ 20,0000.0%
St. Water Supplies & Equip.$ 8,067 $ 59,832$ 67,000$ 67,0000.0%
St. Water Quality & Safety$ 2,013 $ 1,157 $ 5,000 $ 5,000 0.0%
Gas & Utilities$ 9,557 $ 5,434 $ 6,000 $ 10,00066.7%
Professional Development$ 3,818 $ 20 $ 4,000 $ 4,000 0.0%
Storm Water EF Operating Exp.$ 23,455$ 83,331$ 102,000$ 106,0003.9%
Wage Support - Adm Services$ 5,445 $ 5,655 $ 5,881 $ 6,120 4.1%
Wage Support - Technology$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Wage Support - Finance$ 4,675 $ 4,855 $ 5,049 $ 5,250 4.0%
Wage Support - DPW$ 90,380$ 93,860$ 97,614$ 101,5304.0%
Expense Support - Adm Services$ 3,510 $ 3,645 $ 3,791 $ 3,940 3.9%
Expense Support - Technology$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Expense Support - Finance$ 960$ 1,000 $ 1,040 $ 1,080 3.8%
Expense Support - DPW$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Storm Water EF Genl Fund Support$ 104,970$ 109,015$ 113,375$ 117,9204.0%
Town of Reading 190 FY 2025 Budget
Capital & Debt
In FY25, funding is requested to conduct a drainage master plan for the community.
The general annual drainage project funding is increased to $200,000 to carry out the
prioritized findings of that study. In addition, the replacement of the vacuum truck is
scheduled for FY25 at a total cost of $700,000. This vehicle will be split between the
Stormwater and the Sewer Enterprise Funds.
Please refer to the capital plan and debt schedule for more details.
Town of Reading 191 FY 2025 Budget
PEG Cable Access Enterprise Fund
FY25 Budget
The Public, Educational, and Governmental (PEG) Cable Access enterprise fund
receives revenue from Readings cable providers (Comcast and Verizon) quarterly.
These funds are earmarked for PEG cable access. The Town does not have an
established department to provide PEG services. Over the last 20+ years the Town has
outsourced PEG services to RCTV. The appropriation of this fund will allow the Town
to use the PEG access fees collected from its cable providers to provide the necessary
PEG services.
PEG ACCESS REVENUES RECEIVED
ProjectedProjected
FY13FY14FY15FY16FY17FY18FY19FY20FY21FY22FY23FY24FY255 yr Ave10 Yr Ave
Comcast 220,564 233,001 248,340 261,345 279,553 286,324 282,892 306,204 305,728 314,101 321,890 321,750 320,000 306,163 283,938
Comcast Captial - - - - - - 97,500 32,500 32,500 32,500 -
- - 39,000 19,500
Verizon 262,959 284,657 298,382 303,624 303,583 297,655 284,055 270,740 248,253 236,753 222,021 220,000 220,000 252,364 274,972
Verizon Captial - - - - - - - - - 48,750 48,750
- - 19,500 9,750
Total 483,523 517,658 546,722 564,969 583,136 583,979 664,447 609,443 586,481 632,104 592,661 541,750 540,000 617,027 588,160
350,000
300,000
250,000
Comcast
200,000
Comcast Captial
150,000
Verizon
Verizon Captial
100,000
50,000
-
FY13FY14FY15FY16FY17FY18FY19FY20FY21FY22FY23FY24FY25
In prior years, the PEG Access fees were collected by the Town and paid to RCTV
through an Agency fund. Massachusetts Department of Revenue now requires these
funds to be appropriated by Town Meeting.
Town of Reading 192 FY 2025 Budget
ProjectedFY25 BUDGETFY24-25
FY21 ActualFY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24Town ManagerChange
GENERAL FUND SUPPORT$ 1,000$ 1,000$ 1,000$ 1,000$ 1,0000.0%
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES$ 585,481$ 631,104$ 592,662$ 622,000 $ 539,000-13.3%
PEG EXPENSES$ 586,481$ 632,104$ 593,662$ 623,000 $ 540,000-13.3%
Reading Community Television Inc. (RCTV) was incorporated in 1998 as a non-profit
organization in Massachusetts pursuant to cable television renewal license agreements
for the Town of Reading. RCTVs purpose is to operate Public, Educational, and
Governmental (PEG) access channels, manage the annual funding thereof, conduct
training programs in the skills necessary to produce quality PEG access programming,
establish rules procedures and guidelines for the use of PEG access channels, provide
publicity, fund raising, outreach, and other support services to PEG access users, and
produce or assist PEG users in the production of original, noncommercial use video
programming of interest to subscribers focusing on town issues, events and activities.
Town of Reading 193 FY 2025 Budget
Landfill Enterprise Fund
FY25 Budget
Town Meeting created the Landfill enterprise fund on December 9, 2002, to establish
a financial assurance mechanism per the Department of Environmental Protection
requirements relative to the closure of the Landfill and the post-closure maintenance
and monitoring costs.
During the Post-Closure period, which is 30 years, the Developer contributes the
annual estimated post-closure monitoring funds to complete Post-Closure Monitoring
for the year, in an annual amount not to exceed $37,000. Any surplus remains in the
Enterprise Account until the end of the post-closure period. This practice ensures
compliance with the post-closure requirements of 310CMR 19.00 relative to the
Landfill.
The Developer must provide monitoring of the Landfill up to and including the limit of
$40,000 per year, with a 3% cost of living factor applied each year. The Town's
obligation is escalated for amounts above $40,000 per year appropriately escalated.
The Landfill Post Closure table below shows the Town and Developer's share of the
expense. The Town hasn't had an obligation relative to Landfill monitoring since
December 2011.
In prior years, the contributions to the Landfill Enterprise fund were collected by the
Town and treated like a performance deposit within the enterprise fund.
Reimbursements were made to the Developer when proof of monitoring was provided
to the Town. The Department of Revenue requires these funds to be appropriated by
Town Meeting because an Enterprise Fund was established. Thus, the Town will
appropriate the performance deposit paid by the Developer annually.
ProjectedFY25 BUDGETFY24-25
FY21 ActualFY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24Town ManagerChange
LANDFILL MONITORING REIMB$ 37,000 $ 37,000 $ 37,000 $ 37,000$ 37,000 0.0%
LANDFILL EXPENSES$ 37,000 $ 37,000 $ 37,000 $ 37,000$ 37,000 0.0%
Town of Reading 194 FY 2025 Budget
Landfill Post Closure Financial Assurance Mechanism
MONTH6/30/2023
OBLIGATION CALCULATIONCASH BALANCE ANALYSIS
ABCDEFGHIJK
Monitoring DateAccrued Savings Property Owner MaximumTotal costsProperty Owner ShareTown share Funds InterestAvailable cash
Year E-GObligationObligation Calendar YearPaid from cash balanceF-E (not <0)Received Calendar Year K (From previous year)
from previous yearCurrent Year C+D Invoices PaidLesser of E or F plus I plus J minus G
January-0374,0004,06378,063
1 January-0540,00040,00047,40740,0007,40740,000*1,22179,285
2 January-06041,20041,20058,82441,20017,62437,0003,15978,244
3 January-07042,43642,43656,68142,43614,24537,0004,83877,646
4 January-08043,70943,70962,09743,70918,38837,0003,06774,003
5 January-09045,02045,02046,89945,0201,87837,00077066,753
6 January-10046,37146,37148,43446,3712,06337,00026957,650
7 January-11047,76247,76255,69547,7627,93337,00017247,061
8 January-12049,19549,19546,05246,052037,00018338,191
9 January-133,14350,67153,81436,67036,670037,00010438,626
10 January-1417,14352,19169,33445,24645,246037,0008730,467
11 January-1524,08853,75777,84552,95852,958037,00010314,611
12 January-1624,88755,36980,25640,43540,435037,00019511,372
13 January-1739,82157,03096,85249,54649,546037,000100-1,074
14 January-1847,30658,741106,04737,53337,533037,000176-1,431
15 January-1968,51460,504129,01836,97036,970037,000440-960
16 January-2092,04862,319154,36629,09729,097037,0001937,135
17 January-21125,26964,188189,45744,14044,140037,00084
18 January-22105,31666,114171,43037,01237,012037,000662654
19 January-23134,41868,097202,516 0 0037,0001,35239,006
20 January-24202,51670,140272,6560039,006
21 January-25272,65672,244344,9000039,006
22 January-26344,90074,412419,3120039,006
23 January-27419,31276,644495,9560039,006
24 January-28495,95678,943574,9000039,006
25 January-29574,90081,312656,2110039,006
26 January-30656,21183,751739,9630039,006
27 January-31739,96386,264826,2260039,006
28 January-32826,22688,852915,0780039,006
29 January-33915,07891,5171,006,5950039,006
30 January-341,006,59594,2631,100,85800
*Bills paid directly by developer so
funds were only "effectively" received
Town of Reading 195 FY 2025 Budget
Capital & Debt Service
Capital Overview
Our capital budget for FY25 is being significantly impacted by increased equipment
costs. Our departments are seeing unprecedented increases in purchase prices, along
with excessive lead times for both construction and equipment. For instance, Public
Works has several sander trucks in the FY25 budget that increased from $200,000 to
$240,000. Unfortunately, we are not able to defer these purchases since the equipment
has exceeded its useful life and we run the risk of failure during critical tasks, such as
snow plowing.
Last year, the Town modified how capital projects are presented. Each
project/purchase has an individual sheet with specific details and itemized funding
sources for the project. We will continue expanding this practice to give more detailed
descriptions to the readers of our annual budget.
The Capital budget for FY25 is $3,035,000. This represents a 3.3% increase from FY24
funding. This increase reflects the additional $700,000 in funds provided by the
Finance Committee (FinCom) to mitigate the effects of the global pandemic on our
capital plan.
In this budget we have annual funding for Fields, Playgrounds, and Court
Improvements of $100,000. This budget also includes $215,000 for parking lots,
sidewalks and walkways at Birch Meadow.
We have made several adjustments to the debt and capital plan in FY25 which were
presented in the November 2023 Town Meeting. These changes were made to
balance the capital and debt budget. We know that in the later years, more changes
might be likely as we evaluate community priorities.
FY25 Capital (3,035,000); +3.3%
$135,000 for Core Facilities: $50,000 for use by the Permanent Building Committee
and $85,000 FOR A Bobcat Utility.
Town of Reading 196 FY 2025 Budget
$180,000 for Schools: $10,000 for ongoing phone system work, $125,000 for large-
scale technology projects, and $45,000 for a Drivers Education vehicle.
$555,000 $100,000 for Technology for large-scale technology projects; and $455,000
for a Computer Aided Dispatch system for Public Safety.
$50,000 for Police; $50,000 for an unmarked vehicle
$2,115,000 for Public Works: $425,000 for road repairs note an additional ~
$600,000 of Chapter 90 grant funds will supplement the road repair budget);
Another $600,000 to pave Lowell Street; $100,000 for skim coating & seal crack road
repairs; $100,000 in general curb and sidewalk repairs for pedestrian safety; $50,000
for general parking lot improvements; $50,000 for general fence improvements;
$100,000 for rock wall repairs at Memorial Park; $100,000 for field, playground and
court improvements; $215,000 parking lot, sidewalks and walkways at Birch Meadow;
$45,000 for Cemetery sedan # 4 (2006) $80,000 for Highway pickup truck # 4 (2006);
$250,000 for Blower Unit for Loader.
Town of Reading 197 FY 2025 Budget
Debt Overview
Our debt budget for FY25 is $4,818,738 which represents a 20.6% reduction from FY24
spending. This large reduction is the result of a 52.4% reduction in excluded debt. In
FY24 excluded debt for the RMHS, Barrows and Wood End projects was paid off
leaving one excluded debt payment left in FY25 for the Library Renovations. Paying off
all the excluded debt will create much-needed savings for Reading residents as we
continue to move forward with the replacement of the Killam School.
Debt within the levy continues to be balanced with capital expenditures to maintain
our FinCom policy of 5% for Capital and Debt. Our Town leadership has asked FinCom
to continue the temporary increase of 5.5% in FY25 to mitigate the impact of inflation.
November 2023 Town Meeting approved the issuance of debt related to one project:
$2.14 Million Dollars to fund Birch Meadow Phase II
In April 2024 Town Meeting, will be asked to authorize the issuance of debt for $4
million for local match required for a grant for the Haven Street Roadway Improvement
Project listed on the Debt plan as Economic Development Downtown II. The Town was
able to obtain a $2.6 Million MassWorks grant from the State for the Haven Street
Roadway Improvement Project.
Due to safety concerns the RMHS fieldhouse bleachers and floors project was moved
up on the capital plan for design in FY24 and FY25 for debt funding.
Finally, the Town continues to have conversations regarding a possible Senior
Center/Community Center to replace or augment the Pleasant Street Center. While
these conversations are fluid, it is our recommendation to follow FinCom guidance of
issuing excluded debt for any project over $5 Million Dollars. This will ensure that our
robust capital investment in Town assets continues.
Town of Reading 198 FY 2025 Budget
Blower Unit for Snow Removal
Town of Reading 199 FY 2025 Budget
Replacement Car 4: Vehicle for Cemetery
Town of Reading 200 FY 2025 Budget
Replacement of H-2/Pickup Truck 18
Town of Reading 201 FY 2025 Budget
Replacement of H-18: Sanding Dump Truck
with Plow
Town of Reading 202 FY 2025 Budget
Vac Truck #S-8
Town of Reading 203 FY 2025 Budget
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Appendix A
Capital Plan
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Debt Schedule
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Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
2016-09-22 LAG
Board -Committee -Commission -Council:
Finance Committee
Date: 2024-02-28Time: 7:00PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Select Board Meeting Room
Address: 16 Lowell StreetSession: Open Session
Purpose: General BusinessVersion: Draft
Attendees:Members -Present:
Chair EdRoss, Vice Chair Joe Carnahan, Geoffrey Coram, Endri Kume, Joe
McDonagh, Marianne McLaughlin-Downing,Emily Sisson,John Sullivan, Mark
Zarrow
Members -Not Present:
Others Present:
School Superintendent Tom Milaschewski, School Director of Finance Derek
Pinto, School Committee Chair Tom Wise, School Committee Member Shawn
Brandt (remote), Facilities Director Joe Huggins (remote), Town CFO Sharon
Angstrom (remote), Chris Haley (remote)
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By:Jacquelyn LaVerde
Topics of Discussion:
This meeting was held in-person in the Select Board Meeting Room of Town Hall and
remotely via Zoom.
Chair Ed Ross called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm.
Liaison Reports:
John Sullivan sharedupdates from ReCALC and CPDC. ReCALC has hired an architect for
the feasibility study of a new Senior/Community Center, and they are hosting listening
sessions on possible sites: Oakland Road, Symonds Way, or renovationto the existing
Pleasant Street Center. CPDC is delaying MBTA Communities until fall Town Meeting. The
Pinevale Avenue mixed use development was reduced to 30 units, and is looking for
permission from MassDOT for an extra curb cut on Main Street.
Joe Carnahan shared that the Select Board voted toput together aCommunity Preservation
Act (CPA) Study Committee, comprised of ex-officio members of various boards and
committees, one of which istheFinance Committee. He suggested adding the topic to a
future agenda.
Emily Sisson shared that the Symonds Way Exploratory Committee is still meeting. From
the Recreation Committee meeting, she shared that Friends of Reading Baseball have a plan
to improve the batting cages at Symonds Way. She noted that some of the funds came
from theTown Manager Reserve Fund, but the Recreation Committee was not informed of
what happened, so there were some calls for clarification on the process.
Page | 1
Marianne Downing shared that the Select Board voted to close the Annual Town Meeting
Warrant at their meeting last night. There are two non-typical financial requests: a funding
article for consultant services to support MBTA Communities initiatives; and supplemental
funding for the $7 million Haven Street streetscape project, for which the Town received a
$2.6 million grant. There will also be an article for the Parker Roof surplus.
Joe McDonagh shared that RMLD residential rates are increasing 2.5%, and industrial rates
will go up 4.8%.
Ed Ross shared that the Killam School Building Committee is meeting regularly, and the
Communications Subcommittee is meeting weekly. The designer, Lavallee Brensinger
Architects (LBA), has been very engaged, and is hosting a community meeting tomorrow on
sustainability.
Budget Presentation: FY25 School Committee Recommended Budget:
School Director of Finance Derek Pinto provided an overview of the School Committees
FY25 recommended budget. The Finance Committee provided budget guidance in October
of 2023 of a 4% increase over the FY24 budget. Operating funds have been allocated to
meet the increased costs of all contractual obligations. Special Education accommodated
costs include out-of-district Special Education. There is $150,000 of community priority
money allocated to reduce full-day kindergarten tuition fees in FY25. Dr. Pinto also
provided a detailed overview of the budget development process and timeline.
School Superintendent Tom Milaschewski reviewed the budget guidance and investment
priorities including: making sure that contracts are settled and sustainable for years to
come; maintaining positions made possible by ESSER grants and incorporating those
salaries into the operating budget; maintaining the path to universal full day kindergarten;
maintaining special education investments; continuing the exploration for Tier II support;
providing structural support for RMHS leadership; implementing the recommendations from
Secondary Math Pathways Advisory Committee; reviewing the middle school literacy
curriculum; and continuing the expansion of RHMS Innovation pathways, with the addition
of clean energy and healthcare and social assistance courses. Dr. Milaschewski also noted
that the department is aggressively pursuing grants to pursue those initiatives, and is
continuing to look internally to meet some of those needs. Changes to support budget
investments include: a 0.4 FTE speech pathologist changed to full-time, addition of 0.5
L.E.A.D. teacher at Joshua Eaton to support specialized learning for students, and a
decrease in tuition for full day kindergarten. One special education teacher at Coolidge, and
two counselors at the High School that were funded by the ESSER grant were moved into
the operating budget.
Dr. Pinto continued to review the budget by cost center. The Administration cost center
includes the salaries and expenses for the central office, including administrative staff, and
district wide data and information management. It accounts for 2.44% of the total district
budget at $1,374,689. The Special Education cost center encompasses all personnel & non-
personnel expenses necessary to deliver special education and related services to students
in the community. This cost center accounts for 31.32% of the total recommended budget
at $17,635,574. The Regular Day cost center includes all expenses related to core and
general education, and is 58.74% of the total budget at $33,077,097. The Facilities cost
center supports, cleans, and maintains Reading Public School buildings, and accounts for
3.01% of the recommended budget at $1,696,953. The District Wide cost center consists of
Athletics, Extra-Curricular Activities, Health Services, and Technology, and makes up 4.49%
of the budget at $2,526,498.
Facilities Director Joe Huggins reviewed capital spending in the budget. The bid for the
replacement of the Parker Middle School was scheduled to go out post-COVID, when
material pricing was still volatile. The architectural firm advised waiting due to the long lead
times and supply chain issues on several products that would impact the project schedule.
There was a $2.7 million capital allocation to do the work. The Town was fortunate, and the
low bid came in at $1.36 million. Some of the savings were used to help other
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departments, and there are still funds available. The department is requesting $95,000 of
the remaining savings to replace the panel and several devices on the Coolidge Middle
School fire alarm panel. There is also a request for $200,000 for the replacement of the
existing field house floor and bleachers, which will include the design and a full bid package.
The full field house project is projected at $1.7 million.
School Committee Chair Tom Wise provided updates on future budget considerations. He
stated that three out of five union contracts have been ratified for custodians, secretaries,
and teachers. The cafeteria workers contract is scheduled to be ratified tomorrow, and the
final contract for paraprofessionals is expected to be ratified next week.
The plan is still on track for free full day kindergarten (FDK) in FY26. There is a $600,000
offset from the revolving account to support FDK in this years budget. In the FY25 budget,
there is a $485,000 offset and tuition will drop to $1,450.
Dr. Pinto and Town Chief Financial Officer Sharon Angstrom provided an update on the
Killam School Building Project. The project budget has been received from the Project
Manager, and $1.338 million has been committed, and there is a $555,000 contingency.
Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes:
On a motion by Emily Sisson, seconded by Mark Zarrow, the Finance Committee
voted unanimously 9-0-0 to approve the meeting minutes of October 25, 2023 as
presented.
Future Agendas:
th
The next meeting is scheduled for March 6, where the Finance Committee will begin the
review of the proposed FY25 Town budget. The Committee will also discuss and possibly
vote on their selection for the Community Preservation Act Study Committee.
On a motion by Endri Kume, seconded by Joe Carnahan, the Finance Committee
voted unanimously 9-0-0 to adjourn at 9:06 pm.
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