HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-12 Finance Committee Packet
Town of Reading
Meeting Posting with Agenda
2018-07-16LAG
Board -Committee -Commission -Council:
Finance Committee
Date: 2025-03-12Time: 7:00PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Select Board Meeting Room
Address: 16 Lowell StreetAgenda:
Purpose:Public Hearingand General Business
Meeting Called By:Jacquelyn LaVerde on behalf of Chair Joe Carnahan
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
adequate amount of time. A listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be
discussed at the meeting must be on the agenda.
All Meeting Postings must be submitted in typed format; handwritten notices will notbe accepted.
Topics of Discussion:
This meetingwill be held in-person in the Select Board Meeting Room of Town Hall
and remotely via Zoom:
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AGENDA:
Call to Order and Welcome
Liaison Reports
PUBLIC HEARING: Town Manager Recommended Budget for FY26
Future Meetings and Agendas
Approve 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 | 1
Town of Reading
Meeting Posting with Agenda
2018-07-16LAG
Board -Committee -Commission -Council:
Finance Committee
Date: 2025-03-12Time: 7:00PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Select Board Meeting Room
Address: 16 Lowell StreetAgenda:
Purpose:Public Hearing
Meeting Called By:Jacquelyn LaVerde on behalf of Chair Joe Carnahan
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
adequate amount of time. A listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be
discussed at the meeting must be on the agenda.
All Meeting Postings must be submitted in typed format; handwritten notices will notbe accepted.
Topics of Discussion:
To the Inhabitants of the Town of Reading:
Please take notice that the Finance Committee of the Town of Reading will hold a public hearing
on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Select Board Meeting Room of Town Hall,
16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA or also available remotely on Zoom to solicit public input on the
19, 2025.
The purpose of this hearing is to provide the public with the opportunity to provide input on the
A copy of discussion documents regarding this topic will be in the Finance Committee packet on
the website at www.readingma.gov.
All interested parties are invited to attend the hearing in person or remotely via Zoom; or may
submit their comments in writing or by email prior to 6:00 p.m. on March 12, 2025 to
townmanager@readingma.gov.
By order of
Matthew A. Kraunelis, Esq.
Town Manager
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
Contents
CONTENTS...........................................................................................................................................................I
BUDGET INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................1
AC ITIZENS G UIDE TO THE B UDGET....................................................................................................................1
T HE B UDGET D OCUMENT...................................................................................................................................2
T HE B UDGET P ROCESS.......................................................................................................................................3
O RGANIZATIONAL C HART...................................................................................................................................4
B UDGET T IMELINE..............................................................................................................................................5
..........................................................................................6
T OWN M ANAGERS FY26B UDGET M ESSAGE.....................................................................................................7
C HIEF F INANCIAL O FFICERS R EPORT..............................................................................................................11
................................................................................................11
Financial Forecast...................................................................................................................................14
Spending Scorecard...............................................................................................................................17
Shared Costs............................................................................................................................................19
TOWN BUDGET BY DEPARTMENT..............................................................................................................23
FY26B UDGETS...............................................................................................................................................23
A DMINISTRATIVE S ERVICES..............................................................................................................................26
Operations Division................................................................................................................................28
Human Resources Division....................................................................................................................30
Town Clerk /Elections Division..............................................................................................................32
..........................................................................................................................34
T ECHNOLOGY.................................................................................................................................................36
P UBLIC S ERVICES.............................................................................................................................................38
Administration Overview.......................................................................................................................39
Community Development......................................................................................................................40
Planning Division....................................................................................................................................42
Economic Development Division..........................................................................................................44
Inspections Division................................................................................................................................46
Conservation Division.............................................................................................................................47
Historic Division.......................................................................................................................................48
Community Services...............................................................................................................................49
Elder & Human Services Division..........................................................................................................52
Recreation Division.................................................................................................................................53
Veterans Services....................................................................................................................................54
P UBLIC S AFETY................................................................................................................................................56
Public Health............................................................................................................................................58
Fire/Emergency Medical Services.........................................................................................................60
Police........................................................................................................................................................63
Coalition for Prevention and Support...................................................................................................65
Dispatch....................................................................................................................................................66
F INANCE D EPARTMENT...................................................................................................................................67
Accounting Division................................................................................................................................70
Town of ReadingiFY2026 Proposed Budget
Assessing Division...................................................................................................................................71
General Finance Division.......................................................................................................................73
D EPARTMENT OF P UBLIC W ORKS....................................................................................................................75
DPW Administration...............................................................................................................................79
Engineering Division..............................................................................................................................80
Highway Division....................................................................................................................................81
Storm Water Division..............................................................................................................................83
Forestry Division......................................................................................................................................84
Parks/Cemetery Division........................................................................................................................85
R EADING P UBLIC L IBRARY................................................................................................................................86
Administration Division..........................................................................................................................89
Public Services Division (+1.0%)...........................................................................................................90
Collection Services Division (+6.1%)....................................................................................................90
F ACILITIES D EPARTMENT.................................................................................................................................91
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT BUDGET................................................................................................................94
ENTERPRISE FUNDS.....................................................................................................................................156
W ATER E NTERPRISE F UND.............................................................................................................................156
S EWER E NTERPRISE F UND.............................................................................................................................159
S TORM W ATER E NTERPRISE F UND.................................................................................................................162
PEGC ABLE A CCESS E NTERPRISE F UND.........................................................................................................164
L ANDFILL E NTERPRISE F UND..........................................................................................................................166
CAPITAL & DEBT SERVICE...........................................................................................................................168
C APITAL O VERVIEW.......................................................................................................................................168
D EBT O VERVIEW...........................................................................................................................................169
Fire Department ALS Defibrillator Monitor.......................................................................................170
Fire Pumper...........................................................................................................................................171
Replacement of H-19 Sanding Dump Truck with Plow....................................................................172
Replacement of S-05 Pickup Truck.....................................................................................................173
Replacement of E-00 Engineering Plotter.........................................................................................174
APPENDIX A...................................................................................................................................................175
C APITAL P LAN...............................................................................................................................................175
APPENDIX B...................................................................................................................................................187
D EBT S CHEDULE............................................................................................................................................187
Town of ReadingiiFY2026 Proposed 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 Reading1FY2026 Proposed Budget
The Budget Document
In an effort to breakdown Readings FY2026proposed $146,402,720budget, 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,
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 Reading2FY2026 Proposed 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, exceptfor 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 Performance Arts Center in the Reading Memorial High School. Town Meetings
are televised by ReadingCommunity 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 Reading3FY2026 Proposed Budget
Organizational Chart
Town of Reading4FY2026 Proposed 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.
TownManager 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
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 Reading5FY2026 Proposed Budget
Recommended Budget
Town ManagerSelect Board
Matthew A.Kraunelis, Esq.Carlo Bacci, Chair
mkraunelis@readingma.gov
Karen Gately Herrick, Vice Chair
Christopher Haley, Secretary
Mark Dockser
Melissa Murphy
selectboard@readingma.gov
Town Management Team
Sharon Angstrom, CPA, Chief Financial Officer/Town Accountant sangstrom@readingma.gov
Jayne Wellman, Assistant Town Manager jwellman@readingma.gov
Kevin Furilla, Chief Information Officer kfurilla@readingma.gov
Gregory Burns, Fire Chief gburns@readingma.gov
David Clark, Police Chief dclark@readingma.gov
Adetokunbo Solarin, MPH, Public Health Director asolarin@readingma.gov
ChristopherCole, Public Works Director ccole@readingma.gov
Amy Lannon, MLIS, Library Director lannon@noblenet.org
Joseph Huggins, Director of Facilities jhuggins@readingma.gov
Town of Reading6FY2026 Proposed Budget
Town FY26Budget Message
Dear Reading Community,
As I look back on my first year as Town Manager, I can say it has been a rewarding and
challenging year. Following the departure of Town Manager Maltez, I was excited to
be asked to serve as Acting Town Manager, and last March I became Readings fourth
permanent Town Manager. Since my appointment, I have worked tirelessly to move
Reading forward. I promised both stability and progress and have delivered on both. I
have enjoyed building on the relationships that I developed in my nearly ten yearsin
Reading Town Government and look forward to an even brighter future built upon a
shared vision for success.
We have an excellent team of dedicated professionals who continue to build upon the
success of previous years, working on multiple initiatives such as the Killam School
Building Project, the Reading Center for Active Livingproject,andmanymore. As in
the past, this budget is a true collaborative effort. All departments developed
conservative, level service budgets for the upcoming fiscal yearwhileplanning for
future fiscal 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:
Likeprevious 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
5as 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: early May.
Town of Reading7FY2026 Proposed Budget
FY26 Budget Process:
Similar to last year, our leadership team began working on the budget early resulting
in a thoughtful and inclusive process. The FY26budget looks to have similar challenges
toFY24 andFY25as 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 this year and
inthe future. Costs related to retirement have continued to rise. Property and Casualty
insurance is projected to be up2.5%.Other fixed costs such as Medicare and Solid
Waste collection and disposal will also be felt in FY26and beyond.
In February, we were notified that Health Insurance is projected to increase 13.52%,
our largest increase in over a decade. This increase is driven by the overall cost of
healthcare, an aging workforce, and soaring pharmaceutical costs. In consulting with
other towns, I find that Readings increase is on the low side, with many towns seeing
increases of 15-20%. We are told that this will be the trend over the next few years, and
it is something that we are keeping a close eye on.
Our Department Heads, with our CFO, reviewed our capital plan in July and August. In
past years 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, inflationary pressures are still a concern and 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 last fall largely focused on the Killam School
Building and RECAL Projects, financial updates, and previews. Following the forums,
FinCom voted Free Cash usage of $5.8 million to supplement the FY26 budget
resulting in the school operating budget increasing 3.5% and the town operating
budget increasing 3.5%. The free cash number may change based on the
unexpectedly large increase in health insurance costs.
FY26 Budget Summary:
Total estimated revenues for FY26 are $128.8 million; more detail is presented in our
CFOs Recommended Revenues. Due to paying off the Library excluded debt, the
property tax increase is forecasted at 2% increase. Overall, we are projecting an
increase of 2.38% for FY26 revenues. FinCom voted free cash usage of $5.8 million,
towards the FY26 budget. Accommodated costs are projected at $46.8 million, or a
3.7% increase over FY25. The School Operating budget is $ 58.5 million, and the Town
Town of Reading8FY2026 Proposed Budget
Operating budget is $ 36.6million, resulting in a 3.9% and 2.8% increase over the FY25
budget.
Major Initiatives in FY26Budget
Last year wecompletedcontract negotiations with allour public sector unions for
three-year successor agreements. Knowing these operational costs helps us plan
conservatively. Reading is an excellent place to work, and with these new contracts
and theFY24pay and class study, we remain an attractive workplace compared to our
peer communities.
This FY26budget does not includeARPA funding support since that money has
already been expended. We were able to find ways to continue to support some of the
formally ARPA funded positions and programming in our Community Services Division
in order to continue to provide the same excellent, and highly desired, services.
Grant Funding
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. 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 projectwas opened this past
summer due in part to over $4 million in state and federal grant funding. A $2.6 million
MassWorks Grant for pedestrian and streetscape improvements along Haven Street,
High Street and adjacent Downtown areaswill help us to fund these needed
improvements. Inpast years,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 FY26and beyond.
Looking Ahead
As in prior years, 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 policies. That being said, we remain very
Town of Reading9FY2026 Proposed Budget
cautious about inflation, supply chain issues, solid waste costs, underperforming State
and Federal revenuesand rapidly increasing healthcare costs. We look to the future
with cautiousoptimism and a goal to maintain excellent municipal operations for our
residents.
Matthew A. Kraunelis, Esq.
Town Manager
February 22, 2025
Town of Reading10FY2026 Proposed Budget
6Revenues
Summary of Revenues Revenues for the general government will be $122.8
million,plus the use of $6.0million of Free Cash an overall 3.7% increase from FY25.
FY26ChangeShare
Property Taxes$ 90.42.0%70%
Local Revenues$ 11.55.1%9%
State Aid$ 16.52.5%13%
Transfers$ 4.42.2%3%
Free Cash$ 6.040.9%5%
$ 128.83.7%100%
Property Taxes ($90.4 million or 70% of revenues)The forecasted 2.0%
increase in FY26includes a 2.5% increase over the FY25tax levy plus New Growth; also
included in these figures is a 100% reduction in property tax revenue related to
excluded debt as the remaining excluded debt for the Reading Library project is paid
off in FY25, leaving no excluded debt outstanding in FY26. The significant decreasein
excluded debt makes the property tax revenue increase appear much lower than the
usual 3.0%-3.2%.
The following table shows New Growth over the last ten years (a 5-year average of
$982,000 and a 10-year average of $882,000). The Town saw a slight dip in New
Growth in FY25due to a slowdown inEconomic Development; New Growth
projections for FY26are $875,000, based on the 10-year average.
Actual New Growth (000)s
FY25FY24FY23FY22FY21FY20FY19FY18FY17FY16
$ 693$ 722$ 916$ 1,614$ 967$ 593$ 840 842 717 912
The Assessor's overlay account has increased to $767,506in FY26. 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 CFOfinalizes the tax rate in
November 2026. If the overlay account is not used for abatements, it is released to Free
Cash. (See" Operating transfers/Available Funds" below.)
Town of Reading11FY2026 Proposed Budget
Local Revenues ($11.5million or 9% of revenues)Local revenues are
forecasted to increase by 5.2% from the prior year. The rate of increase for most
revenues in this categoryreflects the actual revenues received in the preceding year. It
also considershow local revenues are trending in the current fiscal year.
Motor Vehicle Excise ($4.56 million)This revenue source is challenging
toforecast, as we have been over and under budget by $300,000 in recent years,
although the longer-term average has been in line. Next year, we forecast a5.2%
increase to $4.56million asthe FY25 actual revenues for motor vehicle excise are
outpacing projections.
Charges for Services ($2.6 million)This revenue source came in over
budget by over $.81 million in FY24, and FY25 receipts are currently trending
higher than projected. Thus,the revenue projection is increased by 6.8% to
adjust to current revenue trends.Examples of revenues in this category are
ambulance charges, cell tower rent, inspections, and cemetery charges.
Meals Tax ($0.73 million)In FY24, receipts were $.13 million above
projections. Currently, FY25receipts are trending towardexceedingour
forecasts. Next year, we forecast a4.4% increase to $.73million.
Interest Earnings ($2.3million)Interest rates have increased significantly
over the lastfewyearsinterest earnings projection increased by 1.1%.
FY24interest earnings came in $2.8million over projections, and FY25revenues
exceededprojections; however, a conservative increase is projected as interest
rates are expected to decline.
Intergovernmental Revenue ($16.5 million or 13% of revenues)The final
figure for State Aid for FY26 is still unknown. We use an assumption of +2.5%. FINCOM
has agreed to make up any shortfall from +2.5% with Free Cash. Thisadjustment would
typically happen at a November Town Meeting after the fiscal year begins.
Operating Transfers/Available Funds ($4.4 million or 3% 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 FY26; this figure is expected to decline in future years.
The RMLD annual payment is projected at $2.57million, based on kWh sold in the prior
year.
A figure of $6.0million is being used from Free Cash to balance the FY26budget. The
chart below shows the history of free cash and stabilization and a projection for FY25
Town of Reading12FY2026 Proposed Budget
and FY26 using a conservative $3 million regeneration estimate for FY25and FY26. Free
Cash Use is projected at $6.3million inFY25and $6.0million inFY26:
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
$-
FY14FY15FY16FY17FY18FY19FY20FY21FY22 FY23 FY24Est.Est.
FY25FY26
Free Cash & Stab 7% Min Reserves
Free Cash and Stabilization as a % of Budget
$25,000.0025.00%
$20,000.0020.00%
$15,000.0015.00%
$10,000.0010.00%
$5,000.005.00%
$-0.00%
FY14FY15FY16FY17FY18FY19FY20FY21FY22FY23FY24FY25FY26
Free Cash & Stab % of Budget
Town of Reading13FY2026 Proposed Budget
Financial Forecast
Budget Summary
Town of Reading
Budget Summary One YrOne YrOne YrOne YrOne Yr
2/27/25 12:07 PMProjectedChngProjectedChngProjectedChngProjectedChngProjectedChng
No.FY25FY25FY26FY26FY27FY27FY28FY28FY29FY29
Revenues
A1Total Property Taxes88,643,3521.7%90,422,7442.0%93,733,3123.7%97,151,6453.6%100,655,4363.6%
A2Total Other Local Revenues10,952,00019.2%11,526,0005.2%12,026,0004.3%12,451,5003.5%12,925,0003.8%
A3Total Intergov't Revenues16,086,0233.4%16,488,1742.5%16,900,3782.5%17,322,8872.5%17,755,9602.5%
A4Total Transfers & Available4,293,4680.7%4,387,9512.2%4,477,6002.0%4,571,4342.1%4,667,5582.1%
A98Revs before Free Cash$ 119,974,8443.29%$ 122,824,8692.38%$ 127,137,2913.51%$ 131,497,4673.43%$ 136,003,9543.43%
A5Free Cash3,560,00038.0%6,000,00068.5%7,400,00023.3%8,500,00014.9%9,620,00013.2%
A6Extra for Capital700,0000.0%0-100%0-100%0-100%0-100%
A99Net Available Revenues$ 124,234,8444.02%$ 128,824,8693.69%$ 134,537,2914.43%$ 139,997,4674.06%$ 145,623,9544.02%
Accommodated Costs
B Benefits22,350,2827.2%24,790,10210.9%27,055,1069.1%29,229,5378.0%31,497,3617.8%
C Capital3,787,00028.9%3,398,000-10.3%3,336,000-1.8%3,794,00013.7%4,266,50012.5%
Debt (inside levy)2,818,038-16.6%3,051,9758.3%3,395,05011.2%3,130,925-7.8%2,861,100-8.6%
D Debt (excluded)1,279,700-52.4%0-100.0%000
E Energy2,563,80011.9%2,592,0011.1%2,676,4723.3%2,774,7853.7%2,866,5423.3%
F Financial1,331,7007.2%1,336,3680.4%1,367,9022.4%1,400,3802.4%1,433,8352.4%
G Education - Out of district6,035,3284.0%6,311,7164.6%6,548,4053.8%6,793,9713.8%7,048,7443.8%
H Education - Vocational1,110,99222.8%1,317,43518.6%1,353,6612.7%1,403,4673.7%1,433,4802.1%
J Miscellaneous3,701,0174.4%3,829,0493.5%4,292,90712.1%4,422,9563.0%4,557,8393.0%
K Community Priorities150,0000.0%150,0000.0%00.0%00.0%00.0%
L1Accommodated Costs$ 45,127,8573.07%$ 46,776,6453.65%$ 50,025,5036.95%$ 52,950,0205.85%$ 55,965,4015.69%
L2Net Accommodated Costs$ 45,127,8573.07%$ 46,776,6453.65%$ 50,025,5036.95%$ 52,950,0205.85%$ 55,965,4015.69%
$ 64,392$ 24,138$ 15$ 321$ 13
Operating Costs
OC1Municipal Gov't Operating 27,515,8384.00% 28,589,2203.50% 29,470,8662.85% 30,354,9923.00% 31,265,6413.00%
adjustments 106,597 65,000
adjustments (EF+RF) 1,294,6774.00% 1,339,9913.50% 1,378,1812.85% 1,419,5263.00% 1,462,1123.00%
TOTAL Muni Govt OPER 28,917,1124.38% 29,994,2113.72% 30,849,0462.85% 31,774,5183.00% 32,727,7533.00%
OC2School Operating 49,973,5574.00% 51,879,8753.50% 53,512,7262.85% 55,272,6083.00% 56,930,7863.00%
adjustments 151,925 150,000 150,000 - -
TOTAL School OPER 50,125,4834.32% 52,029,8753.80% 53,662,7263.14% 55,272,6083.00% 56,930,7863.00%
OC4Operating Budgets$ 79,042,5954.34%$ 82,024,0863.77%$ 84,511,7723.03%$ 87,047,1263.00%$ 89,658,5393.00%
Municipal Gov't Operating36.6%36.6%36.5%36.5%36.5%
School Operating63.4%63.4%63.5%63.5%63.5%
TOTAL SPENDING$ 124,170,4523.87%$ 128,800,7313.73%$ 134,537,2764.45%$ 139,997,1464.06%$ 145,623,9414.02%
Muni Govt OPER$ 28,917,1124.38%$ 29,994,2113.72%$ 30,849,0462.85%$ 31,774,5183.00%$ 32,727,7533.00%
Muni Govt ACCOM$ 6,465,7787.01%$ 6,603,4102.13%$ 7,159,4238.42%$ 7,395,8173.30%$ 7,630,8553.18%
Muni Govt TOTAL$ 35,382,8904.86%$ 36,597,6213.43%$ 38,008,4693.86%$ 39,170,3353.06%$ 40,358,6083.03%
School OPER$ 50,125,4834.32%$ 52,029,8753.80%$ 53,662,7263.14%$ 55,272,6083.00%$ 56,930,7863.00%
School ACCOM$ 6,035,3284.00%$ 6,311,7164.58%$ 6,548,4053.75%$ 6,793,9713.75%$ 7,048,7443.75%
School TOTAL$ 56,160,8114.28%$ 58,341,5913.88%$ 60,211,1313.20%$ 62,066,5783.08%$ 63,979,5303.08%
Town of Reading14FY2026 Proposed Budget
Revenues Details
ATown of ReadingOne YrOne YrOne YrOne YrOne Yr
Revenues - Details ProjectedChngProjectedChngProjectedChngProjectedChngProjectedChng
No.2/27/25 12:07 PMFY25FY25FY26FY26FY27FY26FY28FY28FY29FY29
Property Taxes
Tax levy (within levy limit)87,419,7313.4%90,315,2493.3%93,470,0063.5%96,883,0063.7%100,406,9563.6%
New Growth692,707-4.1%875,00026.3%1,050,00020.0%1,075,0002.4%1,075,0000.0%
Tax levy (debt exclusion) 1,279,700-52.4% --100.0% -#DIV/0! -#DIV/0! -#DIV/0!
Abatements and exemptions(748,786)-4.1%(767,506)2.5%(786,693)2.5%(806,361)2.5%(826,520)2.5%
A1Total Property Taxes88,643,3521.7%90,422,7442.0%93,733,3123.7%97,151,6453.6%100,655,4363.6%
Other Local Revenues
Motor Vehicle Excise4,329,00010.6%4,555,0005.2%4,783,0005.0%5,041,5005.4%5,309,0005.3%
Meals and Room Tax699,00023.7%730,0004.4%785,0007.5%845,0007.6%900,0006.5%
Penalties/interest on taxes378,0008.0%416,00010.1%445,0007.0%475,0006.7%500,0005.3%
Payments in lieu of taxes456,0003.6%485,0006.4%510,0005.2%535,0004.9%545,0001.9%
Charges for services2,439,0003.7%2,604,0006.8%2,775,0006.6%2,914,0005.0%3,060,0005.0%
Licenses & permits173,0004.8%196,00013.3%206,0005.1%220,0006.8%235,0006.8%
Fines113,00054.8%100,000-11.5%106,0006.0%115,0008.5%125,0008.7%
Interest Earnings2,245,00091.9%2,270,0001.1%2,241,000-1.3%2,126,000-5.1%2,071,000-2.6%
Medicaid Reimbursement120,000-22.6%170,00041.7%175,0002.9%180,0002.9%180,0000.0%
A2Total Other Local Revenues10,952,00019.2%11,526,0005.2%12,026,0004.3%12,451,5003.5%12,925,0003.8%
Intergovernmental Revenue
State Aid16,086,0233.4%16,488,1742.5%16,900,3782.5%17,322,8872.5%17,755,9602.5%
A3Total Intergov't Revenues16,086,0233.4%16,488,1742.5%16,900,3782.5%17,322,8872.5%17,755,9602.5%
Operating Transfers and Available Funds
Cemetery sale of lots25,0000.0%25,0000.0%25,0000.0%25,0000.0%25,0000.0%
RMLD payment2,522,510-0.6%2,572,9602.0%2,624,4192.0%2,676,9082.0%2,730,4462.0%
Enterprise Fund Support1,294,6774.0%1,339,9913.5%1,378,1812.9%1,419,5263.0%1,462,1123.0%
School Revolving Funds100,0000.0%100,0000.0%100,0000.0%100,0000.0%100,0000.0%
Premiums Reserve for Debt1,281-62%0-100%0#DIV/0!0#DIV/0!0#DIV/0!
Overlay surplus350,0000.0%350,0000.0%350,0000.0%350,0000.0%350,0000.0%
A4Total Transfers & Available4,293,4680.7%4,387,9512.2%4,477,6002.0%4,571,4342.1%4,667,5582.1%
OPERATING REVENUES119,974,8443.29%122,824,8692.38%127,137,2913.51%131,497,4673.43%136,003,9543.43%
A5Free Cash4,260,00029.9%6,000,00040.8%7,400,00023.3%8,500,00014.9%9,620,00013.2%
TOTAL REVENUES124,234,8444.02%128,824,8693.69%134,537,2914.43%139,997,4674.06%145,623,9544.02%
Town of Reading15FY2026 Proposed Budget
Accommodated/SharedCosts
Town of Reading
Acc. Costs - Summary One YrOne YrOne YrOne YrOne Yr
2/27/25 12:07 PMProjectedChngProjectedChngProjectedChngProjectedChngProjectedChng
No.FY25FY25FY26FY26FY27FY27FY28FY28FY29FY28
BBenefits 22,350,282 7.2% 24,790,102 10.9% 27,055,106 9.1% 29,229,537 8.0% 31,497,361 7.8%
CCapital 3,787,000 3,398,000 3,336,000 3,794,000 4,266,500
Debt (inside levy) 2,818,038 4.5% 3,051,975-2.3% 3,395,050 4.4% 3,130,925 2.9% 2,861,100 2.9%
DDebt (excluded) 1,279,700 - - - -
EEnergy 2,563,800 11.9% 2,592,001 1.1% 2,676,472 3.3% 2,774,785 3.7% 2,866,542 3.3%
FFinancial 1,331,700 7.2% 1,336,368 0.4% 1,367,902 2.4% 1,400,380 2.4% 1,433,835 2.4%
GEducation - Out of district 6,035,328 4.0% 6,311,716 4.6% 6,548,405 3.8% 6,793,971 3.8% 7,048,744 3.8%
HEducation - Vocational 1,110,992 22.8% 1,317,435 18.6% 1,353,661 2.7% 1,403,467 3.7% 1,433,480 2.1%
JMiscellaneous 3,701,017 4.4% 3,829,049 3.5% 4,292,907 12.1% 4,422,956 3.0% 4,557,839 3.0%
KCommunity Priorities$ 150,000$ 150,000
TOTAL Accomm. COSTS$ 45,127,8573.1%$ 46,776,6453.7%$ 50,025,5036.9%$ 52,950,0205.8%$ 55,965,4015.7%
Town of ReadingOne YrOne YrOne YrOne YrOne Yr
Acc. Costs - Details ProjectedChngProjectedChngProjectedChngProjectedChngProjectedChng
BFY25FY25FY26FY26FY27FY27FY28FY28FY29FY28
B1Contributory Retirement7,168,65016.8%7,763,6488.3%8,408,0318.3%9,105,8978.3%9,861,6878.3%
B3OBRA fees & OPEB study40,0000.0%40,0000.0%40,0000.0%40,0000.0%40,0000.0%
B4OPEB contribution200,000-33.3%200,0000.0%500,000150.0%500,0000.0%500,0000.0%
B5Workers Compensation400,0002.6%405,0001.3%410,0001.2%415,0001.2%415,0000.0%
B6Unemployment Benefits75,0000.0%80,0006.7%85,0006.3%85,0000.0%85,0000.0%
B7Group Health / Life Ins.13,301,6324.4%15,110,65413.6%16,395,0608.5%17,788,6408.5%19,300,6748.5%
B8Medicare / Social Security1,040,0002.0%1,060,8002.0%1,082,0162.0%1,155,0006.7%1,155,0000.0%
B9Police / Fire Indemnification125,000-7.4%130,0004.0%135,0003.8%140,0003.7%140,0000.0%
B99Acc. Costs - Benefits$ 22,350,2827.2%$ 24,790,10210.9%$ 27,055,1069.1%$ 29,229,5378.0%$ 31,497,3617.8%
C99Acc. Costs - Capital$ 3,787,00028.9%$ 3,398,000-10.3%$ 3,336,000-1.8%$ 3,794,00013.7%$ 4,266,50012.5%
D1Debt Service - Principal 3,490,000-33.1% 2,319,000-33.6% 2,614,00012.7% 2,474,000-5.4% 2,319,000-6.3%
D2Debt Service - Interest 607,738-28.2% 732,97520.6% 781,0506.6% 656,925-15.9% 542,100-17.5%
D3Excluded debt (1,279,700)-52.4% --100.0% -#DIV/0! -#DIV/0! -#DIV/0!
Total Included Debt$ 2,818,038-16.6%$ 3,051,9758.3%$ 3,395,05011.2%$ 3,130,925-7.8%$ 2,861,100-8.6%
Premiums for general fund$ -#DIV/0!$ -#DIV/0!$ -#DIV/0!$ -#DIV/0!$ -#DIV/0!
D99Acc. Costs -Debt$ 4,097,738-32.5%$ 3,051,975-25.5%$ 3,395,05011.2%$ 3,130,925-7.8%$ 2,861,100-8.6%
E1Street Lighting (DPW)135,0000.0%135,0000.0%140,0003.7%145,0003.6%145,0000.0%
E2Electricty (FacCORE)1,095,0002.3%1,095,0000.0%1,127,8503.0%1,172,9644.0%1,219,8834.0%
E3Natl Gas (FacCORE)878,80030.0%896,3762.0%932,2314.0%969,5204.0%1,008,3014.0%
E4Water/Sewer (FacCORE)225,0002.4%230,6252.5%236,3912.5%242,3002.5%248,3582.5%
E6Fuel - vehicles (DPW)230,00021.1%235,0002.2%240,0002.1%245,0002.1%245,0000.0%
E99Acc. Costs - Energy$ 2,563,80011.9%$ 2,592,0011.1%$ 2,676,4723.3%$ 2,774,7853.7%$ 2,866,5423.3%
F1Casualty Ins (AD SVC)986,70010.0%1,011,3682.5%1,036,6522.5%1,062,5682.5%1,089,1322.5%
F2Vet's Assistance (PUB SVC)$ 145,0000.0%$ 125,000-13.8%$ 131,2505.0%$ 137,8135.0%$ 144,7035.0%
F3FINCOM Reserve Fund200,0000.0%200,0000.0%200,0000.0%200,0000.0%200,0000.0%
F99Acc. Costs - Financial$ 1,331,7007.2%$ 1,336,3680.4%$ 1,367,9022.4%$ 1,400,3802.4%$ 1,433,8352.4%
G1SPED transp OOD (Sch)1,119,4564.0%1,253,63612.0%1,300,6473.8%1,349,4223.8%1,400,0253.8%
G2aSPED tuition OOD (Sch)6,029,9204.0%5,804,636-3.7%6,022,3103.8%6,248,1463.8%6,482,4523.8%
G2bSPED contingency508,3524.0%1,190,046134.1%1,234,6733.8%1,280,9733.8%1,329,0093.8%
G3SPED offsets OOD (Sch)(1,622,400)4.0%(1,936,602)19.4%(2,009,225)3.8%(2,084,570)3.8%(2,162,742)3.8%
G99Acc. Costs - OOD SPED$ 6,035,3284.0%$ 6,311,7164.6%$ 6,548,4053.8%$ 6,793,9713.8%$ 7,048,7443.8%
H1Voc School - NERMVS702,2245.5%719,9122.5%748,7084.0%778,6574.0%809,8034.0%
Voc School - NERMVS Capital160,000339,615112.3%337,560-0.6%347,5743.0%336,225-3.3%
H2Voc School - Minute Man54,0804.0%55,4322.5%56,8182.5%58,2382.5%59,6942.5%
Voc School - Essex North194,6884.0%202,4764.0%210,5754.0%218,9984.0%227,7574.0%
H99Acc. Costs - Vocational$ 1,110,99222.8%$ 1,317,43518.6%$ 1,353,6612.7%$ 1,403,4673.7%$ 1,433,4802.1%
J1Rubbish (DPW) 2,095,2783.0% 2,200,0415.0% 2,640,05020.0% 2,745,6524.0% 2,855,4784.0%
J2Snow and Ice Control (DPW) 675,0000.0% 675,0000.0% 675,0000.0% 675,0000.0% 675,0000.0%
J3State Assessments930,73911.3%954,0072.5%977,8582.5%1,002,3042.5%1,027,3622.5%
Cemetery (DPW)
J99Acc. Costs - Misc.$ 3,701,0174.4%$ 3,829,0493.5%$ 4,292,90712.1%$ 4,422,9563.0%$ 4,557,8393.0%
Town of Reading16FY2026 Proposed Budget
Spending Scorecard
LineCategory
% FY26 Budget FY26 Budget %
FY25 Budget Grand Town Finance % Grand
revisedTotalManagerCommitteechngTotal
B99Benefits$22,350,282 15.7%$24,790,102 $24,790,102 10.9%16.8%
C99Capital$3,787,000 2.7%$3,398,000 $3,398,000 -10.3%2.3%
D99Debt service$4,097,738 2.9%$3,051,975 $3,051,975 -25.5%2.1%
E99Education - Vocational$1,110,992 0.8%$1,317,435 $1,317,435 18.6%0.9%
F99Finance Committee Reserves$200,000 0.1%$200,000 $200,000 0.0%0.1%
Total Shared Costs $ 31,546,012 22.1% $ 32,757,512 $ 32,757,512 3.8%22.2%
G91Administrative Svcs wages$1,288,100 0.9%$1,266,300 $1,266,300 -1.7%0.9%
G92Administrative Svcs expenses$1,684,700 1.2%$1,685,468 $1,685,468 0.0%1.1%
G91aTechnology wages$521,800 0.4%$539,100 $539,100 3.3%0.4%
G92aTechnology expenses$679,700 0.5%$759,300 $759,300 11.7%0.5%
H91Public Services wages$1,472,184 1.0%$1,532,034 $1,532,034 4.1%1.0%
H92Public Services expenses$312,100 0.2%$313,928 $313,928 0.6%0.2%
I91Finance wages$1,065,500 0.7%$1,123,600 $1,123,600 5.5%0.8%
I92Finance expenses$172,650 0.1%$151,600 $151,600 -12.2%0.1%
J91Public Safety wages$13,851,471 9.7%$14,277,839 $14,277,839 3.1%9.7%
J92Public Safety expenses$724,946 0.5%$792,208 $792,208 9.3%0.5%
K91Public Works wages$3,219,700 2.3%$3,375,650 $3,375,650 4.8%2.3%
K92Public Works expenses$1,165,400 0.8%$1,048,135 $1,048,135 -10.1%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$2,141,278 1.5%$2,200,041 $2,200,041 2.7%1.5%
L91Library wages$1,754,250 1.2%$1,810,050 $1,810,050 3.2%1.2%
L92Library expenses$426,900 0.3%$450,000 $450,000 5.4%0.3%
M91Core Facilities$3,938,760 2.8%$4,072,432 $4,072,432 3.4%2.8%
M92Town Buildings$378,450 0.3%$389,936 $389,936 3.0%0.3%
Total Municipal Gov't $ 35,607,889 25.0% $ 36,597,621 $ 36,597,621 2.8%24.8%
U99School Department$56,310,811 39.5%$58,491,591 $58,491,591 3.9%39.7%
VOTED GENERAL FUND $ 123,464,712 86.6% $127,846,724 $ 127,846,724 3.5%
State Assessments$ 930,7390.7%$ 954,007 $ 954,007 2.5%0.6%
TOTAL $ 124,395,451 87.3% $128,800,731 $ 128,800,731 3.5%
W99Water Enterprise Fund$7,771,629 5.5%$8,683,575 $8,683,575 11.7%5.9%
X99Sewer Enterprise Fund$8,762,366 6.1%$8,734,796 $8,734,796 -0.3%5.9%
Y99Storm Water Enterprise Fund$1,024,625 0.7%$581,625 $581,625 -43.2%0.4%
Z99PEG Access Enterprise Fund$539,000 0.4%$519,000 $519,000 -3.7%0.4%
ZZ9Landfill Enterprise Fund$37,000 0.0%$37,000 $37,000 0.0%0.0%
TOTAL ENTERPRISE FUNDS$18,134,62012.7%$18,555,996$18,555,9962.3%12.6%
GRAND TOTAL VOTED$ 141,599,33299.3%$146,402,720$ 146,402,7203.4%99.4%
Town of Reading17FY2026 Proposed Budget
FY26Revenue Allocation
Town of Reading18FY2026 Proposed 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 is projected over ten
years and presented at Town Meeting. Inflation and global supply chain issues have
impactedour capital budgets over the last several years.
Shared costs increased by +3.8%in FY26.Details are available in the following budget
sections.
FY25 BUDGETFY26 BUDGETFY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Benefits$ 19,826,165$ 20,682,283$ 22,350,282$ 24,790,10210.9%
Capital & Debt$ 7,343,343$ 9,004,806$ 7,884,738$ 6,449,975-18.2%
FINCOM Reserves$ 200,000$ 200,000$ 200,000$ 200,0000.0%
Vocational Schools$ 903,978$ 879,568$ 1,110,992$ 1,317,43518.6%
Total Shared Costs$ 28,273,486$ 30,766,657$ 31,546,012$ 32,757,5123.8%
State Assessments*$ 794,720$ 828,378$ 930,739$ 954,0072.5%
ΫƓƚƷ ǝƚƷĻķ ĬǤ ƚǞƓ aĻĻƷźƓŭ ΛCЋЏ ĻƭƷźƒğƷĻķΜ
Benefits
Health Insurance premiums dominate total spending in the benefits segment, and the
rate of annual increases hasbeen below revenue growth for the past decade, however
benefits are projected up 13.6% over. Our insurance provider, MIIA, hadraised
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.
FY25 BUDGETFY26 BUDGETFY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Retirement$ 6,320,269$ 6,478,500$ 7,408,650$ 8,003,6488.0%
Medicare$ 994,285$ 1,023,616$ 1,040,000$ 1,060,8002.0%
Heath & Life Insurance$ 11,797,425$ 12,743,199$ 13,301,632$ 15,110,65413.6%
Worker Compensation$ 322,121$ 360,412$ 400,000$ 405,0001.3%
111F Indemnification$ 272,931$ 58,806$ 125,000$ 130,0004.0%
Unemployment$ 119,133$ 17,751$ 75,000$ 80,0006.7%
Total Benefits$ 19,826,165$ 20,682,283$ 22,350,282$ 24,790,10210.9%
Town of Reading19FY2026 Proposed Budget
Retirement
The Retirement Board voted a significantincrease just before COVID-19 tohold the full
pension funding date to 2031. In the FY26budget, the retirement assessment is funded
at 8.0%. In this budget, we fund our OPEB contribution at $200,000. Once the pension
is fully funded, sufficient funds are expected to be diverted to fully fund the OPEB
liability, and there will be a net balance available for the operating budgets or other
budget areas.
FY25 BUDGETFY26 BUDGETFY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Retirement Assessment$ 5,802,385$ 6,151,063$ 7,188,650$ 7,763,6488.0%
OPEB Contributions$ 500,000$ 300,000$ 200,000$ 200,0000.0%
OBRA fees & Actuarial$ 17,884$ 27,437$ 20,000$ 40,000100.0%
Total Retirement$ 6,320,269$ 6,478,500$ 7,408,650$ 8,003,6488.0%
Medicare
A nominal increase is needed for FY26,as shown below. The expense is directly related
to the Town and School payroll and increases for newer employees.
FY25 BUDGETFY26 BUDGETFY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Total Medicare$ 994,285$ 1,023,616$ 1,040,000$ 1,060,8002.0%
Health & Life Insurance
In FY26, we project an increase of 13.6% in the health insurance budget line. MIIA
recommended that the projection for health insurance be between 8% and 14% as
nationwide health insurance costs are trending upward significantly. Thefigures below
include increases in premiums plus increases in enrollment.
FY25 BUDGETFY26 BUDGETFY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Benefits/Financial Analyst$ 66,710$ 74,432$ 82,500$ 81,000-1.8%
Health Insurance$ 11,547,818$ 12,467,540$ 12,974,132$ 14,754,65413.7%
Opt Out Payments$ 153,500$ 173,917$ 170,000$ 200,00017.6%
Payments to Other Towns$ -$ -$ 15,000$ 15,0000.0%
Professional Services$ -$ -$ 25,000$ 25,0000.0%
Life Insurance$ 29,398$ 27,311$ 35,000$ 35,0000.0%
Total Health & Life Ins.$ 11,797,425$ 12,743,199$ 13,301,632$ 15,110,65413.6%
Town of Reading20FY2026 Proposed Budget
Worker Compensation, Indemnification and Unemployment
Reading is widely recognized for its safety policies and practices, including its safety
committee comprising department heads and front-line employees of multiple
departments. In FY26, our worker compensation line increased modestly by 1.3%.
Given the wide variability of this expense line, the FY26 budget increases the
indemnification costs for police and fire by 4.0%.
Based on the previousyear actual, our CFO forecasts a 6.7% increase in FY26 to the
unemployment line.
FY25 BUDGETFY26 BUDGETFY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Worker Compensation$ 322,121$ 360,412$ 400,000$ 405,0001.3%
111f Retire. Pending Wages$ 100,000$ -$ -$ -0.0%
111f Expenses$ 172,931$ 58,806$ 125,000$ 130,0004.0%
Total 111f Indemnification$ 272,931$ 58,806$ 125,000$ 130,0004.0%
Unemployment - Schools$ 52,069$ 12,095$ 55,000$ 55,0000.0%
Unemployment - Town$ 66,209$ 5,656$ 15,000$ 20,00033.3%
Professional Services$ 855$ -$ 5,000$ 5,0000.0%
Total Unemployment$ 119,133$ 17,751$ 75,000$ 80,0006.7%
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 Reserve's balance is too small to cover an unforeseen expense, state
law does allow a joint meeting of FINCOM and the Select Board to authorize a transfer
from another line with a surplus. Still, 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,
Town of Reading21FY2026 Proposed Budget
therefore, much more variable we rarely know what our current year costs are until
later in the spring, despite our many inquiries.
The Northeast Regional School has received approval from the MSBA and regional
voters to fund a new building. In addition to tuition, reading will be assessed at about
$339,000 annually for 30-40 years.
FY25 BUDGETFY26 BUDGETFY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
North East Regional$ 639,569$ 631,268$ 702,224$ 719,9122.5%
North East Regional Capital$ -$ -$ 160,000$ 339,615112.3%
Essex North$ 214,659$ 248,300$ 194,688$ 202,4764.0%
Minuteman$ 49,750$ -$ 54,080$ 55,4322.5%
Total Vocational School$ 903,978$ 879,568$ 1,110,992$ 1,317,43518.6%
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 hasslowed the recent growth of
the MBTA Assessment.
FY25 BUDGETFY26 BUDGETFY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
MBTA$ 589,268$ 611,745$ 628,144$ 643,8482.5%
School Choice$ 119,221$ 130,500$ 132,209$ 135,5142.5%
Charter School$ 49,839$ 49,108$ 127,407$ 130,5922.5%
SPED Assessment$ -$ -$ -$ -
RMV, MAPC, Air Polltin$ 36,392$ 37,025$ 42,979$ 44,0532.5%
TOTAL$ 794,720$ 828,378$ 930,739$ 954,0072.5%
Town of Reading22FY2026 Proposed Budget
Town Budget by Department
FY26Budgets
The following table shows that the Town Managers FY26budget for Town
departments shows a 2.8% increasecompared to FY25.
Town MeetingTown Manager%
DepartmentFY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BUDGETFY26 BudgetChange
Administrative Services$ 2,601,936$ 2,613,165$ 2,972,800$ 2,951,768-0.7%
Technology$ 988,986$ 1,109,901$ 1,201,500$ 1,298,4008.1%
Public Services$ 1,440,315$ 1,417,865$ 1,784,284$ 1,845,9623.5%
Finance$ 995,550$ 1,096,526$ 1,238,150$ 1,275,2003.0%
Public Safety$ 13,265,079$ 13,604,994$ 14,576,417$ 15,070,0473.4%
Public Works$ 6,235,376$ 6,380,991$ 7,336,378$ 7,433,8261.3%
Library$ 1,973,654$ 2,054,399$ 2,181,150$ 2,260,0503.6%
Facilities$ 3,354,140$ 3,666,666$ 4,317,210$ 4,462,3683.4%
Town Departments Total$ 30,855,035$ 31,944,507$ 35,607,889$ 36,597,6212.8%
The total wage increase for all Town Employees is 3.3%.
Town MeetingTown Manager%
DepartmentFY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BUDGETFY26 BudgetChange
Administrative Services$ 1,145,954$ 1,193,726$ 1,288,100$ 1,266,300-1.7%
Technology$ 414,359$ 481,213$ 521,800$ 539,1003.3%
Public Services$ 1,305,126$ 1,328,452$ 1,472,184$ 1,532,0344.1%
Finance$ 867,502$ 963,346$ 1,065,500$ 1,123,6005.5%
Public Safety$ 12,567,251$ 12,904,900$ 13,851,471$ 14,277,8393.1%
Public Works$ 2,871,847$ 3,036,438$ 3,349,700$ 3,510,6504.8%
Library$ 1,574,204$ 1,647,524$ 1,754,250$ 1,810,0503.2%
Facilities$ 920,789$ 932,683$ 1,016,000$ 1,052,4003.6%
Town Department Wages$ 21,667,032$ 22,488,281$ 24,319,005$ 25,111,9733.3%
Town of Reading23FY2026 Proposed Budget
Full-TimeEquivalents (FTEs)
The FY26 FTEs have increased slightly as a part-time Operations Specialist position in
Administrative Services has been replaced with a full-time Treasury Analyst position in
the Finance department.
Town MeetingTown Manager%
DepartmentFY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BUDGETFY26 BudgetChange
Administrative Services 12.6 12.5 12.5 12.0-4.0%
Technology 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.00.0%
Public Services 21.0 20.9 20.9 21.42.4%
Finance 11.9 11.9 12.9 13.97.8%
Public Safety 119.0 120.9 120.9 120.90.0%
Public Works 44.0 42.7 42.7 42.70.0%
Library 24.9 24.5 24.6 24.60.0%
Facilities 11.0 11.0 11.0 11.00.0%
Town Departments Total 249.4 249.4 250.5 251.50.4%
Expenses
Most Department expenses are moderate and below the FINCOM guidance of 3.5%.
The Technology budget increased by 11.7%, driven by the addition of the licensing
needed for the town/school security system software. This system was installed a few
years back and had licensing that covered it until the fall of 2025.
The Finance expenses decreased by 12.2% due to reduced costs related to sharing
our Regional Assessor with three communities instead of two, as was budgeted in
FY25, which provided significant savings.
Public safety expenses increased by 9.3% due to parking enforcement software and
equipment for the parking enforcement officer and the kiosks.
Town of Reading24FY2026 Proposed Budget
Town of Reading25FY2026 Proposed Budget
AdministrativeServices
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. 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.
FY26Budget Summary
As shown below, the Administrative Services FY26budget is effectively a level services
budget, reducing slightly due to fewer anticipated elections and savings from staff
movement.Those savings offset anticipated annual increases in property and casualty
insurance premiums.
There are no changes in staffing levels proposed for FY26 for the remaining divisions.
Wage and Expense lines are shown separately both for informational purposes and
because those lines are voted forby Town Meeting.
Department Highlights
In June the Director of Operations was promoted to Assistant Town Manager /
Ombudsman. The Operations Executive Assistant was promoted to Director of
Operations and in September a new executive assistant was hired. All three hold
masters degrees in public administration and all are MCPPO certified. Due to
the later in the year hiring of the executive assistant, the department saw a small
savings in the salary line. The movement of these positions, compared to
projections from last year, showssmall savingsfor FY26.
All other divisionssalaries arefunded and aligned with the classification chart.
Increases are related to elections and property and casualty insurance, which
again, are offset by savings in salaries.
Town of Reading26FY2026 Proposed Budget
Town MeetingTown Manager%
DivisionsFY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetChangeChange
Operations$ 731,177$ 764,727$ 797,700$ 778,500$ (19,200)-2.4%
Human Resources$ 206,199$ 244,441$ 258,400$ 266,700$ 8,3003.2%
Town Manager Office$ 1,408,683$ 1,342,060$ 1,626,200$ 1,650,268$ 24,0681.5%
Town Clerk Office$ 165,262$ 171,411$ 186,100$ 192,900$ 6,8003.7%
Elections$ 90,615$ 90,526$ 104,400$ 63,400$ (41,000)-39.3%
Department Total$ 2,601,936$ 2,613,165$ 2,972,800$ 2,951,768$ (21,032)-0.7%
Line G91 FY25 Administrative Services Wages
Town MeetingTown Manager%
Administrative ServicesFY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetChangeChange
Operations$ 560,650$ 595,080$ 619,200$ 616,900$ (2,300)-0.4%
Human Resources$ 164,510$ 204,715$ 219,400$ 227,700$ 8,3003.8%
Town Manager Office$ 203,985$ 181,221$ 218,000$ 218,400$ 4000.2%
Town Clerk Office$ 162,356$ 167,062$ 181,100$ 187,900$ 6,8003.8%
Elections$ 54,454$ 45,648$ 50,400$ 15,400$ (35,000)-69.4%
Department Wages$ 1,145,954$ 1,193,726$ 1,288,100$ 1,266,300$ (21,800)-1.7%
Line G92 FY25 Administrative Services Expenses
Town MeetingTown Manager%
Administrative ServicesFY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetChangeChange
Operations$ 170,526$ 169,647$ 178,500$ 161,600$ (16,900)-9.5%
Human Resources$ 41,689$ 39,726$ 39,000$ 39,000$ -0.0%
Town Manager Office$ 1,204,698$ 1,160,839$ 1,408,200$ 1,431,868$ 23,6681.7%
Town Clerk Office$ 2,906$ 4,350$ 5,000$ 5,000$ -0.0%
Elections$ 36,161$ 44,878$ 54,000$ 48,000$ (6,000)-11.1%
Department Expenses$ 1,455,981$ 1,419,439$ 1,684,700$ 1,685,468$ 7680.0%
Town of Reading27FY2026 Proposed Budget
Operations Division
Division Overview
The Operations Division includes the department head, Director of Operations,
Executive Assistant of 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 maintenanceacross Town-wide
multi-function machines (printers, etc.).
Division Activities
In June 2024, the Director of Operations was promoted to the role of Assistant Town
Manager, while the Executive AssistantOperations was promoted to the Director role
in July. In September, a new Executive AssistantOperations was onboarded, taking this
division back to fully staffed, with all employees holding the Massachusetts Certified
Public Procurement Officer (MCPPO) designation.
Operations offers town-wide centralized bidding servicesand contract management
and has issued 39 procurement bids or RFP/RFQ for FY24. FY25 is on track to meet that
number. The division manages riskby working closely with all departments through the
Safety Committee and our Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA)
insurance company. Operations serveas the center for Town-wide communications and
community engagement by managing
SeeClickFix and Onisa primary resource for
all departments and employees looking to access these systems, withthe Director also
serving as Public Information Officer.
The Operations divisions also supportmajor projects and initiatives, including the Killam
School Building Project, the Reading Center for Active Living Project,and the ongoing
Rubbish and Recycling work as the Town prepares to switch to automated pickup in
2026.
FY26 Budget Summary
This budget includes support staff for the Town Clerk and Human Resources, as well as
overtime for evening meetings. This division also supports multifunction devices
(copiers) across all town departments.
Town of Reading28FY2026 Proposed Budget
In FY26, the Operations salary line item decreased due to some internal promotions,
and an Operations Specialist was eliminated from Administrative Services and moved
to fund a position in the Finance Department.
The expenses line item is down 9.5% due to cost savings across postage; FY25 was
heavy with election-related mailing expenses not seen in FY26.
Though included in Accommodated Costs, property and casualty insurance is currently
projected to increase 2.5% for FY26; our insurance increase is helped by our excellent
loss ratios and speaks to our strong interdepartmental cooperation and safety
committee.
Town MeetingTown Manager%
OperationsFY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetChangeChange
Assistant Town Manager$ 101,407$ 58,937$ 72,100$ 74,900$ 2,8000.0%
Director of Operations$ 94,995$ 103,187$ 99,000$ 102,500$ 3,5003.5%
Procurement Officer$ 68,938$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Support Staff$ 272,134$ 404,373$ 433,100$ 424,500$ (8,600)-2.0%
Overtime$ 13,682$ 10,661$ 15,000$ 15,000$ -0.0%
Buyback$ 9,494$ 17,922$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Division Wages$ 560,650$ 595,080$ 619,200$ 616,900$ (2,300)-0.4%
Postage$ 102,050$ 105,406$ 105,500$ 87,500$ (18,000)-17.1%
Copier Leases & Supplies$ 41,526$ 41,605$ 45,000$ 46,100$ 1,1002.4%
Professional Development$ 11,859$ 10,430$ 18,000$ 18,000$ -0.0%
Supplies. Repairs,Other$ 15,091$ 12,206$ 10,000$ 10,000$ -0.0%
Division Expenses$ 170,526$ 169,647$ 178,500$ 161,600$ (16,900)-9.5%
Town of Reading29FY2026 Proposed Budget
Human Resources Division
Division Overview
The HR division provides support to the Town (Town Manager), the School Department
(Superintendent), the Light Department (General Manager), and 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 providesexcellent customer service for benefits and other inquiries to all
Town, School, and RMLD employees and retirees. In addition, staff work hard to
partner with Department Heads to recruit the organizations talent. During FY25, the
division worked alongside the new Town Manager to ensure all personnel matters
were handled appropriately. While we are mostly fullystaffed, we expect several new
hires down the pipeline, especially in public safety, due to a series of retirements. While
more cumbersome, public safety hiring costs are treated as anomalies and are not a
repeatable draw on the budget. As a result, the division is working closely with Finance
to ensure all personnel-related budget expenditures are met and kept as up to dateas
possible to find any cost savings for future years.
FY26 Budget Summary
Similar to last year, in FY26, we are requesting level funding for all expense line items.
In the future, we may request an increase in the advertising expense line as hiring
positions become increasingly difficult and requiremultiple attempts. We may also
request funding for an applicant tracking system in Administrative Services or another
department.
As in previous years, employee retention and attraction remain the topgoal. As we
look to the future, we remain attentive to adapting to the times, so Reading remains a
relevant and desirable career place.
Town of Reading30FY2026 Proposed Budget
Town MeetingTown Manager%
Human ResourcesFY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetChangeChange
HR Director$ 91,240$ 114,254$ 125,200$ 130,000$ 4,8003.8%
HR Assistant Director$ -$ 90,461$ 94,200$ 97,700$ 3,5003.7%
HR Generalist$ 73,270$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Buyback$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Division Wages$ 164,510$ 204,715$ 219,400$ 227,700$ 8,3003.8%
Prof/Tech Services$ 519$ 12,175$ 6,500$ 6,500$ -0.0%
Advertising$ 6,573$ 7,195$ 5,000$ 5,000$ -0.0%
Employee Physicals$ 23,967$ 15,203$ 18,500$ 18,500$ -0.0%
DOT Certifications$ 3,520$ 3,890$ 4,000$ 4,000$ -0.0%
Training Initiatives$ 7,110$ 1,262$ 5,000$ 5,000$ -0.0%
Division Expenses$ 41,689$ 39,726$ 39,000$ 39,000$ -0.0%
Town of Reading31FY2026 Proposed 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.
Maintain and track Ethic 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.
FY26 Budget Summary
There is a decrease in the election line items this fiscal year due to the number of
elections. This line changes every year depending on the number of elections
scheduled.
Town of Reading32FY2026 Proposed Budget
FY26Budget Town ClerkWages and Expenses
Town MeetingTown Manager%
Town Clerk's OfficeFY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetChangeChange
Town Clerk$ 96,116$ 100,186$ 111,100$ 115,300$ 4,2003.8%
Assistant Town Clerk$ 63,300$ 66,261$ 69,000$ 71,600$ 2,6003.8%
Town Clerk Stipend$ -$ 615$ 1,000$ 1,000$ -0.0%
Buyback$ 2,940$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Division Wages$ 162,356$ 167,062$ 181,100$ 187,900$ 6,8003.8%
Prof/Tech Services$ 2,906$ 4,350$ 5,000$ 5,000$ -0.0%
Division Expenses$ 2,906$ 4,350$ 5,000$ 5,000$ -0.0%
FY26Budget Elections Wages and Expenses
Town MeetingTown Manager%
ElectionsFY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetChangeChange
Election Workers$ 71,300$ 55,485$ 50,000$ 15,000$ (35,000)-70.0%
Registrars$ 2,072$ 2,131$ 2,500$ 2,500$ -0.0%
Town Meeting Monitor$ 1,225$ 1,495$ 1,500$ 1,500$ -0.0%
State Grant support$ (20,143)$ (13,464)$ (3,600)$ (3,600)$ -100.0%
Division Wages$ 54,454$ 45,648$ 50,400$ 15,400$ (35,000)-69.4%
Elections expenses$ 25,732$ 37,664$ 37,000$ 31,000$ (6,000)-16.2%
Census expenses$ 6,198$ 6,059$ 15,000$ 15,000$ -0.0%
Town Meeting expenses$ 4,231$ 1,154$ 2,000$ 2,000$ -0.0%
Division Expenses$ 36,161$ 44,878$ 54,000$ 48,000$ (6,000)-11.1%
Town of Reading33FY2026 Proposed 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.
FY26 Budget Summary
The Town Manager's wages are set by contract, and at the time of this writing,a new
contract was just signed between the Select Board and the Town Manager.
Property/casualty insurance expenses are driven higher by the market and large
weather-related losses across the segment, which we anticipate we will see for a while.
However, Reading works hard with Town Staff to maintain low loss ratios, which
currently are well below peers and help keep premiums down. Legal expenses
continue to be difficult to predict, as complex and time-consuming issues come before
the Select Board. For FY2026, the Town Manager Reserves have been reduced by
$2,000 to $18,000; this line has been instrumental in funding community events on the
Town Common, particularly in the summer months. The Cultural Council line is
continued because of their long-lead time to give out grants. The remaining budget
remains level funded.
Town of Reading34FY2026 Proposed Budget
Town MeetingTown Manager%
Town Manager's OfficeFY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetChangeChange
Town Manager$ 203,985$ 181,221$ 218,000$ 218,400$ 4000.2%
Division Wages$ 203,985$ 181,221$ 218,000$ 218,400$ 4000.2%
P&C Insurance$ 849,898$ 856,119$ 961,700$ 1,011,368$ 49,6685.2%
Town Cousel$ 208,619$ 184,370$ 285,000$ 260,000$ (25,000)-8.8%
Other legal$ 45,014$ 18,256$ 40,000$ 40,000$ -0.0%
Town Mgr Reserves$ 14,400$ 28,138$ 20,000$ 18,000$ (2,000)-10.0%
Town Mgr other$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Cultural Council$ 8,000$ 8,000$ 8,000$ 8,000$ -0.0%
Select Board$ 11,482$ 15,956$ 22,900$ 22,900$ -0.0%
Finance Committee$ 67,286$ 50,000$ 70,600$ 71,600$ 1,0001.4%
Division Expenses$ 1,204,698$ 1,160,839$ 1,408,200$ 1,431,868$ 23,6681.7%
Town of Reading35FY2026 Proposed Budget
Technology
Department Overview
The Town of Reading Technology Department provides centralized network and
telecommunications services, distributed internet, audio/video, software, personal
computer support, and geographic information systems (GIS) mapping. The
department coordinates many technological activities with the School and Light
Departments and 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. The technology department was fortunate to have received a
grant to upgradethe towns electronic document storage platform. We have
completed the upgrade funded by this grant and should remain with this solution for
at least 5 years. We have also been awarded grants to further strengthen our
cybersecurity posture and enhance ourfiber optic network. The department is
completing the migrationof a handful of self-hosted services to cloud-basedsolutions,
whichresults in more solutions and services that we canprovide to the various town
departments that we support.
FY26 Budget Summary
The Technology Department is asking to increase its budget compared to last year.
The overall increase being proposed is 8.1%. A dramatic change in the Technology
Departments expenses explains why the increase is out of line with the increase
guidance. One of the increases worth highlighting is the addition of the licensing
needed for the town/school security system software. This system was installed a few
years back and had licensing that covered it until fall 2025. This single difference
accounts for the majority of what was looking to be a 3.2% overall budget increase to
the 8.1% we are proposing. Another noteworthy expense-related increase is in the
accounts that comprise parts and supplies. There was an increase of $5kdue to a
change in howprinter supplies and services are handled across departments. There is
an equal $5k reduction in the Police Departments FY26 proposed budget to offset
this. Increases across most accounts can be explained by subscription or licensing
increases. In some instances, licenses have increased due to the cost going up, in
addition to added functionality. Salaries increased by3.3%, which is pretty much in line
with the expectation, but there have been some changes worth mentioning. We want
Town of Reading36FY2026 Proposed Budget
to modify the position of GIS Administrator so that some of the towns database
administration functions are covered. This position would be a GIS/Database
Administrator. We have also transferred some funds from the departments overtime
account to the account for our seasonal employees. This change did not impact the
overall salary request from the department.
Town MeetingTown Manager%
TechnologyFY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 Actual YTDFY25 BUDGETFY26 BudgetChange
Chief Technology Officer$ 124,072$ 141,690$ 62,216$ 147,700$ 153,4003.9%
Technology Manager$ -$ -$ 33,925$ 95,500$ 100,4005.1%
GIS/Database Administrator$ 87,068$ 92,157$ 40,400$ 96,000$ 100,2004.4%
Software Training Coord.$ 76,070$ 82,056$ 5,774$ -$ -
Computer Technicians$ 89,254$ 141,282$ 66,100$ 157,600$ 165,1004.8%
Technology Overtime$ 19,875$ 20,463$ 3,561$ 18,300$ 13,000-29.0%
IT Itern$ -$ -$ -$ 6,700$ 7,0004.5%
Buyback$ 18,020$ 3,565$ -$ -$ -
Division Wages$ 414,359$ 481,213$ 211,977$ 521,800$ 539,1003.3%
Landlines & Wireless Phones$ 108,116$ 112,853$ 52,042$ 110,000$ 112,0001.8%
Professional Services$ 14,948$ 13,596$ 1,606$ 39,000$ 40,0002.6%
Technical Licenses/Support$ 123,542$ 168,151$ 56,528$ 134,000$ 137,0002.2%
Parts, Supplies. Other$ 23,648$ 18,922$ 9,126$ 39,000$ 45,00015.4%
PC Hardware$ 4,675$ 14,957$ 20,531$ 34,000$ 36,0005.9%
Network Hardware$ 1,785$ 9,661$ 140$ 10,000$ 10,0000.0%
Parts&Equipment$ 276,714$ 338,140$ 139,973$ 366,000$ 380,0003.8%
Financial software$ 111,265$ 107,927$ 113,618$ 113,400$ 115,7002.0%
Public Safety software$ 57,214$ 59,722$ 24,041$ 61,300$ 64,5005.2%
Permits & Lic. software$ 49,908$ 54,597$ 50,921$ 51,000$ 54,0005.9%
GIS Mapping software$ 18,090$ 17,996$ 18,145$ 18,000$ 18,0000.0%
Facilities Security software$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 54,000
Document storage$ 13,611$ -$ 14,932$ 15,000$ 17,00013.3%
Facilities Work Order$ 20,786$ 21,872$ 18,783$ 23,000$ 22,000-4.3%
Website & Communication$ 12,735$ 15,731$ 8,892$ 15,100$ 17,10013.2%
Assessor software$ 10,025$ 10,525$ 11,050$ 12,000$ 12,0000.0%
Other software$ 4,278$ 2,178$ -$ 4,900$ 5,0002.0%
Software Licenses$ 297,913$ 290,548$ 260,382$ 313,700$ 379,30020.9%
Department Expenses$ 574,626$ 628,688$ 612,331$ 679,700$ 759,30011.7%
Department Total$ 988,986$ 1,109,901$ 824,308$ 1,201,500$ 1,298,4008.1%
Town of Reading37FY2026 Proposed Budget
Public Services
Department Overview
The Public Services Department (PSD) provides a wide range of community services,
which are divided into administration, community services, and community
development. Community Services include Elder/Human Services, Recreation, and
Veterans Services; Community Development includes Planning and 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.
FY26Budget Summary
As shown below, the PSD FY26 total budget is increasing by 3.5%. Salaries are rising
by 4.1%, according tothe classification chart, and positions partially funded by ARPA
dollars are now fully supported in the budget. Expenses for FY26 are level-funded with
a 0.6% increase.
Town MeetingTown Manager%
DivisionsFY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetChangeChange
Administration$ 343,645$ 277,050$ 300,300$ 308,628$ 8,3282.8%
Community Services$ 547,476$ 584,949$ 764,384$ 788,534$ 24,1503.2%
Community Development$ 549,194$ 555,867$ 719,600$ 748,800$ 29,2004.1%
Department Total$ 1,440,315$ 1,417,865$ 1,784,284$ 1,845,962$ 61,6783.5%
Line H91 -FY25Public Services Wages
Town MeetingTown Manager%
DivisionsFY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetChangeChange
Administration$ 315,485$ 272,995$ 255,200$ 264,500$ 9,3003.6%
Community Services$ 452,187$ 483,566$ 587,384$ 608,734$ 21,3503.6%
Community Development$ 537,454$ 571,890$ 629,600$ 658,800$ 29,2004.6%
Department Wages$ 1,305,126$ 1,328,452$ 1,472,184$ 1,532,034$ 59,8504.1%
Line H92 -FY25Public Services Expenses
Town MeetingTown Manager%
DivisionsFY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetChangeChange
Administration$ 28,160$ 4,055$ 45,100$ 44,128$ (972)-2.2%
Community Services$ 95,288$ 101,383$ 177,000$ 179,800$ 2,8001.6%
Community Development$ 11,741$ (16,023)$ 90,000$ 90,000$ -0.0%
Department Expenses$ 135,189$ 89,414$ 312,100$ 313,928$ 1,8280.6%
Town of Reading38FY2026 Proposed Budget
Administration Overview
This division includes the department head and the support staff for the entire
department. Some expenses (Professional Development, Office Supplies) are
centralized in this division. This division is also responsible for financial transactions,
from payroll to invoices and receipts. Considerable reductions were made in the
expenses line to better reflect actual expenditures.
FY26Budget Summary
The support staff includes two full-time and two part-time employees. The town
Managers Executive Assistant provides additional administrative support.
Town MeetingTown Manager%
AdministrationFY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetChangeChange
Assistant Town Manager$ 110,282$ 54,224$ 72,100$ 74,900$ 2,8003.9%
Support Staff$ 182,284$ 215,751$ 178,100$ 184,600$ 6,5003.6%
Overtime$ 4,953$ 8,884$ 12,500$ 12,500$ -0.0%
Revolving Fund support$ (7,500)$ (7,500)$ (7,500)$ (7,500)$ -0.0%
Buyback$ 25,465$ 1,636$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Division Wages$ 315,485$ 272,995$ 255,200$ 264,500$ 9,300 3.6%
Outsourced Prof Svcs$ 3,000$ (17,692)$ 20,000$ 24,000$ 4,00020.0%
Prof. Development$ 6,719$ 6,087$ 5,000$ 5,000$ -0.0%
Office Supplies$ 6,367$ 3,218$ 6,000$ 5,000$ (1,000)-16.7%
Mileage$ 9,433$ 9,037$ 9,000$ 9,000$ -0.0%
Advertising/Utilities$ 2,641$ 3,404$ 5,100$ 1,128$ (3,972)-77.9%
Division Expenses$ 28,160$ 4,055$ 45,100$ 44,128$ (972)-2.2%
Town of Reading39FY2026 Proposed Budget
Community Development
Community Development Overview
Community Development includes the following divisions: Planning & Economic
Development, Inspections, Conservation, and Historic. There are seven full-time staff,
and part-time administrative and inspectional staff.
Community Development staff remain busy working with many community and
regional partners and with the State on various residential and commercial
development projects, affordable housing, climate and sustainability, historic
preservation, grant administration, and more.
Plan reviews and project implementation require various staff members' time, funding,
and effort. Staff members have identified numerous grant opportunities, directly
written said grants, and managed the post-awardprocess to promote desired
development and placemaking while saving on related expenses. However, it is
essentialto note that many grants may require monetary match components and/or in-
kind contributions such as staff hours.
FY26Budget Summary
Local expenses are primarily used as seed/matching funds for priority grant
applications, downtown programming and streetscape improvements, consultant
onboarding, and public engagement. They also includethe typical annual expenses
for office supplies, legal mailings, professional development opportunities, and
mileage.
The FY26 budget is, in essence, a level budget from the previous year. An increase to
the Metro North Regional Housing Services Office (MNRHSO) Regional Housing Line
(a $30,000 increase) is shown, which was necessary to bring in the two additional
municipalities, who will reimburse Reading their expenses throughout the year
meaning a no-direct-costincrease to Readings group fees. All other expenses and
salaries are within expectations of the level budget.
Town of Reading40FY2026 Proposed Budget
Town MeetingTown Manager%
Community DevelopmentFY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetChangeChange
Community Devel Director$ 119,620$ 101,241$ 113,800$ 118,200$ 4,4003.9%
Planning & Econ Devel$ 101,800$ 143,464$ 159,900$ 171,000$ 11,1006.9%
Inspections$ 238,590$ 245,004$ 270,200$ 280,700$ 10,5003.9%
Conservation$ 77,443$ 82,182$ 85,700$ 88,900$ 3,2003.7%
Historic$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Comm Development Wages$ 537,454$ 571,890$ 629,600$ 658,800$ 29,2004.6%
Planning Staff$ 23,576$ 63,454$ 83,700$ 86,800$ 3,1003.7%
Permits Coordinator$ 73,470$ 77,961$ 81,200$ 84,200$ 3,0003.7%
Regl Affordable Hsng Coord$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Econ Devel Staff$ 82,631$ 59,219$ 93,700$ 84,800$ (8,900)-9.5%
Overtime$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Offsets$ (82,631)$ (59,219)$ (98,700)$ (84,800)$ 13,900-14.1%
Buybacks$ 4,754$ 2,049$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Planning/Ec Dev Wages$ 101,800$ 143,464$ 159,900$ 171,000$ 11,1006.9%
Bulding Inspectors$ 203,916$ 209,687$ 235,000$ 242,500$ 7,5003.2%
Elec/Plumbing Insp$ 84,674$ 85,317$ 85,200$ 88,200$ 3,0003.5%
Offsets$ (50,000)$ (50,000)$ (50,000)$ (50,000)$ -0.0%
Buybacks$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Inspections Wages$ 238,590$ 245,004$ 270,200$ 280,700$ 10,5003.9%
Conservation Administrator$ 79,443$ 84,182$ 87,700$ 90,900$ 3,2003.6%
Offsets$ (2,000)$ (2,000)$ (2,000)$ (2,000)$ -0.0%
Buybacks$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Conservation Wages$ 77,443$ 82,182$ 85,700$ 88,900$ 3,2003.7%
Town MeetingTown Manager%
Community DevelopmentFY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetChangeChange
Planning & Econ Devel$ 11,741$ (16,023)$ 90,000$ 87,500$ (2,500)-2.8%
Inspections$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Conservation$ -$ -$ -$ 2,500$ 2,5000.0%
Historic$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Comm Development Expenses$ 11,741$ (16,023)$ 90,000$ 90,000$ -0.0%
Regl Afford Housing$ 31,248$ 15,570$ 105,000$ 105,000$ -0.0%
Econ Development$ 15,493$ 3,407$ 20,000$ 17,500$ (2,500)-12.5%
Offsets$ (35,000)$ (35,000)$ (35,000)$ (35,000)$ -0.0%
Planning & Econ Devel$ 11,741$ (16,023)$ 90,000$ 87,500$ (2,500)-2.8%
Town of Reading41FY2026 Proposed Budget
Planning Division
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, and other aspects of land use serve as a guide for planning
staff to help achieve the town's stated goals. 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 addressing daily needs.
Division Activities
Permitting Administration:the division supports new development through
the Site Plan Review or other local review processes. Ongoing development on
Main Street, within the Downtown district, and residential subdivision remain
consistent.
Zoning Bylaw Amendments:Working with the CPDC on priority zoning
amendments that are brought to Town Meeting. A two-year process for MBTA
Communities compliance, supplemented by a $95,000 grant award, saw
amendments to the Downtown Smart Growth District and existing multi-family
districts. Future amendments to Accessory Apartments, Floodplain, Table of
Uses and other administrative needs are in discussion. Changes to the existing
Industrial District may come forward after the public engagement and visionof
the Eastern Gateway plan (sponsored by a $95,000 grant).
Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI):Staff workwith developers and the
Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC)to ensure that
permitted units stay on the SHI and that the Town achieves and maintains 10%
on the inventory. Building permitting is necessary forthe previously approved
Eaton Lakeview 40B and Chute Street 40R to reachthe 10% requirement unless
new development supplements such.
Regional Housing:The Metro North Regional Housing Services Office
(MNRHSO) added the municipalities of Stoneham and Wakefield to the group.
A new RFP was released to provide competitive consultationto administer the
monitoring of LIP/LAU units.
Downtown Parking Kiosks:Ongoing discussions on downtown parking
management remain with the Reading Police Department, Business
Community,and Select Board to determine appropriate practicesand needs.
Town of Reading42FY2026 Proposed Budget
Streetscape Project & Municipal Lot Redesign:Staff have workedwith
Engineering on scope, funding, design concepts, and consultant coordination
for the Phase II Streetscape Project (Lower Haven & High). The design is
substantially complete, was awarded a $2,600,000 MassWorks grant, and is
seeking local approval for its construction.
Green Communities Designation:Staff locally updated the Green
Communities data and research needs for designation. An application was
submitted,and a designation is expectedin early 2025. The designation will
provide grant opportunities to partner with the Facilities Division on municipal
building energy efficiency improvements and possibly newly constructed
buildings as well.
Net Zero Plan:Staff completed the Net Zero Action Plan through local funding,
Community Compact Grant, and TAP grant to identify a series of targetable
achievements with the RMLD to reach state energy requirements and local
needs. Actions spanning municipal improvements, transportation, new
residential and commercial development, programs for existing building
improvements,and waste management have been identified.
Local Rapid Recovery Plan (LRRP):We are Working to implement LRRP
recommendations usinga $100,000 earmark funding award.
Eastern Gateway:We are Working with Form and Place architectural
consultantsto identify uses and zoning controls of the industrial district.
Administered through a $100,000 grant award.
Walkers Brook Drive Corridor Study:A $500,000 MassWorks grant was
awarded to advance the conceptual design of the Walkers Brook Drive corridor.
The design seeks improvements to vehicular movements, pedestrian
connections, and multi-modal opportunities.
Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP):Staff collaborated regionally
with the Resilient Mystic Collaborative for a $520,000 MVP grant to identify
critical facilities in flood-prone areas and advance stormwater capture and
treatment around such facilities.
o Workthrough the MVP 2.0 Pilot Process to ensure equitable social
resilience across identified priorities.
Community Garden:Continued support to administer the Mattera Community
Garden.
Arts and Culture Action Plan:A grant-funded project to develop and identify
public art opportunities and community needs to support artists and their
workspaces.
Conservation Support:Leading support for the Conservation division by
applying for grant and earmark awards, such as the Bare Meadow restoration
project, and facilitatingprojects in collaboration with the DPW and volunteers.
Town of Reading43FY2026 Proposed Budget
Boards and Commissions:Administrative support to the CPDC, ZBA, and
Conservation Commissions; and indirectly to the Historical, Climate,and
Housing committees.
Economic Development Division
Division Overview
The Economic Development Division provides professional, technical work advancing
the Towns economic development activities and goals to provide general business
support for the Town. The Town does this through streamlined permitting, policy
updates, business resources and incentives, and proactive implementation of the
Towns Economic Development Action Plan. Our approach is to 1) keep downtown
vital, 2) preserve what is essential, and 3) be well-positioned for opportunities.
Readings Economic Development Action Plan is available on the Towns website.
Division Activities
The Town will comprehensively redesign Walkers Brook Drive through a
robust community and stakeholder engagement campaign. The redesign's
goal is to facilitate multimodaluse of the corridor, increase safety, and establish
important infrastructure improvements to stimulate economic development
throughout the corridor.
The Town is reviewing opportunities for new zoning across its Eastern
Gateway District within the existing underutilized Industrial District. A public
engagement process will ensure that ideal uses and controls the public is
comfortable with are captured and provided with visual references. This will
transformthe identified priorities into zoning language that the CPDC and
Town Meeting could act on.
Main Streets Organization the previous Business Improvement District (BID)
is transitioning its work to prioritize the establishment of a Main Streets
Organization a non-profit entity thatcan collect donations/grants/funds to
implement improvements across the downtown district. These improvements
can be hardscape elements such as benches/trees/public art or to host broader
events to attract regional populations to Reading. Staff will support
rd
engagement and awareness, but ultimately,a 3party group mustfully
establish and manage a Main Streets organization.
The Downtown Business Guide and Parking Map will be updated as new
parking spaces are added tothe Upper Haven and Brande Court parking lots.
Town of Reading44FY2026 Proposed Budget
Working with MassDevelopment and other regional partners to find
opportunities to support local businesses. Training programs, local grants and
financing, and othershave been explored.
The division used grant and earmark funding to support a temporary Fa ç ade
Improvement Program for local businesses. Three awards were given to
improve siding, landscape, and signage.
2024-25 saw the completion of the Arts and Culture Action Plan. Priority
implementation of actions to spur public art, consider facility improvements,
and bring attraction to Reading is ongoing.
Business Openings (2024)A series of new downtown developments were
completed and occupied. Opportunities to re-use vacant storefronts are being
explored, and the division is continuously discussing this with real estate agents
to stay up to date and support any necessary permitting process.
Town of Reading45FY2026 Proposed Budget
Inspections Division
Division Overview
A full-time building commissioner and three part-time building inspectors (each retired
as building commissioner from another community and collectively brings 60+ years
of expertise to Reading), plus two highly credentialed plumbing/gas and electrical
inspectors, round out the team.
Division Activities
All four Building Inspectors work collaboratively on projects to meet Town and State
requirements. The Building Commissioner works closely with the Planning Division and
Zoning Board of Appeals administrative staff to ensure proposals conform to the
ZoningBylaw. The Building Commissioner is also seeking Floodplain Administrator
designation and training to support future changes to the floodplain regulations and
potential permitting.
The Permits Coordinator helped migrate to the new online permitting software, which
also required training staff and guiding applicants. Building and Permitting staff
provide support on zoning amendments, state designations (e.g., Housing Choice
Initiative data), long-term plan initiatives (e.g., Housing Production Plan data), and land
use applications (e.g., Home Business Certificates, etc.).
Town of Reading46FY2026 Proposed 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 enforcing and administering the
Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act, M.G.L. Chapter 131, Section 40, and the
ReadingWetland 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 supporting MVP Action Grant applications and
development; implementing priority actions within the Open Space and Recreation
Plan; 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; assistance with Town Forest
projects and Trail Committee projects; conducting outreach and education regarding
the Town's natural resources and watersheds; and working with Girl & Boy Scouts to
complete service projects on public land.
Staff support the Conservation Commission both technically and administratively to
enforce the local Wetlands Protection Regulations (updated in 2023) and administer
residential and commercial development applications within jurisdictional areas. The
Commission periodically reviews itslocal regulations to ensure thatemerging best
practices on tree removal/replacement, stormwater capture, and other initiatives are
updated.
Most ofthe divisions public work has been implemented through grants, earmarks,
volunteers, donations, and public-private partnerships. This upcoming year,a budget
of $2,500 was reallocated to a new Conservation Expenses line to help support trail
maintenance, plantings, and invasive species removal as necessary.
Town of Reading47FY2026 Proposed Budget
Historic Division
Division Overview
The Historical Division is staffed by volunteers, with assistance from department staff
as needed. The Reading Historical Commission (RHC) oversees historic preservation,
including the Demolition Delay Bylaw. The Historic District Commission (HDC)
regulatesproperties within the historic districts (West Street& Summer Avenue). They
also provide input on applications within Scenic Roads of South Street and Walnut
Street.
Division Activities
The RHC met 16 times throughout the year. Supporting information is also provided to
the Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC) for relevant
applications. The RHC has promoted programs such as electrical box art wrappings
and digitizing/preserving historical documents. The RHC is looking at updating itslocal
regulations, such as the length of the Demolition Delay and definitions, which will
require amendments to the General Bylaw and Town Meeting approval if advanced.
The HDC met 12 times and is discussing whethera new district along Woburn Street is
appropriate.
Town of Reading48FY2026 Proposed Budget
Community Services
Community Services Overview
Community Services include:
Recreation (REC)
Elder/Human Services (EHS)
Veterans Services Office (VSO)
FY26Budget Summary
Town MeetingTown Manager%
Community ServicesFY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetChangeChange
Community Svcs Director$ 89,830$ 100,567$ 113,800$ 118,200$ 4,4003.9%
Elder/Human Services$ 214,949$ 194,366$ 270,684$ 257,534$ (13,150)-4.9%
Recreation$ 83,863$ 121,242$ 132,700$ 160,200$ 27,50020.7%
Veteran's Services$ 63,545$ 67,392$ 70,200$ 72,800$ 2,6003.7%
Comm Services Wages$ 452,187$ 483,566$ 587,384$ 608,734$ 21,3503.6%
Elder/Human Svcs Administrator$ 81,710$ 77,996$ 82,000$ 85,000$ 3,0003.7%
Senior Center Coordinator$ 35,378$ 55,415$ 58,300$ 60,400$ 2,1003.6%
Volunteer Coordinator$ -$ 13,604$ 25,000$ 27,500$ 2,50010.0%
Elder/Human Svcs Clerk$ -$ -$ 48,600$ 44,300$ (4,300)-8.8%
Van Drivers$ 52,358$ 55,116$ 78,100$ 65,500$ (12,600)-16.1%
Nurse Advocate$ 73,567$ 57,125$ 56,500$ -$ (56,500)-100.0%
Senior Case Manager$ 59,860$ 63,300$ 70,700$ 73,200$ 2,5003.5%
Overtime$ -$ -$ 1,000$ 1,000$ -0.0%
Buyback$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Grants/Offsets$ (87,924)$ (128,191)$ (149,516)$ (99,366)$ 50,150-33.5%
Elder/Human Service Wages$ 214,949$ 194,366$ 270,684$ 257,534$ (13,150)-4.9%
Recreation Administrator$ 58,441$ 86,482$ 91,900$ 95,200$ 3,3003.6%
Recreation Coordinator$ 23,614$ 56,760$ 62,800$ 65,000$ 2,2003.5%
Overtime$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Grants/Offsets$ -$ (22,000)$ (22,000)$ -$ 22,0000.0%
Buyback$ 1,808$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Recreation Wages$ 83,863$ 121,242$ 132,700$ 160,200$ 27,50020.7%
Veteran's Service Officer$ 63,545$ 67,392$ 70,200$ 72,800$ 2,6003.7%
Veteran's Service Wages$ 63,545$ 67,392$ 70,200$ 72,800$ 2,6003.7%
Town of Reading49FY2026 Proposed Budget
Town MeetingTown Manager%
Community ServicesFY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetChangeChange
Elder/Human Services$ 6,950$ 32,339$ 50,000$ 51,700$ 1,7003.4%
Recreation (Revolving Fund)$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Veteran's Services$ 88,338$ 69,044$ 127,000$ 128,100$ 1,1000.9%
Comm Services Expenses$ 95,288$ 101,383$ 177,000$ 179,800$ 2,8001.6%
Community Organizations$ -$ 1,108$ -$ -$ -
Meal Delivery$ 63$ 170$ 11,000$ 15,000$ 4,00036.4%
Programs$ 2,419$ 7,679$ 13,000$ 13,000$ -0.0%
Volunteer Support$ -$ 1,158$ 1,500$ 1,500$ -0.0%
Other$ 4,468$ 22,223$ 24,500$ 22,200$ (2,300)-9.4%
Elder/Human Service Expenses$ 6,950$ 32,339$ 50,000$ 51,700$ 1,7003.4%
Recreation (Revolving Fund)$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Recreation Expenses$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Veteran's$ 88,338$ 69,044$ 127,000$ 128,100$ -0.9%
Veteran's Expenses$ 88,338$ 69,044$ 127,000$ 128,100$ 1,1000.9%
Community Services is dedicated to offering services, support,and programming to
all individuals in the Town of Reading. We are budgeting to keep threepositions in
Community Services that were offset by ARPA funds: Recreation Program Coordinator,
Elder & Human Services Program Coordinator, and Volunteer Coordinator. These
positions have provided high-qualityand expanded programming and, most
importantly, cultivated meaningful community relationships.
Elder & Human Services continues to see record growth. With the help of ARPA
funding, the Program Coordinator has increasedthe number and quality of programs,
offering over 200 programs in a fiscal year. The Program Coordinator has focused on
diversity in offerings and has created new arts and culture, wellness, education, and
fitness programs. This has allowed the Pleasant Street Center to reach more older
adults in the community.
The Volunteer Coordinator position started in December of 2024. This position has
updated the volunteer application, handbook, and opportunity list in the past year. The
role has been able to foster successful recruiting, training,and oversight of 43
volunteers that support various programs and initiatives while establishing valuable
partnerships with local organizations such as North Shore Bank, Eastern Bank,Reading
Rotary, Austin Prep, Wakefield High School, Reading High School, St. Johns Prep and
Northeast Vocational School.
This position has been responsible for revitalizing the Property Tax Worker Program,
demonstrating proactive efforts to expand services and support the community.
Finally, the Volunteer Coordinator has been assisting with grant writing and has been
instrumental in innovatinga new Pleasantries brochure with the help of a graphic
design volunteer.
Town of Reading50FY2026 Proposed Budget
Over several months, it was determined that there were crossovers with Health and
Elder and HumanServices. Due to these duplicate efforts, leaders felt that a shared
Public Health Nurse would foster better community engagement and unique
collaboration. Therefore, the Public Health Nurse is now shared between Community
Services (EHS) and Health,with direct oversight by the Health Director. This change
was approved earlier in the year by the Select Board.
The Public Health Nurse has allotted hours for each Department, with flexibility within
the week to increase or decrease them to meet the needs of either department. The
position will be funded by the Health Department, which will, in turn,help fund our
partially funded ARPA positions in FY26.
EHS requests that the Volunteer Coordinator be added as a permanent part-time
position in the department.
EHS is also asking for a slightincrease in FY26 since some expenses paid byARPA will
disappear after December 2025. We wantto continue offering quality programs and
meals at little to no cost to our 60+ community for as long as possible.
Recreation continues to grow existing and new programming, garnering over 7,000
registrationsin FY24 with only two full-time staff, the Recreation Administrator and
Recreation Coordinator. The Recreation Coordinator also provides additional
programming at night and weekends for adults, including the 60+ population, and
coordinatesintergenerational opportunities throughout the year. We are budgeting to
keep this position full-time to continue offering quality programming whileexpanding
more into adaptive/inclusive programming.
Over the past couple of years, Recreation has worked with the YMCA, which was
awarded ARPA funds for Therapeutic Recreational programming for all Reading
residents, both in and out of the district, who have a disability. The YMCA has run
several swimming programs for various ages. Recreation and the YMCA have also
collaborated to offer off-site social events to the Red Sox, Celtics,and a Master
Illusionist. They have relied on the Reading Public Schools Special Needs Department
volunteers when available.
In addition, the staff hasmet with professionals in the surrounding towns who have
certified therapeutic recreation specialistson their teams running adaptive and/or
inclusive recreational programs. The hope is to hire a part-time Therapeutic Recreation
professional next Spring to develop a program in our Town. While the part-time
position can be funded through the Recreation Revolving Fund, we thought it
necessary to mention it in our budget report with hopes of fundinga full-time position
in the future.
Town of Reading51FY2026 Proposed Budget
Veterans Services continues to be a safe placefor many 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-likedand
attended. Ceremonies on Memorial Day and Veterans Day have also seen good
attendance. We hopeto ask for a part-time Administrative Assistant position in the
Veterans Services in the future. Our VSO needs more assistance with scheduling,and
more outreach can be done to find veterans who are in need and entitled to benefits.
Veterans Services is asking for a small increase in expenses to allow our VSO to offer
more programming to our Veterans andto use toward yearly ceremonies for Memorial
Day and Veterans Day.
Elder & Human Services Division
Division Overview
Reading Elder and Human Services offers a variety of programs and services to
Reading residents of all ages. The center improved accessibility in FY25 by installing a
new audio and visual system, continued with expanded programming, and worked on
a feasibility study for the Reading Center for Active Living (RECAL). Some of the most
popular Elder Services areCoach bus trips, Lunch & Learns, Bingo, Community
Lunches, Special Events specifically around holidays,and various fitness programs.
ARPA Funds have been encumbered for most programs and meals until the end of the
Calendar year 2025.
The staff is dedicated to assisting all community residents in livingactive, healthy lives.
In addition, as the division enrollment grows due to the rise in the population of 60+,
the need for additional space and staff should be a necessary pre-planned factor.
Division Activities
Programming Offerings in health, enrichment, exercise, events, trips, etc.
Transportation
Blood Pressure & Flu Clinics
Social Services (Memory Caf é, Knox Box, Referrals, Hoarding Task Force, Adopt
a Family)
Reading Response (Lifeline, Medical Transportation, Adult Day Health)
EHS Health Fair
Liaison to COA
Town of Reading52FY2026 Proposed Budget
Division Highlights
Total Interactions at the center 37,396 (7/1/2023 to 6/30/2024)
19,579 Program/Event Registrations
3,346 Rides (not including medicalrides with ATS)
413 Large Bus Trips Registrations
Continued to offerARPA Funded Programs Lunch & Learns, Day Trips,
Lectures, Fitness Programs, and Off-site events at Hillview to accommodate
larger crowds
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 population segments. 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 increases, so
do expectations. The Recreation Division strives to be ready to anticipate and adapt to
these expectations.
Division Activities
Programming for all agesincludessports, enrichment, special events, etc.
Field & Amplified Use Permitting
Parks & Fields Planning and Projects
Liaison to the Recreation Committee & Friends of Reading Recreation
Scholarship Awards
th
Division Highlights(FY24 July 1, 2023 June 30, 2024)
142 Different Program Offerings
6,454 Unique Individual Program Registrants for FY24
4,231 Ages 0-10
1,169 Ages 11-20
249 Ages 21-40
Town of Reading53FY2026 Proposed Budget
498 Ages 41-60
307 Ages 61+
7360 Total Participants
Total Program Registrations: 7,360
6824 Resident / 536 Non-Resident
Turns back proceeds from revenue generated by Recreation Revolving Fund
Community Engagement Downtown Trick or Treat, Letters to Santa
Parks & Playground Projects
Completion of Birch Meadow Phase I
Start of Birch Meadow Phase II
Barrows Field Improvement
Hunt Field Improvement
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
Executive Office of Veterans Serviceswith 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 they are eligible forunder the law.
Our current VSO has been here since June of 2022. He is an accredited National
Service Officer through Veterans Affairs, which means he can process the claims on his
own before sending them to Boston forreview. This enables him to help more Veterans
promptlyand allows for more relationship-buildingwithin the community. Will is
hoping to reach more veterans in Reading. Chapter 115 benefits are a crucial part of
the VSO role, and they must be worked on every day to ensure the town receives its
proper turnback of statefunding in the amount of 75%.
He has also contactednearby communities to inquire about their Veterans Services
staff. 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 isa VSO and two full-
time assistants to help file benefits. In the future, we hope to be able to add a part-time
Town of Reading54FY2026 Proposed Budget
Administrative Assistant for our VSO to provide appropriate support for our Reading
Veterans and reach more veteranswho need assistance.
Division Activities
Discharge copies and requests for replacement
Chapter 115, a public assistance program to eligible veterans and dependents
VA Healthcare applicant assistance
Tax exemptions
Veterans license plates
Homeless veteran referrals
Employment initiatives
Grave markers
Disability for service-connected or non-service-connecteddisability
VA Home Loans, Educational Assistance, Death Pensions
Monthly Scuttlebutt Meet-ups and/or off-site trips
Division Highlights
Assisted over 300 Veterans this year
Generated over $100,000 in Federal VA Benefits to Veterans and their surviving
spouses
Memorial Day and Veterans Day Ceremonies
Donation of six service flags by Good Samaritan Masonic Lodge in Reading
Scuttlebutt continues to be well-attended
Town of Reading55FY2026 Proposed Budget
Public Safety
Department Overview
Public Safety is comprised of three separate departments:
Public Health
Fire and Emergency Management
Police
o Coalition for Prevention & Support
o Dispatch
Town Meetings voteon these budgets as one bottom line each for wages and
expenses.
FY26Budget Summary
The combined FY26 budgets show a 3.4% increase related to wage changes per
bargaining agreements.
Town MeetingTown Manager%
DepartmentFY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetChangeChange
Public Health$ 367,036$ 335,464$ 457,000$ 485,900$ 28,9006.3%
Fire/EMS$ 5,668,477$ 5,991,787$ 6,373,232$ 6,545,397$172,1652.7%
Police$ 6,328,470$ 6,290,869$ 6,687,335$ 6,940,700$253,3653.8%
Coalition$ 298,753$ 290,706$ 299,350$ 308,850$ 9,5003.2%
Dispatch$ 602,343$ 695,782$ 759,500$ 789,200$ 29,7003.9%
DEPARTMENT TOTAL$ 13,265,079$13,604,607$ 14,576,417$ 15,070,047$493,6303.4%
Line J91 FY26Budget Public Safety Wages
Town MeetingTown Manager%
DepartmentFY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetChangeChange
Public Health$ 279,625$ 259,624$ 349,500$ 377,400$ 27,9008.0%
Fire/EMS$ 5,463,688$ 5,786,347$ 6,162,036$ 6,316,439$154,4032.5%
Police$ 6,022,430$ 5,974,279$ 6,361,835$ 6,566,700$204,8653.2%
Coalition$ 235,213$ 225,956$ 257,600$ 267,100$ 9,5003.7%
Dispatch $ 566,296$ 658,694$ 720,500$ 750,200$ 29,7004.1%
DEPARTMENT WAGES$ 12,567,251$12,904,900$ 13,851,471$ 14,277,839$426,3683.1%
Town of Reading56FY2026 Proposed Budget
Line J92 FY26Budget Public Safety Expenses
Town MeetingTown Manager%
DepartmentFY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetChangeChange
Public Health$ 87,412$ 75,839$ 107,500$ 108,500$ 1,0000.9%
Fire/EMS$ 204,789$ 205,441$ 211,196$ 228,958$ 17,7628.4%
Police$ 306,040$ 316,590$ 325,500$ 374,000$ 48,50014.9%
Coalition$ 63,540$ 64,750$ 41,750$ 41,750$ -0.0%
Dispatch$ 36,047$ 37,088$ 39,000$ 39,000$ -0.0%
DEPARTMENT EXPENSES$ 697,828$ 699,707$ 724,946$ 792,208$ 67,2629.3%
Town of Reading57FY2026 Proposed Budget
Public Health
Department Overview
The towns investment in the Public Health Department in the past few years has
contributed immensely to its success and excellent health outcomes for our
community. With competent leadership and an effective workforce, ourdepartment
will continue to maximize opportunities to improve public health within Reading.We
will continue to build our public health capacity and ensure that we 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
partnersand other departments within our town governmentto 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 emergencies, disasters, health hazards, disease outbreaks,and
bioterrorism threats that can dramatically impact the health of our community.
FY26Budget Summary
The departments FY26 budget has increased by 6.3% compared to last year. This is
primarily due to scheduled step increases and cost of living adjustments. In addition,
the Public Health Nurse is now fully paid for by the Health Department. The position
had been split between Health and Community Services in FY25.
Town of Reading58FY2026 Proposed Budget
Town MeetingTown Manager%
Public HealthFY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetChangeChange
Health Director$ 118,190$ 125,718$ 134,400$ 139,500$ 5,1003.8%
Health Inspectors$ 65,243$ 60,309$ 70,700$ 78,500$ 7,80011.0%
Health Nurse$ 63,159$ 8,245$ 77,500$ 93,000$ 15,50020.0%
Support Staff$ 34,404$ 63,018$ 66,500$ 66,000$ (500)-0.8%
Overtime$ 438$ 1,094$ 2,500$ 2,500$ -0.0%
Health Buyback$ 291$ 3,341$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Health Grants/Offsets$ (2,100)$ (2,100)$ (2,100)$ (2,100)$ -0.0%
Health Services Wages$ 279,625$ 259,624$ 349,500$ 377,400$ 27,9008.0%
Mosquito Control$ 44,050$ 45,028$ 46,000$ 48,000$ 2,0004.3%
Animal Disposal$ 2,225$ 150$ 5,000$ 5,000$ -0.0%
Regional Animal Control$ 15,325$ 18,150$ 25,000$ 25,000$ -0.0%
Professional Services$ 18,969$ 8,051$ 20,500$ 20,500$ -0.0%
Health Other$ 6,842$ 4,460$ 11,000$ 10,000$ (1,000)-9.1%
Health Expenses$ 87,412$ 75,839$ 107,500$ 108,500$ 1,0000.9%
Town of Reading59FY2026 Proposed 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. It also coordinates and
appliestoall State and Federal disaster declaration reimbursements. The department
offers Advanced Life Support (ALS) to benefitthe community's residents.
The department is organized into four groups, each working 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. The
Lieutenants supervisethe West Side Fire Station and the Firefighters assigned there.
The Lieutenants provide supervision, respond to emergencies, deliver servicesand
training, oversee equipment maintenance, and perform routine fire prevention duties.
Department Highlights
Key Performance Data202220232024
Total Emergency Responses4,4564,6024,579
Emergency Medical Responses236625432506
Fire and Emergency Responses2,0902,0592,073
Mutual Aid Provided~289~304~299
Mutual Aid Received~316~357~315
Fire Inspections1000728667
Permits Issued901762698
Training Hours2,2406722,687
Permit Fees Received (Fiscal Year)$20,610 $20,400 $15,945
Ambulance Revenue Received (Fiscal Year)$801,966 $984,900 $950,322
~Vehicle responses
Grants in Progress:
$5,700SAFE. This state programprovides funding to allow us to deliverfire
safety instruction to children.
$2,400Senior SAFE. This is a state program that provides funding to allow us
to deliverfire safety instructionand assistanceto our elderly population.
Town of Reading60FY2026 Proposed Budget
$18,991FY 2025FirefighterSafetyEquipment Grant. This competitive state
grant program provides funding forSafety equipment for Firefighters. Our
grant funding will be used to provideprotective clothing for new Firefighters.
$6,500FFY 2024 Emergency Management Performance Grant. We have
received funding to provide training to Police and Fire Department supervisors
that will improve coordination during a joint response to active violent and
critical incidents.
$93,016 FEMAAssistance to FirefightersGrant. This is a competitive Federal
grant program. Our grant will provide funding for a department-wide incident
command training program that meets important National Fire Protection
Association and Occupational Health and Safety Administration Standards. This
grant provides $84,560 in Federal funds and requires $8,456 in local matching
funds.
FY26Budget Summary
The departments FY26 budget has increased by 2.42% compared to last year. There
are no changes in the number of personnel. The expense budget has increased by
8.41%, and wages are up by 2.22%. The wage increaseis driven by union personnel
moving through the step system perthe collective bargaining agreement.
An increase inexpenses for$17,762 and 8.42% is requested. The reasons for the
requested increase are in four areas: Equipment Maintenance ($2,000) due to
inflationary increases; Ambulance Billing ($2,000) due to increased ambulance
revenue; Professional Development ($8,000) for the local match for the Assistance to
Firefighters Grant and other certification costs; andUniforms and Clothing ($5,762)
due to the need to outfit new personnel in protective clothing and uniforms.
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 25, we will have five Firefighters leave the Department. Four
Firefighters will retire,and one has transferred to another Department. The hiring and
trainingof replacement personnel havebeen pressured due to a smaller candidate
pool and new personnel undergoing the initial fire academy training.
Our initiative to place the shift commander in a car to increase emergency scene
coordination and supervision has been successful. To build on this program,we
applied for and received a Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant to provide $93,016
in funding to allow us to deliver an incident command training program throughout
Town of Reading61FY2026 Proposed Budget
the Department. This program will focus on command and control and tactical
decision-making. We aim to improve and standardize our incident management skills
throughout the department and meet important National Fire Protection Association
and Occupational Health and Safety Administration Standards. We believe this training
program will increase life safety for our residents, visitors,and our firefighters.
Town MeetingTown Manager%
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetChangeChange
Fire Chief$ 184,743$ 201,571$ 212,500$ 190,000$ (22,500)-10.6%
Assistant Fire Chief$ 127,826$ 166,108$ 177,400$ 174,500$ (2,900)-1.6%
EMS Director$ 12,548$ 12,967$ 12,500$ 12,500$ -0.0%
Support Staff$ 91,567$ 96,106$ 100,200$ 103,800$ 3,6003.6%
Fire Alarm$ 7,901$ 8,250$ 20,000$ 20,000$ -0.0%
Captains$ 662,757$ 680,238$ 723,000$ 748,100$ 25,1003.5%
Lieutenants $ 441,555$ 904,638$ 951,000$ 992,200$ 41,2004.3%
Firefighters $ 3,456,319$ 3,109,542$ 3,440,436$ 3,544,766$104,3303.0%
Grant Offset$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Overtime$ 464,068$ 560,804$ 525,000$ 530,573$ 5,573
Buyback$ 14,403$ 46,122$ -$ -$ -0.0%
FIRE / EMS WAGES $ 5,463,688$ 5,786,347$ 6,162,036$ 6,316,439$154,4032.5%
Town MeetingTown Manager%
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetChangeChange
ALS Medical Supplies $ 52,071$ 46,209$ 60,000$ 60,000$ -0.0%
Ambulance Services$ 24,708$ 32,346$ 28,000$ 28,000$ -0.0%
Billing Services$ 38,374$ 37,962$ 37,000$ 39,000$ 2,0005.4%
Supplies and Equipment$ 1,707$ 1,559$ 3,500$ 3,500$ -0.0%
Equipment Maintenance$ 14,921$ 10,337$ 17,000$ 19,000$ 2,00011.8%
Miscellaneous$ 2,095$ 1,287$ 2,000$ 2,000$ -0.0%
Office Supplies and Equipment$ 418$ 182$ 1,000$ 1,000$ -0.0%
Professional Development$ 16,740$ 19,918$ 15,500$ 23,500$ 8,00051.6%
Uniforms and Clothing$ 53,755$ 55,640$ 47,196$ 52,958$ 5,76212.2%
FIRE /EMS EXPENSES $ 204,789$ 205,441$ 211,196$ 228,958$ 17,7628.4%
Town of Reading62FY2026 Proposed Budget
Police
Department Overview
The Reading Police Department is committed to providing the highest public safety
and service to the community's residents, businesses, and visitors. The department is
empowered to enforce the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the
Bylaws of theTown of Reading to ensure that the peace and tranquility of our
neighborhoods are maintainedand that crime and the fear of crime are reduced.
The department 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 safety mission. 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 in the town.
Department Highlights
We are fully staffed; however, we expecttworetirements in 2025 and will need
to hire to replace those officers.
One officer deployed for over a year is expected to return to duty at the end of
January.
We continued with our public outreach, holding 2 RAD (Womens Self-defense)
classes, a Citizens Police Academy, an annual open house, and a bicycle helmet
citation program, to name a few.
Using drug forfeiture funds, the department purchased a drone and certified
nine officers as operators. The drone was deployed to assist the fire department
with the brush fires this past fall. This unit will assist with locating missing people
and criminal suspects, as well as perimeter securityand other uses.
We continue to focus on training with an emphasis on de-escalation training.
FY26Budget Summary
At the time of this report, we are fully staffed with 46 sworn officers, 11 civilian
dispatchers, 3 administrative staff, 1 parking enforcement officer, 3 Coalition Staff
members, and 15 per-diem school crossing guards.
The most significantincrease to the expense budget is for parking enforcement
software and equipment for the parking enforcement officer and the kiosks. We have
Town of Reading63FY2026 Proposed Budget
a slightincrease in the cruiser line to try and keep up with the rising costs of cruisers
and equipment, a slightincrease to start replacingbatteries for our portable radios,
uniforms, and equipment, and training cost increases.
FY26Budget Police Wages
Town MeetingTown Manager%
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetChangeChange
Police Chief$ 200,132$ 209,801$ 218,600$ 227,100$ 8,5003.9%
Deputy Police Chief$ 158,847$ 170,087$ 177,200$ 191,700$ 14,5008.2%
Police Support Staff$ 162,545$ 169,445$ 176,600$ 183,000$ 6,4003.6%
Parking Enforcement$ 33,993$ 40,082$ 47,500$ 49,200$ 1,7003.6%
Animal Control$ 119,814$ 105,089$ 182,000$ 182,000$ -0.0%
Crossing Guards$ 509,707$ 539,261$ 415,000$ 415,000$ -0.0%
Lieutenants$ 642,336$ 602,226$ 650,000$ 665,300$ 15,3002.4%
Sergeants$ 834,250$ 862,736$ 1,078,935$ 1,081,200$ 2,2650.2%
Patrol Officers$ 2,406,454$ 2,462,630$ 2,582,500$ 2,695,100$112,6004.4%
Detectives$ 722,125$ 654,440$ 786,000$ 829,600$ 43,6005.5%
Training$ -$ -$ 2,500$ 2,500$ -0.0%
Overtime$ 82,404$ 96,607$ 45,000$ 45,000$ -0.0%
Fitness Stipend$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Cell Monitors$ 149,823$ 61,876$ -$ -$ -
Buyback$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
POLICE WAGES $ 6,022,430$ 5,974,279$ 6,361,835$ 6,566,700$204,8653.2%
FY26Budget Police Expenses
Town MeetingTown Manager%
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetChangeChange
Police Cruisers$ 124,000$ 137,259$ 135,000$ 140,000$ 5,0003.7%
Supplies and Equipment$ 41,696$ 42,323$ 38,000$ 38,000$ -0.0%
Equipment Maintenance$ 35,860$ 33,219$ 40,000$ 41,000$ 1,0002.5%
Miscellaneous$ 3,417$ 8,708$ 7,500$ 53,000$ 45,500606.7%
Office Supplies, Equipment$ 31,951$ 18,901$ 24,500$ 19,000$ (5,500)-22.4%
Professional Development$ 47,195$ 56,227$ 58,500$ 59,500$ 1,0001.7%
Uniforms and Clothing$ 21,922$ 19,952$ 22,000$ 23,500$ 1,5006.8%
POLICE EXPENSES $ 306,040$ 316,590$ 325,500$ 374,000$ 48,50014.9%
Town of Reading64FY2026 Proposed Budget
Coalition for Prevention and Support
Department Overview
The Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support continues working with community
partners and residents to develop collaborative approaches and reduce youth
substance abuse. The Coalition promotes a healthy community environment using a
strategic prevention framework to ensure everyone who lives, works or goes to school
in Reading can enjoy an optimum quality of life.
FY26Budget Summary
The Coalition expense budget is level-funded for FY26.
Staff include 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%
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetChangeChange
Coalition Director$ 59,675$ 40,316$ 64,200$ 66,600$ 2,4003.7%
Clinician & Outreach$ 79,052$ 83,792$ 87,300$ 90,500$ 3,2003.7%
Grant Offsets$ 96,485$ 101,849$ 106,100$ 110,000$ 3,9000.0%
COALITION WAGES $ 235,213$ 225,956$ 257,600$ 267,100$ 9,5003.7%
Mental Health Services$ 30,000$ 30,000$ 30,000$ 30,000$ -0.0%
Programs$ 29,886$ 30,883$ 8,000$ 8,000$ -0.0%
Supplies$ 3,531$ 3,387$ 3,250$ 3,250$ -0.0%
Professional Development$ 123$ 480$ 500$ 500$ -0.0%
Grant Offsets$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
COALITION EXPENSES $ 63,540$ 64,750$ 41,750$ 41,750$ -0.0%
Town of Reading65FY2026 Proposed 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 in the Police department but provides 911 Call Management for Police,
Fire/EMS, and regional emergencies as needed.
FY26Budget Summary
The expense budget for dispatch is level-funded for FY26. 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, we receive fundingfrom911 grants
that 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%
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetChangeChange
Head Public Safety Dispatcher$ 542,836$ 572,034$ 633,100$ 674,300$ 41,2006.5%
Public Safety Dispatchers$ 85,916$ 88,822$ 92,400$ 95,900$ 3,5003.8%
Overtime$ 124,573$ 113,847$ 60,000$ 60,000$ -0.0%
Dispatch Temp$ 1,812$ -$ -$ -$ -
Buyback$ 1,058$ 1,008$ -$ -$ -0.0%
E911 Grant Support$ (189,899)$ (117,016)$ (65,000)$ (80,000)$ (15,000)23.1%
DISPATCHER WAGES $ 566,296$ 658,694$ 720,500$ 750,200$ 29,7004.1%
Supplies and Equipment$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Equipment Maintenance$ 12,102$ 13,881$ 13,500$ 13,500$ -0.0%
Professional Services$ 4,998$ 2,235$ 5,000$ 5,000$ -0.0%
Technology$ 7,432$ 14,038$ 12,000$ 12,000$ -0.0%
Professional Development$ 5,057$ 4,694$ 6,000$ 6,000$ -0.0%
Uniforms and Clothing$ 6,459$ 2,240$ 2,500$ 2,500$ -0.0%
DISPATCHER EXPENSES $ 36,047$ 37,088$ 39,000$ 39,000$ -0.0%
Town of Reading66FY2026 Proposed Budget
Finance Department
Department Overview
The Finance Department maintainstimely andaccurate financial records on all financial
activities of the Town. The Finance Department alsoadministers 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 Officerand department head.
FY26Budget Summary
The Finance Departments budget increased by 3.0% compared to the previous year.
Wages are +5.5% over the prior year. The Finance Department staff will receive one
step, ranging between 2.35% and 2.50%, and 1.25% COLA. The primary reason for the
more significant percentage increase is the addition of a full-time Treasury Analyst
duringthe last six months of FY25. Before this, the Finance Department got part-time
temporary help from an Operations Specialist. In FY26, the Operations Specialist
position was eliminated fromthe Administrative Services department, and the $21,000
budgeted for the Operations Specialist was moved to the Finance Department to assist
in funding the new Treasury Analyst position.
In 2022, the Finance Department took full responsibility for the Towns budget. To do
this, the CFO/Town Accountant redistributed work throughout the department so that
she could devote time during budget season to this critical task. The Assistant
CFO/Treasurer is the backup for the budget; however, her role has been more
challenging, as delegating enough work to free up enough time to involve the
Assistant CFO/Treasurer in all the budget compilation tasks proved difficult. In January
2024, a part-time, temporary position was hired to assist with cash reconciliations. This
was very helpful, but it didnt free up enough of the Assistant CFOs time to get involved
in the budget. When the temporary person left in September, the decision was made
to request a full-time position to eliminate the vulnerability of having only one person
familiar with all the budget work and timelines.
Expenses are decreasing by 12.2%; most expense line items are level funded to the
prior year except for the Regional Assessor contract, which is projected to decline by
21.2% in FY26. In FY25, our Regional Assessor was budgeted to be split between two
communities (Wakefield and Reading). The Regional Assessor is now shared between
Town of Reading67FY2026 Proposed Budget
three communities, which decreases Readings share as the expense is now divided
betweenWakefield, Reading, and Lynnfield.
Town MeetingTown Manager%
DivisionsFY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BUDGETFY26 BudgetChangeChange
Accounting$ 339,928$ 369,546$ 397,400$ 411,600$ 14,2003.6%
Assessor$ 148,399$ 163,893$ 194,800$ 175,900$ (18,900)-9.7%
Finance$ 507,223$ 563,087$ 645,950$ 687,700$ 41,7506.5%
Department Total$ 995,550$ 1,096,526$ 1,238,150$ 1,275,200$ 37,0503.0%
Department Highlights
Provides support to Town, School, and Light departments.
In-house payroll for approx. 1,300 employees biweekly; 9,401 quarterly
property tax billing; 22,500 yearly bills -motor vehicle excise billing; 26,000
invoices processed and paid annually; 128,000 cash receipts processed yearly.
Reconciliation of monthly health bills for 1,561 members by person to ensure
accurate deductions and bills.
Cash Management and Reconciliation for the Town, RMLD and Retirement
Wires totaling $143 million and bank transfers totaling $533 million
State and federal reporting including W-2s, 1099s, 1099Rs, 1095Cs,
unemployment filings and quarterly 941s.
Plan administration for nine 403B/457plans
Tax Title management and Foreclosures
Debt management and issuance AAA bond rating
Income and employment verification
Line I91 FY25Finance Wages
Town MeetingTown Manager%
DivisionsFY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BUDGETFY26 BudgetChangeChange
Accounting$ 337,290$ 365,694$ 391,700$ 405,900$ 14,2003.6%
Assessor$ 72,055$ 81,252$ 77,900$ 80,500$ 2,6003.3%
Finance$ 458,157$ 516,400$ 595,900$ 637,200$ 41,3006.9%
Department Wages$ 867,502$ 963,346$ 1,065,500$ 1,123,600$ 58,1005.5%
Town of Reading68FY2026 Proposed Budget
Line I92 FY25Finance Expenses
Town MeetingTown Manager%
DivisionsFY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BUDGETFY26 BudgetChangeChange
Accounting$ 2,638$ 3,853$ 5,700$ 5,700$ -0.0%
Assessor$ 76,344$ 82,641$ 116,900$ 95,400$ (21,500)-18.4%
Finance$ 49,066$ 46,686$ 50,050$ 50,500$ 4500.9%
Department Expenses$ 128,048$ 133,180$ 172,650$ 151,600$ (21,050)-12.2%
Town of Reading69FY2026 Proposed 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 complywith legal requirements and are correctly
recorded on time. The Accounting Division overseesbills 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
complywith Massachusetts General Laws and Regulations.
Division Activities
Met all reporting requirements for Massachusetts DLS and Massachusetts DOR.
Collaborated with the Chief Assessor on setting the annual tax rate set by the
DOR.
Prepared audit deliverables; maintained cleanaudit 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%
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BUDGETFY26 BudgetChangeChange
CFO/Town Accountant$ 136,912$ 152,973$ 159,200$ 165,200$ 6,0003.8%
Asst. Town Accountant$ 77,883$ 86,462$ 94,200$ 97,700$ 3,5003.7%
Support Staff$ 119,555$ 119,568$ 130,300$ 135,000$ 4,7003.6%
Budget Stipend$ -$ 4,615$ 5,000$ 5,000$ -0.0%
Overtime$ 1,360$ 2,074$ 3,000$ 3,000$ -0.0%
Buyback$ 1,579$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Division Wages$ 337,290$ 365,694$ 391,700$ 405,900$ 14,2003.6%
Prof. Development$ 2,638$ 3,853$ 4,900$ 4,900$ -0.0%
Office Supplies$ -$ -$ 800$ 800$ -0.0%
Division Expenses$ 2,638$ 3,853$ 5,700$ 5,700$ -0.0%
Town of Reading70FY2026 Proposed Budget
Assessing Division
Division Overview
Under the law, the Assessment Division must 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 Division provides 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 promptly, reasonably, and equitably, determining the valuation of all real
and personal property 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 revaluation ofall 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 Reading71FY2026 Proposed Budget
Town MeetingTown Manager%
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BUDGETFY26 BudgetChangeChange
Assistant Assessor$ 68,055$ 73,763$ 73,900$ 76,500$ 2,6003.5%
Division Wages$ 68,055$ 73,763$ 73,900$ 76,500$ 2,6003.5%
Regional Assessor$ 65,712$ 68,328$ 92,000$ 72,500$ (19,500)-21.2%
Revaluation$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Appraisals/Inspections$ 8,180$ 10,920$ 18,000$ 16,000$ (2,000)-11.1%
Prof. Development$ 1,984$ 3,208$ 5,300$ 5,300$ -0.0%
Supplies&Mileage$ 468$ 185$ 1,600$ 1,600$ -0.0%
Division Expenses$ 76,344$ 82,641$ 116,900$ 95,400$ (21,500)-18.4%
Town of Reading72FY2026 Proposed 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 those for schools and
recreation).
Treasury is responsible for providing the cash needed to operate all Town, School,
and Light Department functions on a timely basis. It also 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
Compiled theTreasury Procedure Manual
Debt management and issuance
Reconcile health, Dental, and Life insurance
Income and employment verifications
Administration of nine 403B/457 plans
State and federal reporting, including W-2s, 1099s, 1099Rs, 1095Cs,
unemployment reporting and quarterly 941 reporting
Town of Reading73FY2026 Proposed Budget
Town MeetingTown Manager%
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25 BUDGETFY26 BudgetChangeChange
Treasurer/Asst. CFO$ 115,990$ 123,382$ 131,600$ 136,500$ 4,9003.7%
Assistant Treasurer$ 75,371$ 82,337$ 90,000$ 93,000$ 3,0003.3%
Treasury Analyst$ -$ -$ 60,000$ 88,800$ 28,80048.0%
Collector$ 82,430$ 94,134$ 96,500$ 93,200$ (3,300)-3.4%
Support Staff$ 172,795$ 200,869$ 212,300$ 220,200$ 7,9003.7%
Asst Treasurer Stipend$ 3,115$ 3,000$ 3,000$ 3,000$ -0.0%
Overtime$ -$ 360$ 2,500$ 2,500$ -0.0%
Buyback$ 8,456$ 12,319$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Division Wages$ 458,157$ 516,400$ 595,900$ 637,200$ 41,3006.9%
Printing Services$ 14,156$ 25,181$ 17,500$ 17,500$ -0.0%
Banking Services$ 4,336$ 5,143$ 11,600$ 11,600$ -0.0%
Tax Title Services$ 20,905$ 5,670$ 8,500$ 8,500$ -0.0%
Prof. Development$ 3,026$ 3,868$ 6,150$ 6,400$ 2504.1%
Office Supplies$ 6,643$ 6,825$ 6,300$ 6,500$ 2003.2%
Division Expenses$ 49,066$ 46,686$ 50,050$ 50,500$ 4500.9%
Town of Reading74FY2026 Proposed 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 comprises 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 Stormwater).
FY26Budget Summary
The Department of Public Works FY26 budget increased by .9%. Full-time staffing
positions remain unchanged.
Department Highlights
Received grants from several agencies including:
MIIA: Automated Risk Management Grant ($9.5K)
o Electric Vehicle Maintenance Course; New headsets for Forestry Division
DCR: FY25 Community Woodland Grant ($10K)
o Removal of dead red pine trees in Town Forest, Phase 4
MassDEP: Sustainable Materials Recovery Program: ($4,550)
Department Milestones:
Completion of Auburn Street water tank.
Completion of Gazebo Circle water booster station.
Completion of Maillet Somes Morgan stormwater project.
Completion of Downtown traffic signal improvements funded through
MassDOT Local Bottleneck Reduction Program.
Completion of Auburn Streetand Parkview Avenuesidewalks and curbing
improvements funded through the MassDOT Complete Streets Program.
Tree City USAfor the 39th consecutive year.
Town of Reading75FY2026 Proposed Budget
Planted 101 shade trees.
365 trees trimmed.
163 trees removed (44 Ash trees).
25,177 cars visited the Compost Center.
20,000 Holiday Lighting bulbs.
4.7 miles of roads resurfaced.
Over 0.5 miles of sidewalk resurfaced.
Over 175 Dig Safe mark outs.
200+ repairs/services for Town/School vehicles.
Completed NPDES annual permit assessment.
Maintained:
111 miles of water main.
7,866 residential, 240 commercial and 71 municipal water connections.
75 miles of traffic markings.
80 acres of grass and 16 tennis/basketball courts.
3,000 catch basins.
70 miles of the Towns drainage pipes.
12 sewer pump stations.
FY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26FY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Administration$ 449,075$ 512,468$ 486,400$ 502,500$ 16,1003.3%
Engineering$ 564,378$ 455,968$ 558,700$ 610,100$ 51,4009.2%
Highway & Equipment$ 1,627,702$ 1,668,499$ 1,846,300$ 1,914,695$ 68,3953.7%
Storm Water (Genl Fund)$ 114,130$ 140,291$ 177,300$ 178,200$ 9000.5%
Forestry*$ 314,665$ 359,427$ 604,300$ 481,250$(123,050)-20.4%
Parks & Cemetery*$ 552,149$ 645,706$ 712,100$ 737,040$ 24,9403.5%
DPW OPERATIONS TOTALS$ 3,622,100$ 3,782,359$ 4,385,100$ 4,423,785$ 38,6850.9%
Snow/Ice$ 697,618$ 609,951$ 675,000$ 675,000$ -0.0%
Traffic/Street Lighting$ 101,476$ 101,780$ 135,000$ 135,000$ -0.0%
Rubbish & Recycling$ 1,814,183$ 1,886,901$ 2,141,278$ 2,200,041$ 58,7632.7%
SNOW/LIGHT/RUBBISH TOTALS$ 2,613,277$ 2,598,632$ 2,951,278$ 3,010,041$ 58,7632.0%
DEPARTMENT TOTALS$ 6,235,376$ 6,380,991$ 7,336,378$ 7,433,826$ 97,4481.3%
Town of Reading76FY2026 Proposed Budget
Line K91 FY26Public Works Wages
FY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26FY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Administration$ 432,079$ 493,912$ 467,900$ 482,500$ 14,6003.1%
Engineering$ 484,583$ 434,045$ 504,700$ 546,100$ 41,4008.2%
Highway & Equipment$ 889,825$ 931,888$ 1,031,500$ 1,086,800$ 55,3005.4%
Storm Water (GenlFd)$ 112,387$ 137,984$ 174,300$ 175,200$ 9000.5%
Forestry*$ 256,589$ 295,357$ 382,300$ 401,250$ 18,9505.0%
Parks & Cemetery*$ 519,059$ 601,786$ 659,000$ 683,800$ 24,8003.8%
DPW OPERATIONS WAGES$ 2,694,522$ 2,894,971$ 3,219,700$ 3,375,650$ 155,9504.8%
Snow/Ice$ 177,325$ 141,466$ 130,000$ 135,000$ 5,0003.8%
Traffic/Street Lighting$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Rubbish & Recycling$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
SNOW/LIGHT/RUBBISH WAGES$ 177,325$ 141,466$ 130,000$ 135,000$ 5,0003.8%
DEPARTMENT WAGES$ 2,871,847$ 3,036,438$ 3,349,700$ 3,510,650$ 160,9504.8%
ΫĭŷğƓŭĻ źƓ ŭƩƚǒƦźƓŭ ŅƩƚƒ ƦƩĻǝźƚǒƭ ǤĻğƩƭ
Line K92 FY25 Public Works Expenses
FY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26FY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Administration$ 16,996$ 18,556$ 18,500$ 20,000$ 1,5008.1%
Engineering$ 79,795$ 21,924$ 54,000$ 64,000$ 10,00018.5%
Highway & Equipment$ 737,876$ 736,612$ 814,800$ 827,895$ 13,0951.6%
Storm Water (GenlFd)$ 1,744$ 2,307$ 3,000$ 3,000$ -0.0%
Forestry*$ 58,076$ 64,069$ 222,000$ 80,000$(142,000)-64.0%
Parks & Cemetery*$ 33,090$ 43,920$ 53,100$ 53,240$ 1400.3%
DPW OPERATIONS EXPENSES$ 927,578$ 887,388$ 1,165,400$ 1,048,135$(117,265)-10.1%
Snow/Ice$ 520,293$ 468,485$ 545,000$ 540,000$ (5,000)-0.9%
Traffic/Street Lighting$ 101,476$ 101,780$ 135,000$ 135,000$ -0.0%
Rubbish & Recycling$ 1,814,183$ 1,886,901$ 2,141,278$ 2,200,041$ 58,7632.7%
SNOW/LIGHT/RUBBISH EXP.$ 2,435,951$ 2,457,165$ 2,821,278$ 2,875,041$ 53,7631.9%
DEPARTMENT EXPENSES$ 3,363,529$ 3,344,553$ 3,986,678$ 3,923,176$ (63,502)-1.6%
ΫĭŷğƓŭĻ źƓ ŭƩƚǒƦźƓŭ ŅƩƚƒ ƦƩĻǝźƚǒƭ ǤĻğƩƭ
Line K93 Snow & Ice; Line K94 Traffic/Street Lighting; Line K95
Rubbish & Recycling
Snow and Ice Funding is level-fundedand 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.
Town of Reading77FY2026 Proposed Budget
Traffic and Street Lighting arelevel funded. The Town continues to work with RMLD
on efficiency improvements.
The town signed a five-year rubbish disposal contract with Covanta (now Re-World)
that expires June 30, 2025. The town is currently obtaining pricing for a subsequent
agreement that will commence on July 1, 2025. The Town has negotiated the next
contract to show savings in FY26, which will go up no more than 4% yearly.Although
the Select Board has not formally accepted this contract, these figures were
incorporated into the budget.
In 2016, the town signed a 10-year contract with JRM (now Republic Services) for
Rubbish and Recycling collection at a +3% annual charge. The contract includes bulk
pickup, leaf collections, rigid plastics events, metal collection, and paper shredding,
whichexpires on June 30, 2026.
FY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26FY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Snow and Ice Regular Wages$ 28,746$ 34,948$ 30,000$ 35,000$ 5,00016.7%
Snow and Ice Overtime$ 148,579$ 106,518$ 100,000$ 100,000$ -0.0%
SNOW AND ICE WAGES$ 177,325$ 141,466$ 130,000$ 135,000$ 5,0003.8%
Snow / Ice Plowing & Hauling $ 79,527$ 130,454$ 215,000$ 215,000$ -0.0%
Snow / Ice Supplies/Equip.$ 325,443$ 202,367$ 250,000$ 235,000$ (15,000)-6.0%
Snow / Ice Fuel$ 71,826$ 52,357$ 45,000$ 55,000$ 10,00022.2%
Snow & Ice Meal Tickets $ 8,997$ 8,940$ 10,000$ 10,000$ -0.0%
Snow / Ice Police Details $ -$ 2,367$ 10,000$ 10,000$ -0.0%
Street Sweeping $ 34,500$ 72,000$ 15,000$ 15,000$ -0.0%
SNOW AND ICE EXPENSES$ 520,293$ 468,485$ 545,000$ 540,000$ (5,000)-0.9%
SNOW AND ICE$ 697,618$ 609,951$ 675,000$ 675,000$ -0.0%
Traffic Light Electricity $ 5,405$ 5,890$ 10,000$ 10,000$ -0.0%
Streetlight Electricity $ 95,647$ 95,477$ 105,000$ 105,000$ -0.0%
Street Light Maint. & Repair $ 424$ 413$ 20,000$ 20,000$ -0.0%
TRAFFIC/STR LIGHT$ 101,476$ 101,780$ 135,000$ 135,000$ -0.0%
Rubbish Collection$ 797,868$ 827,846$ 992,450$ 1,055,544$ 63,0946.4%
Solid Waste Disposal$ 638,514$ 666,483$ 715,078$ 654,217$ (60,861)-8.5%
Curbside Recycling $ 343,728$ 352,556$ 355,350$ 402,472$ 47,12213.3%
Misc. Recycling $ 34,073$ 40,016$ 78,400$ 87,808$ 9,40812.0%
RUBBISH/RECYCLING$ 1,814,183$ 1,886,901$ 2,141,278$ 2,200,041$ 58,7632.7%
Town of Reading78FY2026 Proposed 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, and spring and fall mailers for
recycling events.
FY26Budget Summary
The staffing levelremains unchanged. Professional Development was increased, as
this expense covers all professional development for all Public Works divisions funded
through the General Fund.
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
Waste Zero (Simple Recycling Program)
Black Earth Composting Program
Quarterly newsletters to residents
Spring and Fall mailer to residents
Mattress Recycling Program
FY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26FY25-26
DPW AdministrationFY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
DPW Director$ 138,694$ 204,695$ 137,100$ 142,400$ 5,3003.9%
Assistant DPW Director$ 110,157$ 71,242$ 122,100$ 123,700$ 1,6001.3%
Support Staff$ 182,979$ 189,630$ 206,700$ 214,400$ 7,7003.7%
Overtime$ 248$ 413$ 2,000$ 2,000$ -0.0%
Buyback$ -$ 27,932$ -$ -$ -0.0%
DIVISION WAGES$ 432,079$ 493,912$ 467,900$ 482,500$ 14,6003.1%
Advertising$ 4,659$ 3,851$ 2,500$ 2,500$ -0.0%
Supplies and Equipment$ 9,744$ 4,519$ 8,000$ 8,000$ -0.0%
Professional Development$ 2,593$ 10,186$ 8,000$ 9,500$ 1,50018.8%
DIVISION EXPENSES$ 16,996$ 18,556$ 18,500$ 20,000$ 1,5008.1%
Town of Reading79FY2026 Proposed Budget
Engineering Division
Division Overview
The Engineering division is responsible forpreparing plans, specifications, estimates,
survey layout, inspection and supervision of town construction projects, reviewing site
plans for accuracy/conformance with subdivision regulations, reviewing Conservation
submittals, maintaining all traffic markings/signals, and issuing/complying with utility,
street opening, Jackies law permits, and Dig Safe mark outs.
FY26Budget Summary
Staffinglevelsremain unchanged. Increases in wages follow contractual obligations.
Expenses for traffic control repairs and police details were both increased.
Division Activities
Annual Road Paving: Approximately 4.7 miles of roadway resurfaced
Line Painting
NPDES Annual Permit
FY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26FY25-26
EngineeringFY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Town Engineer$ 119,424$ 124,114$ 129,600$ 137,000$ 7,4005.7%
Asst. Town Engineer$ -$ -$ -$ 109,000$ 109,000
Senior/Civil Engineers$ 263,139$ 213,500$ 276,200$ 193,900$ (82,300)-29.8%
Field Tech/Surveyor$ 81,518$ 82,722$ 86,400$ 91,500$ 5,1005.9%
Overtime$ 8,693$ 13,245$ 12,000$ 14,000$ 2,00016.7%
Out of Grade$ 375$ 465$ 500$ 700$ 20040.0%
Buyback$ 11,434$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
DIVISION WAGES$ 484,583$ 434,045$ 504,700$ 546,100$ 41,2008.2%
Traffic Control Repairs $ 16,571$ 27,087$ 25,000$ 30,000$ 5,00020.0%
Professional Services$ 50,460$ (17,835)$ 3,000$ 3,000$ -0.0%
Supplies and Equipment$ 7,447$ 7,867$ 14,000$ 14,000$ -0.0%
Police Details$ 5,318$ 4,804$ 12,000$ 17,000$ 5,00041.7%
DIVISION EXPENSES$ 79,795$ 21,924$ 54,000$ 64,000$ 10,00018.5%
Town of Reading80FY2026 Proposed 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.
FY26Budget Summary
While staffing levels remain unchanged, salaries are increasing due to contractual
obligations. Police details, equipment maintenance,and fuel expenses were all
increased.
Division Activities
Street sweeping, signage, and tree lawn repair
Repairs and cleaning of over 3,000 catch basins
Roadside cutting
Sidewalk/curbing maintenance and installation
Street maintenance, pothole repair
Repairs and services for over 200 pieces of equipment Town-wide
Oversight of rubbish and recycling, including the rubbish and recycling cart
rollout in April 2025
Town of Reading81FY2026 Proposed Budget
FY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26FY25-26
Highway & EquipmentFY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Highway/St. Water Supervisor$ 75,012$ 77,659$ 81,100$ 85,700$ 4,6005.7%
Managing/Working Foreperson$ 180,407$ 199,948$ 216,300$ 229,200$ 12,9006.0%
Senior/Junior Operators$ 225,940$ 258,431$ 360,400$ 318,300$ (42,100)-11.7%
Laborers$ 111,622$ 52,282$ -$ 53,400$ 53,4000.0%
Mechanics$ 215,006$ 253,206$ 292,700$ 309,200$ 16,5005.6%
Out of Grade$ 512$ 2,322$ 6,000$ 6,000$ -0.0%
Overtime/On Call$ 76,717$ 88,039$ 75,000$ 85,000$ 10,00013.3%
Buyback$ 4,609$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
DIVISION WAGES$ 889,825$ 931,888$ 1,031,500$ 1,086,800$ 55,3005.4%
Equipment Parts & Maint.$ 244,613$ 241,949$ 235,000$ 238,000$ 3,0001.3%
Outsourced Repairs$ 133,414$ 128,111$ 150,000$ 150,000$ -0.0%
Fuel$ 211,858$ 171,979$ 230,000$ 235,000$ 5,0002.2%
Line Painting$ 64,221$ 86,907$ 90,000$ 90,000$ -0.0%
Road and Sidewalk Repairs$ 42,472$ 54,432$ 55,000$ 55,000$ -0.0%
Supplies and Equipment$ 21,508$ 26,119$ 24,000$ 24,000$ -0.0%
Outsourced Services$ 2,755$ 2,110$ 10,000$ 10,000$ -0.0%
Police Details$ 12,404$ 20,580$ 16,000$ 21,000$ 5,00031.3%
Utilities/Licenses$ 4,631$ 4,425$ 4,800$ 4,895$ 952.0%
DIVISION EXPENSES$ 737,876$ 736,612$ 814,800$ 827,895$ 13,0951.6%
Town of Reading82FY2026 Proposed Budget
Storm Water Division
Division Overview
This division contains all the Town's stormwater-related work before creating the
Enterprise Fund.
FY26Budget Summary
Note that both the Supervisor position, a Foreperson position,and a Mechanics
position are shared with the Highway division. Staffing levels remain unchanged;
salariesare 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.
FY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26FY25-26
Storm Water (GF)FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Highway/St. Water Supervisor$ 18,767$ 19,415$ 20,300$ 21,500$ 1,2005.9%
Managing/Working Foreperson$ 15,017$ 15,230$ 16,200$ 17,000$ 8004.9%
Senior/Junior Operators$ 64,390$ 57,495$ 71,800$ 66,500$ (5,300)-7.4%
Laborers$ -$ 31,430$ 49,800$ 53,400$ 3,6007.2%
Mechanics$ 6,551$ 7,018$ 7,700$ 8,300$ 6007.8%
Out of Grade$ -$ -$ 1,500$ 1,500$ -0.0%
Overtime/On Call$ 7,397$ 5,231$ 7,000$ 7,000$ -0.0%
Buyback$ 265$ 2,166$ -$ -$ -0.0%
DIVISION WAGES$ 112,387$ 137,984$ 174,300$ 175,200$ 9000.5%
Supplies and Equipment$ 1,744$ 2,307$ 3,000$ 3,000$ -0.0%
DIVISION EXPENSES$ 1,744$ 2,307$ 3,000$ 3,000$ -0.0%
Town of Reading83FY2026 Proposed 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. It assistsConservation with
tree maintenance in various resource areas.
FY26Budget Summary
Staffinglevelsremain unchanged. Increases in wages follow contractual obligations.
Police details, stump/brush disposal, and shade tree purchases increased. The
reduction in Prof. Services and Repairs was due to special project funding approved in
FY25 for dead tree removal / invasive plant management in the Town Forest.
Division Activities
Oversight of all town trees: planting, trimming, and removal. In 2024, 101 trees were
planted by Town staff as street trees and in parks, schools, and cemeteries. There were
365 trees trimmed and 163 tree removals (44 Ash Trees). The Division is also
responsible for all Holiday lighting on the Town Common(over 20,000 bulbs).
FY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26FY25-26
Forestry*FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Pks./Frst. Cem. Supervisor$ 48,262$ 49,993$ 52,200$ 55,200$ 3,0005.7%
Managing/Working Foreperson$ 103,893$ 83,283$ 162,000$ 161,800$ (200)-0.1%
Senior/Junior Opers/Tr. Clmbr.$ 68,131$ 131,914$ 143,600$ 151,000$ 7,4005.2%
Laborers$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Seasonal Staff$ 18,657$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Out of Grade$ 204$ 300$ 3,250$ 3,250$ -100.0%
Overtime/On Call$ 16,909$ 29,867$ 21,250$ 30,000$ 8,75041.2%
Buyback$ 533$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
DIVISION WAGES$ 256,589$ 295,357$ 382,300$ 401,250$ 18,9505.0%
Supplies and Equipment$ 10,600$ 7,466$ 13,500$ 13,500$ -0.0%
Prof. Svc. and Repairs$ 13,017$ 18,080$ 172,000$ 22,000$(150,000)-87.2%
Shade Trees$ 17,959$ 18,164$ 16,000$ 17,000$ 1,0006.3%
Stump/Brush Disposal$ 7,500$ 9,700$ 12,000$ 14,000$ 2,00016.7%
Police Details$ 6,816$ 8,251$ 7,000$ 12,000$ 5,00071.4%
Utilities/Licenses$ 2,184$ 2,409$ 1,500$ 1,500$ -0.0%
Revolving Fund Support$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
DIVISION EXPENSES$ 58,076$ 64,069$ 222,000$ 80,000$(142,000)-64.0%
ΫtğƩƉƭ ƒƚǝĻķ źƓ ǞźƷŷ /ĻƒĻƷĻƩǤ
Town of Reading84FY2026 Proposed Budget
Parks/Cemetery Division
Division Overview
The Parks/Cemetery Division operates four town-owned cemeteriesandvarious Parks,
which consist of 80 acres of grassed area throughout town, 16 tennis and basketball
courts, 11 tot lots, 6 skating rinks, and 13 ballfields.
FY26 Budget Summary
Staffinglevelsremain unchanged. Increases in wages follow contractual obligations.
The Supervisor position is shared between the Parks/Cemetery and Forestry Divisions.
The Managing Foreperson and the Working Foreperson positions are shared between
Parks and Cemetery. A Veterans Trust Fund supports annual flowers for Memorial Day.
Trust fund support also pays a portion of seasonal wages.
Division Activities
Funeral Arrangements (16,121 total burials); 124 Interments; 36 Lot sales
Grounds maintenance (51 acres)
Set Markers/Set foundations for headstones
Record keeping
Assist with Memorial Day preparations
Oversight of the Compost Center
FY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26FY25-26
Parks/Cemetery*FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Pks./Frst. Cem. Supervisor$ 48,318$ 49,993$ 52,200$ 55,200$ 3,0005.7%
Managing/Working Foreperson$ 142,114$ 148,264$ 157,900$ 166,100$ 8,2005.2%
Senior/Junior Opers/Tr. Clmbr.$ 276,564$ 318,151$ 417,600$ 381,900$ (35,700)-8.5%
Laborers$ 132,515$ 55,324$ 52,300$ 101,600$ 49,30094.3%
Seasonal Staff$ 12,986$ 19,855$ 61,500$ 61,500$ -0.0%
Overtime$ 46,563$ 49,689$ 37,500$ 37,500$ -0.0%
Buyback$ -$ 510$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Revolving Fund Support$ (140,000)$ (40,000)$ (120,000)$ (120,000)$ -0.0%
DIVISION WAGES$ 519,059$ 601,786$ 659,000$ 683,800$ 24,8003.8%
Supplies and Equipment$ 33,737$ 31,636$ 36,000$ 36,000$ -0.0%
Repairs$ 11,541$ 3,562$ 14,000$ 14,000$ -0.0%
Lot Repurchase$ -$ 12,100$ 2,000$ 2,000$ -0.0%
Fuel$ 7,706$ 7,571$ 10,000$ 10,000$ -0.0%
Utilities/Licenses$ 9,106$ 9,051$ 11,100$ 11,240$ 1401.3%
Veterans Flowers$ -$ -$ 4,700$ 4,700$ -0.0%
Trust/Revolving Fund Support$ (29,000)$ (20,000)$ (24,700)$ (24,700)$ -0.0%
DIVISION EXPENSES$ 33,090$ 43,920$ 53,100$ 53,240$ 1400.3%
Town of Reading85FY2026 Proposed Budget
Reading Public Library
Department Overview
FY26 will be the first of a new five-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
Building Community, Creating Connections.
Reading Public Librarys mission is to connect all people with opportunities to
grow and learn and to provide resources to support a welcoming and engaged
community.
Core Values
Education: To help all people reach their full potential.
Equity:Ensuring everyone has the opportunity and support to participate fully
in society while maintaining their authentic identities.
Access:Providing open access and reducing barriers to services and resources.
Accountability:Sharing collective responsibility for addressing challenges and
building a just community.
Town of Reading86FY2026 Proposed Budget
FY26Budget 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
Support of Town-wide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts
FY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26FY25-26
DivisionsFY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Administration$ 837,326$ 853,784$ 895,300$ 935,300$ 40,0004.5%
Public Services$ 647,893$ 671,628$ 779,400$ 787,400$ 8,0001.0%
Collection Services$ 488,271$ 528,987$ 506,450$ 537,350$ 30,9006.1%
LIBRARY TOTALS$ 1,973,490$ 2,054,399$ 2,181,150$ 2,260,050$ 78,9003.6%
Department Highlights
In FY24, the Library was open for52 weeks for 3,602hours. 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, research support,basic
onsite and virtual services, and collections instruction.
The library averages over 14,000 visitors monthly. In addition to being a welcoming
space for studying, work, and leisure reading, visitors attended over 700programs in
FY24.These programs ranged from intimate one-to-one genealogy sessions to large
community cultural events, including the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, 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 FY24, the physical and digital collections had
over half a million uses, 342,198physical circulations, and 194,476electronic content
interactions.
Town of Reading87FY2026 Proposed Budget
Library WagesL91 (+3.2%)and Library ExpensesL92 (+5.4%)
FY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26FY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Administration$ 437,876$ 446,909$ 468,400$ 485,300$ 16,9003.6%
Public Services$ 647,893$ 671,628$ 779,400$ 787,400$ 8,0001.0%
Collection Services$ 488,271$ 528,987$ 506,450$ 537,350$ 30,9006.1%
LIBRARY WAGES$ 1,574,040$ 1,647,524$ 1,754,250$ 1,810,050$ 55,8003.2%
Administration$ 399,450$ 406,875$ 426,900$ 450,000$ 23,1005.4%
Public Services$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Collection Services$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
LIBRARY EXPENSES$ 399,450$ 406,875$ 426,900$ 450,000$ 23,1005.4%
Salaries account for 80% of the Library budget. Our employees are our greatest asset,
and the FY26salary budget request includes a Step + 1.25% COLA. The overall salary
increase is +3.2%. All Library staff are non-union.
Existing expense lines increase by +1.4%. However, a new expense line for the Office
of Equity brings L92's change to +5.4 %.
New Budget: Office of Equity Expenses($17,000)*
The Office of Equity works to make Reading welcoming for all residents but operates
with one staff member, the Director. This structure limits the implementation of the
2023 DEI Assessment recommendations and creates program delivery risks.
The requested funds would support program coordination, training, data collection,
and materials development. This investment will expand the office's capacity to serve
employees and residents while reducing institutional risks from staff burnout and
delayed initiatives.
Beyond direct benefits like improved cultural competency and service accessibility, this
funding can reduce costs through lower turnover, fewer discrimination claims, and
more efficient operations. The investment strengthens Reading's commitment to
servingall community members.
*$6500 of existing funds transferred from Programs, $10,500 new funds.
Town of Reading88FY2026 Proposed Budget
Administration Division
The Administration Division overseesthe Library's overall management, finance,
communications, and strategic planning functions.This budget reflects the Office of
Equity as part of the Administration Division. The Office of Equity is an inward and
outward-facing position that works with Town departments and the Reading
community to foster a culture of diversity, belonging, and inclusion.
SALARIES(+3.6%)
The Administration budget includes expectedincreases and adjustments for the
Administrative Assistant and the Director for Equity.
FY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26FY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Library Director $ 116,315$ 120,764$ 126,000$ 130,800$ 4,8003.8%
Library Assistant Director $ 82,352$ 90,422$ 94,300$ 97,900$ 3,6003.8%
Dir of Equity & Social Justice$ 78,813$ 71,166$ 92,300$ 95,600$ 3,3003.6%
Communications Specialist$ 41,784$ 44,689$ 44,900$ 46,500$ 1,6003.6%
Support Staff$ 93,902$ 102,320$ 100,900$ 104,500$ 3,6003.6%
Library Substitutes $ 23,010$ 13,198$ 10,000$ 10,000$ -0.0%
Library OT$ -$ 18$ -$ -$ -
Sick/Vacation Buyback $ 1,700$ 4,333$ -$ -$ -0.0%
ADMINISTRATION WAGES$ 437,876$ 446,909$ 468,400$ 485,300$ 16,9003.6%
EXPENSES(+5.4%)
This expense includes a modest increase for existing funds and one new expenseline
for the Office of Equity. Please see above for more details.
FY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26FY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Library Materials $ 263,370$ 277,255$ 283,900$ 294,000$ 10,1003.6%
Equipment Contract/Repair $ 18,330$ 22,929$ 23,000$ 24,000$ 1,0004.3%
Software License & Support$ 67,334$ 65,342$ 70,500$ 74,000$ 3,5005.0%
Technology Supplies $ 10,313$ 6,833$ 11,000$ 9,000$ (2,000)-18.2%
General Supplies$ 13,081$ 10,902$ 14,000$ 14,000$ -0.0%
Professional Development$ 17,016$ 20,513$ 14,000$ 14,000$ -0.0%
OESJ Professonial Services$ -$ -$ -$ 17,000$ 17,000
Library Programs $ 10,006$ 3,101$ 10,500$ 4,000$ (6,500)-61.9%
LIBRARY EXPENSES$ 399,450$ 406,875$ 426,900$ 450,000$ 23,1005.4%
Town of Reading89FY2026 Proposed Budget
Public Services Division(+1.0%)
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, readersadvisory, one-to-
one instruction, technology assistance, homebound services, and support for Reading
Public Schools. This budget reflects 10 staffing hours moved from Public Services to
Collections Services. The net number of staffing hours for RPL is the same.
FY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26FY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Public Services Division Head$ 80,747$ 69,481$ 84,100$ 87,200$ 3,1003.7%
Librarian II$ 132,821$ 138,504$ 148,700$ 154,200$ 5,5003.7%
Librarian$ 408,195$ 437,321$ 463,900$ 460,400$ (3,500)
Support Staff$ -$ 4,541$ 49,700$ 51,600$ 1,9000.0%
Sunday Hours$ 26,129$ 21,782$ 33,000$ 34,000$ 1,0003.0%
1.0%
PUBLIC SERVICES WAGES$ 647,893$ 671,628$ 779,400$ 787,400$ 8,000
Collection Services Division(+6.1%)
The Collection Services Division is responsible for acquiring and accessingall
materials. Materials include all physical and digital items 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.This budget reflects 10
staffing hours moved from Public Services to Collections Services. The net number of
staffing hours for RPL is the same.
FY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26FY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Collection Services Division Head$ 87,402$ 90,675$ 94,500$ 97,900$ 3,4003.6%
Librarian II$ 58,908$ 72,267$ 76,100$ 78,900$ 2,8003.7%
Librarian I$ 31,046$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Support Staff$ 298,222$ 348,116$ 322,600$ 346,900$ 24,3007.5%
Sunday Hours$ 12,693$ 17,929$ 13,250$ 13,650$ 4003.0%
COLLECTION SERVICES WAGES$ 488,271$ 528,987$ 506,450$ 537,350$ 30,9006.1%
Town of Reading90FY2026 Proposed 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
of all buildings every day; 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
FY26Budget Summary
The 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 on as one bottom-line figure by Town Meeting.
In FY26, Core Facilitiesbudgets show a 3.4% increase, and Town Buildings budgets
show a 3% increase.
Town of Reading91FY2026 Proposed Budget
FY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26FY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Core Facilities (M91)$ 2,994,676$ 3,301,955$ 3,938,760$ 4,072,431$ 133,6713.4%
Town Buildings (M92)$ 359,464$ 364,711$ 378,450$ 389,936$ 11,4863.0%
School Buildings ƭĻĻ {ĭŷƚƚƌ .ǒķŭĻƷ
FACILITIES DEPT. TOTALS$ 3,354,140$ 3,666,666$ 4,317,210$ 4,462,367$ 145,1573.4%
Core Facilities$ 671,199$ 689,527$ 748,500$ 780,600$ 32,1004.3%
Town Buildings$ 249,590$ 243,155$ 267,500$ 271,800$ 4,3001.6%
School Buildings ƭĻĻ {ĭŷƚƚƌ .ǒķŭĻƷ
FACILITIES DEPT. WAGES TOTAL$ 920,789$ 932,683$ 1,016,000$ 1,052,400$ 36,4003.6%
Core Facilities$ 2,323,476$ 2,612,428$ 3,190,260$ 3,291,831$ 101,5713.2%
Town Buildings$ 109,874$ 121,556$ 110,950$ 118,136$ 7,1866.5%
School Buildings ƭĻĻ {ĭŷƚƚƌ .ǒķŭĻƷ
FACILITIES DEPT. EXPENSES TOTALS$ 2,433,351$ 2,733,984$ 3,301,210$ 3,409,967$ 108,7573.3%
Line M91: Core Facilities
Wages
FY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26FY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Facilities Director $ 150,691$ 156,416$ 163,000$ 169,300$ 6,3003.9%
Facilities Assistant Director $ 110,977$ 117,520$ 122,500$ 127,200$ 4,7003.8%
Facilites Support Staff$ 72,871$ 75,608$ 78,700$ 81,600$ 2,9003.7%
Maintenance Staff$ 314,860$ 321,491$ 348,000$ 366,200$ 18,2005.2%
Overtime$ 21,800$ 18,492$ 36,300$ 36,300$ -0.0%
Buyback$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
CORE FACILITIES WAGES$ 671,199$ 689,527$ 748,500$ 780,600$ 32,1004.3%
Expenses
FY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26FY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Core Energy Expenses$ 1,492,879$ 1,513,131$ 2,198,300$ 2,226,365$ 28,0651.3%
Core Maint. & Repairs$ 476,625$ 534,079$ 435,120$ 455,930$ 20,8104.8%
Core HVAC Expenses$ 66,583$ 132,388$ 238,560$ 246,109$ 7,5493.2%
Core Plumbing Expenses$ 33,612$ 46,422$ 31,500$ 31,500$ -0.0%
Core Electrical Expenses$ 14,374$ 18,142$ 44,500$ 44,500$ -0.0%
Core Elevator Expenses$ 35,073$ 39,443$ 59,400$ 79,000$ 19,60033.0%
Core Alarm Expenses$ 122,476$ 121,523$ 84,900$ 106,377$ 21,47725.3%
Core Fire Equip. Expenses$ 4,825$ 29,515$ 35,000$ 35,000$ -0.0%
Core Pest Mgmt. Expenses$ 15,062$ 18,072$ 14,280$ 18,350$ 4,07028.5%
Core Misc$ 61,969$ 159,713$ 48,700$ 48,700$ -0.0%
CORE FACILITIES EXPENSES$ 2,323,476$ 2,612,428$ 3,190,260$ 3,291,831$ 101,5713.2%
Town of Reading92FY2026 Proposed Budget
Energy Budgets
FY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26FY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
School Bldg. Electricity$ 526,859$ 533,713$ 820,200$ 820,200$ -0.0%
Town Bldg. Electricity$ 207,505$ 204,199$ 272,800$ 272,800$ -0.0%
Conservation-Electric$ 10,156$ 17,127$ 12,000$ 17,127$ 5,12742.7%
ELECTRICITY EXPENSES$ 744,520$ 755,039$ 1,105,000$ 1,110,127$ 5,1270.5%
School Bldg. Natural Gas$ 426,873$ 470,061$ 661,804$ 675,000$ 13,1962.0%
Town Bldg. Natural Gas$ 112,716$ 100,364$ 216,996$ 221,376$ 4,3802.0%
NATURAL GAS EXPENSES$ 539,589$ 570,425$ 878,800$ 896,376$ 17,5762.0%
School Bldg. Wtr/Swr/Stwtr.$ 179,648$ 160,553$ 179,700$ 184,192$ 4,4922.5%
Town Bldg. Wtr/Swr/Stwtr.$ 29,121$ 27,113$ 34,800$ 35,670$ 8702.5%
W/S/SW EXPENSES$ 208,770$ 187,667$ 214,500$ 219,862$ 5,3622.5%
ENERGY EXPENSES TOTALS$ 1,492,879$ 1,513,131$ 2,198,300$ 2,226,365$ 28,0651.3%
Line M92: Town Buildings
Wages
FY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26FY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Custodians$ 206,013$ 217,615$ 240,000$ 244,300$ 4,3001.8%
Buyback$ 12,496$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Overtime$ 31,081$ 25,540$ 27,500$ 27,500$ -0.0%
TOWN BLDG. WAGES$ 249,590$ 243,155$ 267,500$ 271,800$ 4,3001.6%
Expenses
FY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26FY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown Manager$ Change% Change
Outsourced Cleaning Services$ 91,280$ 93,120$ 93,725$ 100,911$ 7,1867.7%
Building Supplies$ 18,306$ 24,436$ 12,225$ 12,225$ -0.0%
Other$ 288$ 4,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ -0.0%
TOWN BLDG. EXPENSES$ 109,874$ 121,556$ 110,950$ 118,136$ 7,1866.5%
TOWN FACILITIES BUDGET$ 359,464$ 364,711$ 378,450$ 389,936$ 11,4863.0%
Town of Reading93FY2026 Proposed Budget
School Department Budget
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Enterprise Funds
Water Enterprise Fund
FY26Budget
Water Supply is responsible for the administrative management, operation, technical
support, maintenance, and security of the drinking water supply byall Federal, State,
and local regulations. Water Distribution maintains and operatesthe municipal water
distribution system following industry standards and all applicable laws. In addition,
this division oversees water meter installation, repair and meter reading, and the
maintenance of all fire hydrants.
Local costs are projected to increase by 4.7% in FY26, while theFY26MWRA
assessment is estimated to growby 3.0%.Overall, the gross budget is up 4.2% over
the prior year.
WATER ENTERPRISE FUNDFY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 actualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Wages$ 811,447$ 801,359$ 913,000$ 945,9003.6%
Overhead Expenses$ 483,711$ 510,808$ 641,500$ 664,2873.6%
Operational Expenses$ 368,135$ 335,641$ 525,500$ 765,50045.7%
General Fund Support$ 654,910$ 681,107$ 708,370$ 733,1633.5%
Water Operational Costs$ 2,318,204$ 2,328,915$ 2,788,370$ 3,108,85011.5%
Capital$ -$ (542,611)$ 635,000$ 725,00014.2%
Debt$ 2,730,790$ 3,140,100$ 2,635,500$ 2,512,325-4.7%
Water Local Costs$ 5,048,993$ 4,926,403$ 6,058,870$ 6,346,1754.7%
MWRA Assessment$ 2,807,828$ 2,826,508$ 2,981,129$ 3,070,5633.0%
Water Gross Costs$ 7,856,821$ 7,752,911$ 9,039,999$ 9,416,7384.2%
ARPA Grant Support - -
Use of Financial Reserves (FY26 pending Select Board vote)$ (1,160,000)$ (1,700,000)46.6%
Water Net Costs$ 7,879,999$ 7,716,738-2.1%
ƚǞƓ aĻĻƷźƓŭ ǝƚƷĻƭʹ υ ВͲЍЊЏͲАЌБυ ΛАЌЌͲЊЏЌΜυ БͲЏБЌͲЎАЎ
Town of Reading156FY2026 Proposed Budget
Salaries
There is no change in staffing levels or significant changes in related costs.
FY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 actualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Water/Sewer Supervisor$ 51,207$ 53,040$ 55,400$ 58,6005.8%
Water Quality & Safety Admin$ 88,176$ 91,478$ 95,200$ 95,2000.0%
Managing/Working Forepersons$ 221,327$ 215,318$ 240,700$ 253,2005.2%
Senior/Junior Operators$ 192,565$ 234,698$ 363,600$ 327,700-9.9%
Laborers$ 94,324$ 64,790$ -$ 50,8000.0%
W/S Assistant Collector$ 32,711$ 33,910$ 35,400$ 36,6003.4%
Support Staff$ 29,250$ 30,247$ 31,700$ 32,8003.5%
Seasonal Staff$ 8,692$ 4,357$ 7,500$ 7,5000.0%
On Call/Out of Grade$ 14,212$ 12,663$ 16,000$ 16,0000.0%
Overtime$ 78,541$ 60,257$ 75,000$ 75,0000.0%
Buyback$ 442$ 599$ -$ -0.0%
Snow Removal$ -$ -$ (7,500)$ (7,500)0.0%
Water EF Wages$ 811,447$ 801,359$ 913,000$ 945,9003.6%
Expenses
Local overhead expenses are up by 3.6%. General Fund support costs increased by
about 3.5%, according to a methodology developed by the Town Accountant.
Operating costs are up 45.7%. The most significant driver of this increase is the area of
parts and equipment, which is up significantly by 127.2% due to the need to purchase
meters for the pilot program for second water meters for irrigation and outdoor use.
Town of Reading157FY2026 Proposed Budget
FY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 actualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Retirement Assessment$ 180,817$ 193,420$ 224,000$ 246,2879.9%
OPEB Contributions$ 85,000$ 85,000$ 85,000$ 85,0000.0%
Health Insurance$ 153,983$ 163,346$ 255,000$ 255,0000.0%
Medicare Payments$ 13,029$ 11,777$ 14,000$ 14,5003.6%
Legal Expenses$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
P/C Insurance Premiums$ 38,091$ 43,425$ 47,500$ 47,5000.0%
Worker Comp. Ins. Premiums$ 12,790$ 13,840$ 16,000$ 16,0000.0%
Water EF Overhead Expenses$ 483,711$ 510,808$ 641,500$ 664,2873.6%
Water Parts & Maintenance$ 124,494$ 108,681$ 173,000$ 393,000127.2%
Water Supplies & Equipment$ 96,369$ 53,508$ 65,000$ 70,0007.7%
Water Quality & Safety$ 20,797$ 14,957$ 26,000$ 26,0000.0%
Water Conservation Promotion$ 10,902$ 7,557$ 20,000$ 20,0000.0%
Outsourced Prof Services$ 41,324$ 44,989$ 115,000$ 115,0000.0%
Gas & Utilities$ 40,370$ 38,048$ 60,500$ 65,5008.3%
Office Supplies & Equipment$ 5,935$ 20,990$ 23,000$ 23,0000.0%
Professional Development$ 4,029$ 8,138$ 13,000$ 13,0000.0%
Police Details$ 23,916$ 38,773$ 30,000$ 40,00033.3%
Water EF Operating Exp.$ 368,135$ 335,641$ 525,500$ 765,50045.7%
Wage Support - Adm Services$ 33,840$ 35,194$ 20,940$ 21,6733.5%
Wage Support - Technology$ -$ -$ 15,700$ 16,2503.5%
Wage Support - Finance$ 29,075$ 30,238$ 31,450$ 32,5503.5%
Wage Support - DPW$ 433,170$ 450,497$ 468,500$ 484,8983.5%
Expense Support - Adm Services$ 21,945$ 22,823$ 1,670$ 1,7283.5%
Expense Support - Technology$ -$ -$ 22,050$ 22,8223.5%
Expense Support - Finance$ 5,970$ 6,209$ 6,460$ 6,6863.5%
Expense Support - DPW$ 130,910$ 136,146$ 141,600$ 146,5563.5%
Water EF Genl Fund Support$ 654,910$ 681,107$ 708,370$ 733,1633.5%
Capital & Debt
Capital spending includes $600,000 for water main work on Hopkins Street, $75,000
for water main lining, and $ 50,000 for a SCADA upgrade.
Debt within the water department has beenreduced by 4.7% from the prior year.
Town of Reading158FY2026 Proposed Budget
Sewer Enterprise Fund
FY26Budget
The Sewer Division is responsible for operating municipal sewer collection systems by
all applicable state, federal, and MWRA regulations for collecting and discharging
wastewater. This includes maintaining and repairing over 100 miles of sewer mains and
12 pumping stations and responding to customer service needs for individual sewer
and drainage problems.
Local costs are projected to be down by 5.8% in FY26.When combined with +3.0%
MWRA charges, the gross budget is down by .2%.
SEWER ENTERPRISE FUNDFY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Wages$ 449,624$ 472,743$ 496,800$ 520,1004.7%
Overhead Expenses$ 183,208$ 195,306$ 243,500$ 254,5004.5%
Operational Expenses$ 150,293$ 202,886$ 250,000$ 296,50018.6%
General Fund Support$ 272,660$ 283,567$ 294,885$ 305,2073.5%
Sewer Operational Costs$ 1,055,785$ 1,154,501$ 1,285,185$ 1,376,3077.1%
Capital$ -$ (6,811)$ 675,000$ 715,0005.9%
Debt$ 944,800$ 906,625$ 1,331,075$ 1,009,725-24.1%
Sewer Local Costs$ 2,000,585$ 2,054,316$ 3,291,260$ 3,101,032-5.8%
MWRA Assessments$ 5,378,343$ 5,245,406$ 5,765,991$ 5,938,9713.0%
Sewer Gross Costs$ 7,378,928$ 7,299,722$ 9,057,251$ 9,040,003-0.2%
Use of Financial Reserves (FY25 pending Select Board vote)$ (1,300,000)$ (1,200,000)-7.7%
Sewer Net Costs$ 7,757,251$ 7,840,0031.1%
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Town of Reading159FY2026 Proposed Budget
Salaries
There is no change in staffing levels or significant changes in related costs.
FY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Water/Sewer Supervisor$ 51,266$ 53,040$ 55,400$ 58,6005.8%
Managing/Working Foreperson$ 75,085$ 75,899$ 80,800$ 85,0005.2%
Senior/Junior Operators$ 106,367$ 167,604$ 230,000$ 192,800-16.2%
Laborers$ 82,421$ 44,200$ -$ 50,8000.0%
W/S Assistant Collector$ 32,711$ 33,911$ 35,400$ 36,6003.4%
Support Staff$ 29,250$ 30,247$ 31,700$ 32,8003.5%
On Call/Out of Grade$ 1,800$ 3,000$ 6,000$ 6,0000.0%
Overtime$ 69,534$ 64,662$ 60,000$ 60,0000.0%
Buyback$ 1,189$ 180$ -$ -0.0%
Snow Removal$ -$ -$ (2,500)$ (2,500)0.0%
Sewer EF Wages$ 449,624$ 472,743$ 496,800$ 520,1004.7%
Expenses
Operational expenses are up 18.6% over the prior year. This increase is driven by
increases in parts and maintenance, supplies and equipment, and professional
development. Allother operating expense line items are level-funded. General Fund
support costs increased by about 3.5% according to a methodology developed by the
Town Accountant.
Overhead expenses are up 4.5% over the prior year, driven primarily by a 9.9%
increase in the retirement assessment.
Town of Reading160FY2026 Proposed Budget
FY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Retirement Assessment$ 74,744$ 80,066$ 111,000$ 122,0009.9%
OPEB Contributions$ 25,000$ 25,000$ 25,000$ 25,0000.0%
Health Insurance$ 55,501$ 70,084$ 70,000$ 70,0000.0%
Medicare Payments$ 11,959$ 3,767$ 12,500$ 12,5000.0%
P/C Insurance Premiums$ 2,231$ 2,235$ 6,000$ 6,0000.0%
Worker Comp. Ins. Premiums$ 13,773$ 14,154$ 19,000$ 19,0000.0%
Sewer EF Overhead Expenses$ 183,208$ 195,306$ 243,500$ 254,5004.5%
Sewer Parts & Maintenance$ 48,658$ 106,232$ 103,000$ 128,00024.3%
Sewer Supplies & Equipment$ 28,475$ 17,380$ 39,000$ 54,00038.5%
Sewer Quality & Safety$ 25,365$ 27,660$ 41,000$ 41,0000.0%
Gas & Utilities$ 38,818$ 42,154$ 42,500$ 44,5004.7%
Office Supplies & Equipment$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Professional Development$ 2,553$ 9,597$ 16,500$ 21,00027.3%
Police Details$ 6,425$ (138)$ 8,000$ 8,0000.0%
Sewer EF Operating Exp.$ 150,293$ 202,886$ 250,000$ 296,50018.6%
Wage Support - Adm Services$ 14,100$ 14,664$ 8,280$ 8,5703.5%
Wage Support - Technology$ -$ -$ 6,950$ 7,1933.5%
Wage Support - Finance$ 12,115$ 12,600$ 13,100$ 13,5593.5%
Wage Support - DPW$ 180,210$ 187,418$ 194,915$ 201,7373.5%
Expense Support - Adm Services$ 9,190$ 9,558$ 700$ 7253.6%
Expense Support - Technology$ -$ -$ 9,240$ 9,5633.5%
Expense Support - Finance$ 2,490$ 2,590$ 2,700$ 2,7953.5%
Expense Support - DPW$ 54,555$ 56,737$ 59,000$ 61,0653.5%
Sewer EF Genl Fund Support$ 272,660$ 283,567$ 294,885$ 305,2073.5%
Capital & Debt
Spending consists of paying existing debt and capital items. FY26 includes $100,00 for
a pickup truck, $540,000 for design work for two sewer stations, and $75,000 for sewer
main projects. Debt expenses are down 24.1% from the prior year.
Please refer to the capital plan and debt schedule for more details.
Town of Reading161FY2026 Proposed Budget
Storm Water Enterprise Fund
FY26Budget
The Storm Water Division consists of some activities conducted under the General
Fund budget and some underthe Enterprise Fund budget. The Division is responsible
for constructing, maintaining, and repairingall catch basins and storm drainage
systems.
STORM WATER ENTERPRISE FUNDFY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Wages$ 97,556$ 121,591$ 125,300$ 131,3004.8%
Overhead Expenses$ 19,577$ 19,481$ 31,750$ 32,0000.8%
Operational Expenses$ 22,681$ (17,156)$ 106,000$ 111,0004.7%
General Fund Support$ 109,015$ 113,375$ 117,920$ 122,0473.5%
Storm Water Operational Costs$ 248,830$ 237,291$ 380,970$ 396,347 4.0%
Capital$ 40,748$ 8,342$ 650,000$ 200,000-69.2%
Debt$ 120,856$ 136,907$ 111,575$ 107,325-3.8%
Storm Water Local Costs$ 410,433$ 382,540$ 1,142,545$ 703,672-38.4%
MWRA Expenses$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Storm Water Gross Costs$ 410,433$ 382,540$ 1,142,545$ 703,672-38.4%
*Use of Financial Reserves (FY26 pending Select Board vote)$ (475,000)$ (75,000)0.0%
Storm Water Net Costs$ 667,545$ 628,672-5.8%
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Salaries
There is no change in staffing levels for FY26.
FY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Senior/Junior Operators$ 59,165$ 62,733$ 66,900$ 125,30087.3%
Laborers$ 33,179$ 48,184$ 52,400$ --100.0%
On Call/Out of Grade$ -$ -$ 1,000$ 1,0000.0%
Overtime$ 5,213$ 10,675$ 5,000$ 5,0000.0%
Storm Water EF Wages$ 97,556$ 121,591$ 125,300$ 131,3004.8%
Town of Reading162FY2026 Proposed Budget
Expenses
Local overhead expenses are up slightly by .8%,as shown in the table below:
FY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Retirement Assessment$ -$ -$ 2,000$ 2,0000.0%
OPEB Contributions$ 10,500$ 10,500$ 10,500$ 10,5000.0%
Legal Expenses$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Health Insurance$ 7,569$ 7,138$ 17,000$ 17,0000.0%
Medicare Payments$ 1,508$ 1,843$ 2,250$ 2,50011.1%
Storm Water Overhead Expenses$ 19,577$ 19,481$ 31,750$ 32,0000.8%
Operating expenses increased by 4.7%, and General Fund support costs increased by
about 3.5%,according to a methodology developed by the Town Accountant.
FY25 BudgetFY26 BudgetFY25-26
FY23 ActualFY24 ActualTown MeetingTown ManagerChange
Drainage Maintenance$ 6,290$ 3,629$ 20,000$ 23,00015.0%
St. Water Supplies & Equip.$ 9,832$ (29,598)$ 67,000$ 69,0003.0%
St. Water Quality & Safety$ 1,105$ 496$ 5,000$ 5,0000.0%
Gas & Utilities$ 5,434$ 4,603$ 10,000$ 10,0000.0%
Professional Development$ 20$ 3,713$ 4,000$ 4,0000.0%
Storm Water EF Operating Exp.$ 22,681$ (17,156)$ 106,000$ 111,0004.7%
Wage Support - Adm Services$ 5,655$ 5,881$ 6,120$ 6,3343.5%
Wage Support - Technology$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Wage Support - Finance$ 4,855$ 5,049$ 5,250$ 5,4333.5%
Wage Support - DPW$ 93,860$ 97,614$ 101,530$ 105,0843.5%
Expense Support - Adm Services$ 3,645$ 3,791$ 3,940$ 4,0783.5%
Expense Support - Technology$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Expense Support - Finance$ 1,000$ 1,040$ 1,080$ 1,1183.5%
Expense Support - DPW$ -$ -$ -$ -0.0%
Storm Water EF Genl Fund Support$ 109,015$ 113,375$ 117,920$ 122,0473.5%
Capital & Debt
In FY26,funding is requested for drainage improvements.
Debt expenses are down by 3.8% from the prior year.
Please refer to the capital plan and debt schedule for more details.
Town of Reading163FY2026 Proposed Budget
PEG Cable Access Enterprise Fund
FY26Budget
The Public, Educational, and Governmental (PEG) Cable Access enterprise fund
receives quarterly revenue from Readings cable providers (Comcast and Verizon).
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
FY14FY15FY16FY17FY18FY19FY20FY21FY22FY23FY24FY25FY265 yr Ave10 Yr Ave
Comcast233,001248,340261,345279,553286,324282,892306,204305,728314,101321,890314,303297,304292,000312,445292,068
Comcast Captial - - - - - 97,500 32,500 32,500 32,500 - - -
- 19,500 19,500
Verizon284,657298,382303,624303,583297,655284,055270,740248,253236,753222,021224,963228,000228,000240,546269,003
Verizon Captial - - - - - - - - 48,750 48,750 48,750 -
- 29,250 14,625
Total517,658546,722564,969583,136583,979664,447609,443586,481632,104592,661588,016525,304520,000601,741595,196
350,000
300,000
250,000
Comcast
200,000
Comcast Captial
150,000
Verizon
Verizon Captial
100,000
50,000
-
FY14FY15FY16FY17FY18FY19FY20FY21FY22FY23FY24FY25FY26
In prior years, the Town collected the PEG Access feesand paid to RCTV through an
Agency fund. The MassachusettsDepartment of Revenue now requires these funds to
be appropriated by Town Meeting.
ProjectedFY26 BUDGETFY25-26
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25Town ManagerChange
GENERAL FUND SUPPORT$ 1,000$ 1,000$ 1,000$ 1,000$ 1,0000.0%
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES$ 631,104$ 592,662$ 587,017$ 539,000$ 519,000-3.7%
PEG EXPENSES$ 632,104$ 593,662$ 588,017$ 540,000$ 520,000-3.7%
Town of Reading164FY2026 Proposed Budget
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, fundraising, 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 Reading165FY2026 Proposed Budget
Landfill Enterprise Fund
FY26Budget
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 landfill's closureand the post-closure maintenance and
monitoring costs.
During the 30-year post-closure period, the developer contributes the estimated
annual post-closure monitoring funds to complete post-closure monitoring for the
year, not exceeding$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 in relationto 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 $40,000 per year appropriately escalated.
The Landfill Post Closure table below shows the Town and Developer's expense share.
The Town hasn't had an obligation relative to Landfill monitoring since December
2011.
In prior years, the Town collected contributions to the Landfill Enterprise fund and
treated them like performance deposits within the enterprise fund. Reimbursements
were made to the Developer when proof of monitoring was provided to the Town. The
Department of Revenue requires these funds to be appropriated by Town Meeting
because an Enterprise Fund was established. Thus, the Town will appropriate the
performance deposit paid by the Developer annually.
ProjectedFY26 BUDGETFY25-26
FY22 ActualFY23 ActualFY24 ActualFY25Town ManagerChange
LANDFILL MONITORING REIMB$ 37,000$ 37,000$ 37,000$ 37,000$ 37,0000.0%
LANDFILL EXPENSES$ 37,000$ 37,000$ 37,000$ 37,000$ 37,000 0.0%
Town of Reading166FY2026 Proposed Budget
Landfill Post Closure Financial Assurance Mechanism
MONTH6/30/2024
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-23134,41868,097202,51637,29337,293037,0001,3521,713
20 January-24160,19070,140230,33043,05143,051037,0004,3380
21 January-25187,27972,244259,5240000
22 January-26259,52474,412333,935000
23 January-27333,93576,644410,580000
24 January-28410,58078,943489,523000
25 January-29489,52381,312570,835000
26 January-30570,83583,751654,586000
27 January-31654,58686,264740,850000
28 January-32740,85088,852829,701000
29 January-33829,70191,517921,218000
30 January-34921,21894,2631,015,48100
*Bills paid directly by developer so
funds were only "effectively" received
Town of Reading167FY2026 Proposed Budget
Capital& Debt Service
Capital Overview
Increased equipment costs are significantly impacting our capital budget for FY26. Our
departments are seeing unprecedented purchase price increases and excessive lead
times for construction and equipment.
Each project/purchase has asheet with specific details and itemized funding sources.
We will continue expanding this practice to give readers more detailed descriptions of
our annual budget.
The Capital budget for FY26 is $3,3398,000, a 10.3% decrease from FY25 funding. This
decrease is due to eliminating the additional $700,000 in funds provided by the
Finance Committee (FinCom) to mitigate the effects of the global pandemic and
inflation on our capital plan.
FY26Capital (3,398,000); -10.3%
$220,000 for Core Facilities: $50,000 for use by the Permanent Building Committee,
$50,000 for an Auditorium Lighting Upgrade at Parker Middle School, $105,000 for an
ARC Flash Hazard Study for the School Buildings, and $15,000 for a water heater at
Wood End.
$160,000 for Schools: $10,000 for ongoing phone system work and $150,000 for
large-scale technology projects.
$100,000$100,000 for Technology for large-scale technology projects.
$150,000 for Recreation for design for artificial turf at Parker Middle School
$1,220,000$1,150,000 for replacement of Fire Pumper Engine #2, and $70,000 for
ALS Defibrillator Monitor.
$1,548,000 for Public Works: $275,000 for replacement of Sander Truck #18,
$648,000 for road paving, $100,000 for skim coating & seal crack road repairs;
$100,000 for Salem Street crosswalk improvements,$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; $100,000 for
pickleball courts; and $25,000 for engineering plotter.
Town of Reading168FY2026 Proposed Budget
Debt Overview
Our debt budget for FY26 is $3,051,975, representing an18.2% reduction from FY25
spending. This significant reduction results from a 100% reduction in excluded debt.
In FY25, the excluded debt for the Reading Public Library project was paid off, leaving
no excluded debt payments in FY26. Paying off all the excluded debt will create much-
needed savings for Reading residents as we continue to move forward with the Killam
School and Center for Active Living projects.
Debt within the levy continues to be balanced with capital expenditures to maintain
our FinCom policy of 5% for Capital and Debt.
November 2024 Town Meeting approved the issuance of debt related to one project:
$1.3 millionof additional debt for the RMHS Fieldhouse floors and bleachers. For safety
and longevity reasons, the town opted for a maple floor with an estimated total
borrowing of $3 million.
Town of Reading169FY2026 Proposed Budget
Fire Department ALS Defibrillator Monitor
Town of Reading170FY2026 Proposed Budget
Fire Pumper
Town of Reading171FY2026 Proposed Budget
Replacement of H-19 Sanding Dump Truck with
Plow
Town of Reading172FY2026 Proposed Budget
Replacement of S-05 Pickup Truck
Town of Reading173FY2026 Proposed Budget
Replacement of E-00 Engineering Plotter
Town of Reading174FY2026 Proposed Budget
Appendix A
Capital Plan
Town of Reading175FY2026 Proposed Budget
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
2/27/2025 14:59 FY-2025FY-2026FY-2027FY-2028FY-2029FY-2030FY-2031FY-2032FY-2033FY-2034FY-2035FY-2036FY25-36
TOTAL CAPITAL REQUESTS 3,837,000 3,398,000 3,248,000 3,746,000 4,189,000
3,991,000 4,865,500 5,191,000 5,611,000 3,575,000 1,975,000 2,275,000 45,901,500
Capital & Debt Policy5.57%5.00%5.00%5.03%5.00%5.12%5.14%5.14%5.12%5.12%5.00%5.00%
Annual Surplus (Deficit) - - - -
- - - - 480,406 2,900,324 4,616,880 5,158,790
Cumulative Surplus (Deficit) - - - -
- - - - 480,406 3,380,730 7,997,610 13,156,401
Capital Projects Identified but there is no proposed funding yet in the Capital Plan (shading/boldcrossout indicates a change from last Town Meeting)
Town of Reading176FY2026 Proposed Budget
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
2/27/2025 14:59 FY-2025FY-2026FY-2027FY-2028FY-2029FY-2030FY-2031FY-2032FY-2033FY-2034FY-2035FY-2036FY25-36
1. Killam Building project TBD Excluded Debt
- Killam Field improvements, drainage, repaving ($350k HOLD for Killam project)
2. Senior/Community Center TBA Excluded Debt if >$5mil (Options are being explored)
3. DPW Bldg improvements (scope changed)
4. Community projects (no formal capital requests yet)
Legend: xDebt has been approved by the voters as excluded from the Prop 2-1/2 levy; debtni has been authorized by Town Meeting but not yet issued; debtna has not yet been authorized
by Town Meeting
Town of Reading177FY2026 Proposed Budget
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
2/27/2025 14:59 FY-2025FY-2026FY-2027FY-2028FY-2029FY-2030FY-2031FY-2032FY-2033FY-2034FY-2035FY-2036FY25-36
Facilities - CORE 50,000 100,000 643,000 752,000 345,000
320,000 272,500 750,000 50,000 265,000 - - 3,547,500
Energy (Performance Contract) $4.95mil debt Debt -
Energy Improvements II OPM/Design -
Energy Improvements II $5.0mil/15yr DebtDebtDebtDebtDebtDebtDebtDebtDebt -
Energy (Green Repairs) $1.05mil debt -
Bldg Security - $4.0mil debt DebtDebtDebtDebtDebtDebt -
Bldg Sec. - window film (schools) -
Facilities Master Plan 200,000 200,000
Permanent Bld Committee 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000
50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 500,000
RMHS Building project ~$55mil debt -
RMHS Bldg proj - $6 mil Litig. some debt DebtDebtDebt -
RMHS Retaining Wall - $0.5mil debt -
RMHS Turf 2 - $2.225 mil debt DebtDebtDebtDebtDebtDebt -
RMHS Stadium OPM/Design -
RMHS Glycol Reclamation & Installation -
RMHS Building Management System (Green Communities Grant $150k?) -
RMHS Stadium Turf/Track $3 mil/10yr DebtDebtDebtDebtDebtDebtDebtDebt -
RMHS Ropes Course 97,500 97,500
RMHS/RISE playground design -
RMHS/RISE playground improvements -
RMHS Fldhouse floor/bleachers $3.2 mil TBD debt ($200K design; $3.0 mil project )DebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtna -
Parker MS roof project OPM/design -
Parker MS Roofing project $2.7mil/10yr DebtDebtDebtDebtDebtDebtDebtDebt -
Parker MS Auditorium Lighting Upgrade 50,000 50,000
Coolidge MS roof project design 450,000 450,000
Coolidge MS Roofing project $3.7mil/10yr DebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtna -
Modular Classrooms $1.2m debt -
Killam Building project TBD xDebtxDebtxDebtxDebtxDebtxDebtxDebtxDebtxDebt -
Barrows/Wd End Bldg projects $0.8mil debt -
Barrows/Wd End Bldg projects debt -
Birch Meadow ES roof project design 230,000 230,000
Birch Meadow Roofing project $1.9 mil/10yr DebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtna -
Library Building project $18.4 mil debt xDebt -
Police Sta. project $1.5mil/10yr DebtDebtDebtDebtDebtDebtDebtDebt -
Fire Station #1 Main Street Elevator Replacement 283,000 283,000
Town Hall Roofing project design $55k design and $550k design 55,000 550,000 605,000
Town Hall Elevator Replacement 252,000 252,000
Police Station . Roof $15k design and $150k design 15,000 150,000 165,000
Community Center TBA xDebt if >$5mil -
Community Center Heating System $700k -
DPW Garage Roof Project $102k design and $1.3 million -
DPW Bldg project TBD -
Town of Reading178FY2026 Proposed Budget
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
2/27/2025 14:59 FY-2025FY-2026FY-2027FY-2028FY-2029FY-2030FY-2031FY-2032FY-2033FY-2034FY-2035FY-2036FY25-36
Electrician Van Ford E350 Econoline (2014) 55,000 55,000
Carpenter's Pickup Ford F-350 (2013) 55,000 55,000
Carpenter's Cut-away Van (2017) 60,000 60,000
Plumber's Cut-away Van (2017) 60,000 60,000
Pickup Truck Chevy 2500HD (2016)10 75,000 75,000
Pickup Truck Chevy 2500HD (2017)10 75,000 75,000
2019 Ford Transit Van10 55,000 55,000
2021 Bobcat L28 Mini Loader (15 years)10 - 100,000 100,000
Bobcat Skid S130 (2008)15 65,000 65,000
Bobcat Utility UV56 (2024)15 - 115,000 115,000
Buildings - Schools (Total) - 120,000 40,000 185,000 -
- 180,000 775,000 100,000 1,100,000 - - 2,500,000
Arc Flash Hazard Study 105,000 105,000
Barrows ->
HVAC - Elementary schools 80,000 775,000 855,000
design(yr1)/project(yr2)Wood End -> 100,000 1,100,000 1,200,000
Coolidge MS HVAC - Steam Traps Coolidge -> 75,000 75,000
Carpet/Flooring 70,000 60,000 130,000
Doors & Windows 40,000 40,000 40,000 120,000
Birch Meadow Food Service Line - paid by School Lunch Revolving fund -
Barrows Food Service Line - paid by School Lunch Revolving fund -
Wood End Water Heater 15,000 15,000
Parker Carpet/Flooring -
Buildings - Town (Total) - - 144,000 - 30,000
- - - - - - -
189,000
Arc Flash Hazard Study 144,000 144,000
Carpet/Flooring 30,000 30,000
Doors & Windows -
Town of Reading179FY2026 Proposed Budget
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
2/27/2025 14:59 FY-2025FY-2026FY-2027FY-2028FY-2029FY-2030FY-2031FY-2032FY-2033FY-2034FY-2035FY-2036FY25-36
Schools - General 180,000 160,000 260,000 260,000 735,000
260,000 300,000 260,000 310,000 260,000 225,000 225,000 3,435,000
Food Service Van E-250 (2014) -
Driver's Education Vehicle (2014) 45,000 45,000
Card readers for all the schools -
Vehicle Barriers for all schools 475,000 475,000
Bob Utility UV34 (2021) 50,000 50,000
Courier Vehicle (2019) 40,000 40,000
District-wide Telephone systems 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000
10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 100,000
Design for Technology wiring projects -
District-wide Technology Wiring projects -
District-wide Technology projects 125,000 150,000 250,000 250,000 250,000
250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 225,000 225,000 2,725,000
Technology 555,000 100,000 130,000 150,000 150,000 166,000
150,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 2,151,000
Water Tank Town telco equip replace/relocate -
Remote access multi factor authentication -
Internal segmentation firewall -
CAD System (Computer Aided Dispatch) 455,000 455,000
GIS flyover - planimetrics -
Technology projects 100,000 100,000 130,000 150,000 150,000
166,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 1,696,000
Finance - - - - -
- - - 600,000 - - - 600,000
Financial System 600,000 600,000
Library - - - - -
- - - - - - -
-
Equipment - - - - -
- - - - - - -
-
Public Services 245,000 150,000 - - 350,000
- 320,000 - 810,000 - - - 1,875,000
Maillett Sommes Morgan $1.0mil/10yrs DebtDebtDebtDebtDebtDebtDebtDebtDebt -
Downtown Improvements II $4.0mil/ 20yrs DebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtna -
Downtown Improvements II $3.75 mil Bond Bill -
Downtown Energy Efficient projects -
PARC: Kiosks(4) handheld devices(2) -
Land Use planning (CC & Symonds) -
Sr/Community Center planning -
Parks & Fields space study -
Rehab Playgrounds Program -
KillamSturges -
Town of Reading180FY2026 Proposed Budget
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
2/27/2025 14:59 FY-2025FY-2026FY-2027FY-2028FY-2029FY-2030FY-2031FY-2032FY-2033FY-2034FY-2035FY-2036FY25-36
Birch Meadow Master Plan -
Birch Meadow Master Plan Design -
Phase 1 $2.3 mill ($1.5mil ARPA grant & $800k debt) -
Support & general Circulation $750k-$1.2mil -
Imagination Station Parking $450-550k -
Phase 2 $2.14mil/10yr debt ($245k design) 245,000DebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtna 245,000
Lacrosse Wall $100-150k -
Tennis Courts, Playground, Parking $800k-$1.0mil -
Basketball Courts $500-650k -
Phase 3 $1.6mil/10yr debt -
Morton Field improvements $600-950k -
Castine Field $75-100k -
Higgins Farm Conserv Area $100-150k -
Birch Meadow Drive Improvements $250-400k -
Phase 4 $6.0mil/10yr debt -
Softball/Multi purpose new turf field $3.2-3.6mil -
Coolidge Field turf $2.2-2.4 mil. -
Artificial Turf @Parker MS (replace) design to 2027 debt 2028 $1.5 mill 10 yrsDesign> 150,000 DebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtna
150,000
Pickleball Courts $1.95 million (200k donations)(100k FY26 Capital) DebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtna
Barrows Tennis court repairs 125,000 125,000
Barrows Basketball court repairs 100,000 100,000
Barrows Replace backstop & repair infield 125,000 125,000
Killam Field improve, drainage, repaving ($350k) held for Killam project decision -
Wood End Field Repairs 325,000 325,000
(*) below indicates $950k in state bond bill details TBA ($805k identified below) -
*Wash Pk:Replace backstop & shift field 150,000 150,000
*Wash Pk:Walking Paths 100,000 100,000
*Mem Pk: Replace Band Stand 50,000 50,000
*Mem Pk:Court resurface 20,000 20,000
*Symonds:Replace backstop 150,000 150,000
*Hunt Pk:Replace backstop 125,000 125,000
Sturges Pk:Tennis court repairs 75,000 75,000
Sturges Pk:Basketball court repairs 85,000 85,000
Sturges Pk:Backstop repairs 50,000 50,000
Public Safety - Fire/EMS - 1,220,000 560,000 580,000 -
1,540,000 485,000 350,000 766,000 75,000 - - 5,576,000
Ladder Trk #1 (2008: $800k, next FY22) (15 years) -
Ladder Truck & Equipment -
Pumper Eng #1 (2010-$525k; next FY30) 1,400,000 1,400,000
Pumper Eng #2 (2007-$410k; next FY25) 1,150,000 1,150,000
Town of Reading181FY2026 Proposed Budget
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
2/27/2025 14:59 FY-2025FY-2026FY-2027FY-2028FY-2029FY-2030FY-2031FY-2032FY-2033FY-2034FY-2035FY-2036FY25-36
Pumper Eng #3 (2016 $630k; next FY36) -
Pumper Eng #4 (2020 $800k; next FY40) -
Ambulance #1 (2017- 10 yrs) 500,000 500,000
Ambulance #2 (2010 - 10yrs) & equip 575,000 575,000
Ambulance equipment 45,000 45,000 90,000
Passenger Car#1 (2023 - 10yrs) 75,000 75,000
Passenger Car#2 (2022 - 10yrs) 75,000 75,000
Passenger Car#3 (2023 - 10yrs) 71,000 71,000
Passenger Car#4 (2018 - 10yrs) -
Pickup Truck #1 (2019 - 10yrs) 85,000 85,000
Pickup Truck #2 (2012 - 10yrs) 80,000 80,000
Alarm Truck (2023 - 20yrs) -
ALS Defibrillator Monitor (2019 - 7yrs) 70,000 70,000 140,000
BLS AEDs (2020-8yrs) 25,000 30,000 55,000
Rescue Tool 60,000 60,000
Breathing Apparatus (2017-12yrs) 400,000 400,000
Breathing Air Compressor -
Breathing Air Bottles 30,000 30,000
CPR Compression Device 20,000 20,000
Thermal Imaging (2018 - 10yrs) 60,000 60,000
Fire Hose 40,000 40,000
Multigas meters 20,000 20,000
Turnout Gear (2022 - 5yrs) 300,000 350,000 650,000
Public Safety - Police/Dispatch 90,000 - 25,000 80,000
- 30,000 - 336,000 680,000 65,000 - -
1,306,000
Police Unmarked Vehicles 50,000 80,000 80,000 210,000
Police Parking Enforcement Vehicle (2024) 40,000 65,000 105,000
Police equipment (tasers) (7 years) ( 2021) 192,000 192,000
Firearms Replacement (12 years) (2023) 144,000 144,000
Radios (Police & Fire 2022 - 12yrs) 600,000 600,000
Upgrades to Holding Cells -
Dispatch Center Equipment Upgrade (2019)
AEDs 25,000 30,000 55,000
Public Works - Equipment 375,000 300,000 30,000 689,000 1,104,000
300,000 1,658,000 1,070,000 545,000 60,000 - 300,000 6,431,000
Large TrucksLife - 275,000 - 395,000 120,000
300,000 990,000 1,070,000 240,000 3,390,000
C-03 Dump Truck C3 (2016)10 140,000 140,000
C-04 Dump Truck C2 (2012)10 120,000 120,000
H-05 Small Dump Truck #7 (2012)10 120,000 120,000
H-06 Aerial Pickup Truck #14 (2017)10 100,000 100,000
H-07 Truck #10 (2018)15 240,000 240,000
H-08 Truck #9 - Sander (2017)15 275,000 275,000
H-09 Truck #8 - 10 wheeler (2016)15 245,000 245,000
H-10 Truck #22 -Sander (2015)15 275,000 275,000
Town of Reading182FY2026 Proposed Budget
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
2/27/2025 14:59 FY-2025FY-2026FY-2027FY-2028FY-2029FY-2030FY-2031FY-2032FY-2033FY-2034FY-2035FY-2036FY25-36
H-11 Truck #4 - Sander (2014)15 275,000 275,000
H-12 Truck #16 - Sander (2011)15 275,000 275,000
H-14 Truck #3 - Sander (2010)15 275,000 275,000
H-15 Truck #5 (2008)15 300,000 300,000
H-16 Truck # 7 (2024)15 250,000 250,000
H-17 Truck # 11 (2024)15 250,000 250,000
H-18 Truck #19 - Sander (2007)15 275,000 275,000
H-19 Truck #18 - Sander (2006)15 275,000 275,000
P-03 Dump truck #24 Parks (2017)15 100,000 100,000
P-04 Dump truck #12 Parks (2015)15 100,000 100,000
Pick-ups/Cars/Vans 155,000 - - - 614,000
- 295,000 - 60,000 60,000 - - 1,184,000
C-02 Pickup Ford Utility #C1 (2014)10 100,000 100,000
C-06 Cem. #4 Ford SUV (2024)10 45,000 60,000 105,000
CAR 2 Ford Escape (2016)10 54,000 54,000
CAR 1 Car #3 Hyundia Sante FE HYBRID (2023)10 60,000 60,000
E-01 Chevy Traverse (2019)10 65,000 65,000
F-02 Pickup Chevy #9 Parks (2023)10 -
H-01 Pickup #16 (2015)10 100,000 100,000
H-02 Pickup #18 (2006)10 110,000 110,000
H-03 Pickup #4 (2020)10 120,000 120,000
H-04 Pickup Ford Utility #11 (2014)10 110,000 110,000
M-02 Pickup #1 (2020)10 175,000 175,000
PFC-01 Ford Escape (2017)10 65,000 65,000
P-02 Pickup Ford #2 Parks (2015)10 120,000 120,000
Pickup for P/F/C Supervisor (2024)10 -
Backhoes/Loaders/Heavy Equipment - - - -
100,000 - 60,000 - - - - -
160,000
C-07 Backhoe Loader (2020)10 -
H-20 Loader JD 624 (2020)10 -
H-21 Loader JD 624 (2017)10 -
Loader to replace Sicard10 -
H-22 Backhoe JD 710L HWY (2020)10 -
H-23 Bobcat Loader (2015)10 -
P-05 Ventrac tractor (2020)10 60,000 60,000
P-06 Tractor JD4520 (Parks) (2012)15 100,000 100,000
Specialty Equipment - Heavy Duty 220,000 - - -
180,000 - 163,000 - - - - 300,000
863,000
F-04 Bucket Truck #21 Forestry (2024)15 300,000 300,000
F-05 Chipper/LoaderTruck #23 (2008)15 -
F-06 Chipper/LoaderTruck #23A (2024)15
H-24 Forklift (2016)15 -
Town of Reading183FY2026 Proposed Budget
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
2/27/2025 14:59 FY-2025FY-2026FY-2027FY-2028FY-2029FY-2030FY-2031FY-2032FY-2033FY-2034FY-2035FY-2036FY25-36
H-25 Crawler Dozer (2003)15 -
H-26 Snow Primoth SW4S (2016)15 113,000 113,000
H-27 Snow Trackless (2015)15 180,000 180,000
H-28 Snow Holder #1 c992 (2015)15 -
H-29 Snow Holder #2 c480 (2013)15 -
H-31 Leeboy Pavement Sprd (2014)15 -
H-32 Hamm Roller, Large (2014)15 -
H-33 Hamm Roller, Small (2016)15 50,000 50,000
H-34 Leeboy Roller, Small (1998)15 -
H-41 Screener (2018)15 -
Blower unit for Loader15 220,000 220,000
W-23 Sicard HD Snowblower (1999) -
Specialty Equipment - Light Duty - 25,000 - 40,000
60,000 - 150,000 - 245,000 - - -
520,000
C-14 SmithCo 48" Sweeper (2012)10 40,000 40,000
C-15 SKAG Leaf Vac (Cem) (2015)10 25,000 25,000
C-16 Carmate Trailer (2019) 20,000 20,000
C-17 Big Tex Trailer (2013) 10,000 10,000
E-00 Engineering Plotter (15 yrs) 25,000 25,000
F-06 Vemeer Chipper (2018) 225,000 225,000
F-08 Stump Grinder new (2021) (replace 20 yrs)20 -
F-09 Trailer Dump Trailer (2015) 50,000 50,000
F-10 Truck Mount Sprayer 500gal (2015) 20,000 20,000
H-35 Tack Machine for Paving (2004) -
H-36 Curb-builder for Paving (2010) -
H-37 HotBox for Paving (2020) -
H-38 Cement Mixer Tow Behind (2005) -
H-39 Mobile Compressor (1) (2019)10 -
H-40 Mobile Compressor (2) (2020) -
H-42 Trailer (2012) -
H-43 Trailer, Roller (1998) -
H-44 Eager beaver Trailer #2 (1996) -
P-11 Smithco SuperStar (2016)15 30,000 30,000
P-12 Smithco 60 Turf Sweeper (2016)15 40,000 40,000
P-14 Leaf Vac SKAG (2016) 25,000 25,000
P-15 Trailer (2016) 10,000 10,000
Town of Reading184FY2026 Proposed Budget
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
2/27/2025 14:59 FY-2025FY-2026FY-2027FY-2028FY-2029FY-2030FY-2031FY-2032FY-2033FY-2034FY-2035FY-2036FY25-36
P-16 Trailer (2013) -
P-17 Trailer (stump grinder) -
P-18 Trailer Enclosed (2007) -
R-01 Rubbish Barrells for automated pickup -
Lawnmowers - - 30,000 254,000 30,000
- - - - - - - 314,000
C-08 Mwr SKAG TT #2 (2017) 24,000 24,000
C-09 Mwr (Cem.) SKAG 48" (2016) 12,500 12,500
C-10 Mower SKAG 61" (2024) -
C-11 Mwr (Cem.) Scag 52" Stander (2021) 10,000 10,000
C-12 Mwr SKAG 36" (2012) 12,500 12,500
C-13 Mwr SKAG TT 61" #3 (2011) 30,000 30,000
P-07 Mwr SKAG TT #5 (2017) 30,000 30,000
P-08 Mwr SKAG 20,000 20,000
P-09 Mwr (Pks) TORO 5910N (2014) 175,000 175,000
P-10 Mower - TORO Gang (2024) -
DPW: Parks & Cemetery 547,000 300,000 300,000 300,000 300,000
300,000 300,000 300,000 300,000 300,000 300,000 300,000 3,847,000
Gen'l Fence Replacement 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000
50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000
600,000
Fencing around play area adjacent to Wood End School 32,000 32,000
DPW Yard Improvements -
Strout Avenue Improvements -
School Site Improvements -
Birch Meadow (parking lots, sidewalks, walkways) 215,000 215,000
Field, Playground and Court Improvements 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000
100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000
1,200,000
Pickleball Courts $700k ( 5 years)DebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtnaDebtna
Rock Wall repairs - Memorial Park -
Rock Wall Repair Program 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000
100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 1,200,000
Rock Wall repairs - Laurel Hill -
Rock Wall repairs - Joshua Eaton -
Grove Street Parking Lot Improvements -
Gen'l Parking Lot Improvements 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000
50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000
600,000
DPW: Roads -
Track Road Bridge #1 -
Track Road Bridge #2 -
Salem Street Crosswalk Improvements 100,000 100,000
Salem and Main Traffic Signal Improvements 50,000 50,000
Forest Street Crosswalk Improvements - Design Work 50,000 50,000
Sidewalk/Curb/Ped. Safety 200,000 100,000 160,000 200,000 200,000
200,000 200,000 300,000 300,000 300,000 300,000 2,460,000
Skim Coating & Crack Seal Patch 100,000 100,000 125,000 150,000 175,000
175,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 2,025,000
West Street - Local shr ($1.3mil)Debt -
Lowell Street $500k + $600k 600,000 600,000
General Fund - various roads 845,000 648,000 781,000 600,000 800,000
700,000 800,000 800,000 800,000 800,000 800,000 800,000 9,174,000
TOTAL GENL FUND VOTED - ROADS 1,795,000 948,000 1,116,000 750,000 1,175,000
1,075,000 1,200,000 1,200,000 1,300,000 1,300,000 1,300,000 1,300,000 14,459,000
Grants - various roads 600,000 600,000 600,000 600,000 600,000
600,000 600,000 600,000 600,000 600,000 600,000 600,000 7,200,000
TOTAL ROAD CAPITAL 2,395,000 1,548,000 1,716,000 1,350,000 1,775,000 1,675,000
1,800,000 1,800,000 1,900,000 1,900,000 1,900,000 1,900,000 21,659,000
Town of Reading185FY2026 Proposed Budget
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
2/27/2025 14:59 FY-2025FY-2026FY-2027FY-2028FY-2029FY-2030FY-2031FY-2032FY-2033FY-2034FY-2035FY-2036FY25-36
Biggest Changes in Capital since April Town MeetingConcerns
Killam ES - any costs not Excluded debt should be identified very soon
Sr. Center -
Town of Reading186FY2026 Proposed Budget
Appendix B
Debt Schedule
Town of Reading187FY2026 Proposed Budget
Debt Schedule
Town of ReadingProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjected
Debt Service ScheduleFY - 2025FY - 2026FY - 2027FY - 2028FY - 2029FY - 2030FY - 2031FY - 2032FY - 2033FY - 2034FY - 2035FY - 2036FY - 2037FY - 2038FY - 2039
2/27/25 14:59
General Fund:4,097,7383,051,9753,395,0503,130,9252,861,1003,437,5502,818,8002,719,4002,038,1001,883,9001,823,4501,234,000892,500586,400573,200
.3,490,0002,319,0002,614,0002,474,0002,319,0002,874,0002,369,0002,369,0001,769,0001,679,0001,679,0001,150,000850,000560,000560,000
Within Levy Limit2,255,0002,319,0002,614,0002,474,0002,319,0002,874,0002,369,0002,369,0001,769,0001,679,0001,679,0001,150,000850,000560,000560,000
Excluded Debt1,235,00000000000000000
Interest607,738732,975781,050656,925542,100563,550449,800350,400269,100204,900144,45084,00042,50026,40013,200
Within Levy Limit563,038732,975781,050656,925542,100563,550449,800350,400269,100204,900144,45084,00042,50026,40013,200
Excluded Debt44,70000000000000000
Within Levy Limit 2,818,0383,051,9753,395,0503,130,9252,861,1003,437,5502,818,8002,719,4002,038,1001,883,9001,823,4501,234,000892,500586,400573,200
Issued2,818,0382,183,4752,335,5001,962,8251,734,4502,352,3501,775,0501,717,1001,077,250964,500945,5001,076,500742,500586,400573,200
Approved not issued (ANI)0621,000745,300719,600693,900668,200642,500616,800591,100565,400539,7000000
Not yet approved (NYA)0247,500314,250448,500432,750417,000401,250385,500369,750354,000338,250157,500150,00000
Excluded Debt 1,279,70000000000000000
Issued1,279,70000000000000000
Approved not issued (ANI)
Not yet approved (NYA)
Debt Summary
Inside Tax Levy2,818,0382,826,9753,245,0503,130,9252,861,1003,437,5502,818,8002,719,4002,038,1001,883,9001,433,7501,391,5001,050,000586,400573,200
Energy/Safety Improvements1,196,813831,875803,125774,375740,750712,250340,750327,700317,550310,300304,500298,700292,90000
School Buildings1,005,575969,5251,228,6001,187,9251,142,7751,784,7251,574,6751,525,1001,012,400984,200956,000927,800599,600586,400573,200
Town Buildings175,750164,375158,125151,875145,625139,375133,125127,5000000000
Community Improvements439,900861,2001,055,2001,016,750831,950801,200770,250739,100708,150589,400173,250165,000157,50000
Excluded From Tax Levy1,279,70000000000000000
Energy/Safety Improvements000000000000000
School Buildings000000000000000
Town Buildings1,279,70000000000000000
Community Improvements000000000000000
Town of Reading188FY2026 Proposed Budget
Debt Schedule
Town of ReadingProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjected
Debt Service ScheduleFY - 2025FY - 2026FY - 2027FY - 2028FY - 2029FY - 2030FY - 2031FY - 2032FY - 2033FY - 2034FY - 2035FY - 2036FY - 2037FY - 2038FY - 2039
2/27/25 14:59
Principal + Interest
Within Levy Limit 2,818,0383,051,9753,395,0503,130,9252,861,1003,437,5502,818,8002,719,4002,038,1001,883,9001,823,4501,234,000892,500586,400573,200
Issued2,818,0382,183,4752,335,5001,962,8251,734,4502,352,3501,775,0501,717,1001,077,250964,500945,5001,076,500742,500586,400573,200
Approved not issued (ANI)0621,000745,300719,600693,900668,200642,500616,800591,100565,400539,7000000
Not yet approved (NYA)0247,500314,250448,500432,750417,000401,250385,500369,750354,000338,250157,500150,00000
Bldng Security $4mil/10yr427,000413,000399,000385,000371,000357,000
Bldg Energy Improv I $5m/15yr336,188
Bldg Energy Improv II $5m/15yr433,625418,875404,125389,375369,750355,250340,750327,700317,550310,300304,500298,700292,900
Killam Green Repair
Birch Mdw Green Repair
RMHS Turf II $2.225mil/10yr195,000188,600182,200175,800169,400158,100
RMHS Turf I $3.0mil/10yr346,875334,125321,375303,750291,250278,750266,250255,000
RMHS Fieldhouse $3 mil/10yrs300,000435,000420,000405,000390,000375,000360,000345,000330,000315,000Increase by $800k, $1.7 million already authorized
RMHS/TLT $1.5mil/10yr151,200145,800140,400
RMHS Ret. Wall $500k/5yr
Parker MS Roof $2.7mil/10yr312,500301,000284,625273,375262,125250,875239,625229,500
Coolidge MS Roof $2.9mil/10yr457,000448,300439,600430,900422,200413,500404,800396,100387,400378,700 move out 5yrs
Birch Mdw ES roof $1.5mil/10yr235,000230,500226,000221,500217,000212,500208,000203,500199,000194,500 move out 5yrs
ES Mod. class $1.2 mil/8yr
Barrows/Wd End®
Wood End®
Barrows®
Police Sta Improve $1.5mil/10yr175,750164,375158,125151,875145,625139,375133,125127,500
West St. $1.3 mil135,200
Comm. Sustainability $1.0mil/10yr134,200129,400124,700120,000110,300106,000101,50096,80092,300000000
Pickleball Courts $1.65 million /10yr 0247,500239,250231,000222,750214,500206,250198,000189,750181,500173,2500000$5m bond bill
Turf @ Parker MS $1.5 mill/10 years 225,000217,500210,000202,500195,000187,500180,000172,500165,000157,500
Haven St. Streetscape $750k/5yr170,500163,300155,950148,6500000000000 0
Bch Mdow Phase II $2.14mil/10yr0321,000310,300299,600288,900278,200267,500256,800246,100235,400
Excluded Debt 1,279,70000000000000000
Issued1,279,70000000000000000
Approved not issued (ANI)
Not yet approved (NYA)
RMHS®
Barrows/Wd End®
Wood End®
Library Project $10+mil1,040,000
Library Project $2.115mil239,700
Town of Reading189FY2026 Proposed Budget
Debt Schedule
Town of ReadingProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjected
Debt Service ScheduleFY - 2025FY - 2026FY - 2027FY - 2028FY - 2029FY - 2030FY - 2031FY - 2032FY - 2033FY - 2034FY - 2035FY - 2036FY - 2037FY - 2038FY - 2039
2/27/25 14:59
Principal
Within Levy Limit 2,255,0002,319,0002,614,0002,474,0002,319,0002,874,0002,369,0002,369,0001,769,0001,679,0001,679,0001,150,000850,000560,000560,000
Issued2,255,0001,790,0001,935,0001,645,0001,490,0002,045,0001,540,0001,540,000940,000850,000850,0001,000,000700,000560,000560,000
Approved not issued (ANI)0364,000514,000514,000514,000514,000514,000514,000514,000514,000514,000
Not yet approved (NYA)0165,000165,000315,000315,000315,000315,000315,000315,000315,000315,000150,000150,000
Bldng Security $4mil/10yr350,000350,000350,000350,000350,000350,000
Bldg Energy Improv I $5m/15yr330,000
Bldg Energy Improv II $5m/15yr295,000295,000295,000295,000290,000290,000290,000290,000290,000290,000290,000290,000290,000 4,377,300
Killam Green Repair
Birch Mdw Green Repair
RMHS Turf II $2.225mil/10yr160,000160,000160,000160,000160,000155,000
RMHS Turf I $3.0mil/10yr255,000255,000255,000250,000250,000250,000250,000250,000 2,521,300
RMHS Fieldhouse $3 mil/10yrs150,000300,000300,000300,000300,000300,000300,000300,000300,000300,000 150,000 Move up 1 yr
RMHS/TLT $1.5mil/10yr 135,000 135,000 135,000
RMHS Ret. Wall $500k/5yr
Parker MS Roof $2.7mil/10yr230,000230,000225,000225,000225,000225,000225,000225,000 2,270,000
Coolidge MS Roof $3.7mil/10yr370,000370,000370,000370,000370,000370,000370,000370,000370,000370,0003,700,000
Birch Mdw ES roof $1.9mil/10yr190,000190,000190,000190,000190,000190,000190,000190,000190,000190,0001,900,000
ES Mod. class $1.2 mil/8yr
Barrows/Wd End®
Wood End®
Barrows®
Police Sta Improve $1.5mil/10yr130,000125,000125,000125,000125,000125,000125,000125,000 1,261,400
West St. $1.3 mil130,000
Comm. Sustainability $925k/10yr95,00095,00095,00095,00090,00090,00090,00090,00090,000
Pickleball Courts $1.65 million /10yr 165,000 165,000 165,000 165,000 165,000 165,000 165,000 165,000 165,000 165,000 -
- - -1,916,665
Turf @ Parker MS $1.50 mill/10 years 150,000150,000150,000150,000150,000150,000150,000150,000150,000150,0001,500,000
Haven St. Streetscape $730k/5yr145,000145,000145,000145,000 730,000
Bch Mdow Phase II $2.14mil/10yr214,000214,000214,000214,000214,000214,000214,000214,000214,000 214,000 2,140,000
Excluded Debt 1,235,00000000000000000
Issued1,235,00000000000000000
Approved not issued (ANI)
Not yet approved (NYA)
RMHS®
Barrows/Wd End®
Wood End®
Library Project $10+mil1,000,000
Library Project $2.115mil235,000
Town of Reading190FY2026 Proposed Budget
Debt Schedule
Town of ReadingProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjectedProjected
Debt Service ScheduleFY - 2025FY - 2026FY - 2027FY - 2028FY - 2029FY - 2030FY - 2031FY - 2032FY - 2033FY - 2034FY - 2035FY - 2036FY - 2037FY - 2038FY - 2039
2/27/25 14:59
Interest
Within Levy Limit 563,038732,975781,050656,925542,100563,550449,800350,400269,100204,900144,45084,00042,50026,40013,200
Issued563,038393,475400,500317,825244,450307,350235,050177,100137,250114,50095,50076,50042,50026,40013,200
Approved not issued (ANI)0257,000231,300205,600179,900154,200128,500102,80077,10051,40025,700
Not yet approved (NYA)082,500149,250133,500117,750102,00086,25070,50054,75039,00023,2507,500866,250
Bldng Security $4mil/10yr77,00063,00049,00035,00021,0007,000 448,400
Bldg Energy Improv I $5m/15yr6,188 54,656
Bldg Energy Improv II $5m/15yr138,625123,875109,12594,37579,75065,25050,75037,70027,55020,30014,5008,7002,900 1,131,367
Killam Green Repair
Birch Mdw Green Repair
RMHS Turf II $2.225mil/10yr35,00028,60022,20015,8009,4003,100
RMHS Turf I $3.0mil/10yr91,87579,12566,37553,75041,25028,75016,2505,000 630,025
RMHS Fieldhouse $3 mil/10yrs75,000150,000135,000120,000105,00090,00075,00060,00045,00030,00015,000
RMHS/TLT $1.5mil/10yr 16,200 10,800 5,400
RMHS Ret. Wall $500k/5yr
Parker MS Roof $2.7mil/10yr82,50071,00059,62548,37537,12525,87514,6254,500 566,302
Coolidge MS Roof $2.9mil/10yr87,00078,30069,60060,90052,20043,50034,80026,10017,4008,700478,500
Birch Mdw ES roof $1.5mil/10yr45,00040,50036,00031,50027,00022,50018,00013,5009,0004,500247,500
ES Mod. class $1.2 mil/8yr 12,000
Barrows/Wd End®
Wood End®
Barrows®
Police Sta Improve $1.5mil/10yr45,75039,37533,12526,87520,62514,3758,1252,500 314,539
West St. $1.3 mil5,200
Comm. Sustainability $925k/10yr39,20034,40029,70025,00020,30016,00011,5006,8002,300
Haven St. Streetscape $730k/5yr 25,50018,30010,9503,65088,150
Pickleball Courts $1.65 million /10yr 82,500 74,250 66,000 57,750 49,500 41,250 33,000 24,750 16,500 8,250440,412
Turf @ Parker MS $1.50 mill/10 years 75,000 67,500 60,000 52,500 45,000 37,500 30,000 22,500 15,000 7,500
Bch Mdow Phase II $2.14mil/10yr107,00096,30085,60074,90064,20053,50042,80032,10021,40010,700
Excluded Debt 44,70000000000000000
Issued44,70000000000000000
Approved not issued (ANI)
Not yet approved (NYA)
Killam
Community Center
Wood End®
Library Project $10+mil40,000
Library Project $2.115mil4,700
Town of Reading191FY2026 Proposed Budget
Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
2016-09-22 LAG
Board -Committee -Commission -Council:
Finance Committee
Date: 2025-03-05Time: 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 Joe Carnahan, Vice Chair Marianne McLaughlin-Downing, Geoffrey
Coram, Endri Kume, Joe McDonagh, Ed Ross, Emily Sisson, John Sullivan,
Mark Zarrow
Members -Not Present:
Others Present:
Town Manager Matt Kraunelis, CFO Sharon Angstrom, Assistant Town
Manager Jayne Wellman, School Superintendent Tom Milaschewski, Facilities
Director Joe Huggins, Assistant Facilities Director Kevin Cabuzzi (remote),
DPWDirector Chris Cole, Town Clerk Laura Gemme (remote), Community
Services Director Jenna Wood, Elder & Human Services Administrator Chris
Kowaleski,Karen Gately Herrick (remote), Chris Haley (remote), Mark
Dockser,Carla Nazzaro, Pat Tompkins, Nancy Twomey, John Coote
(remote), Nancy Ziemlak, Marilyn Shapleigh, Laura Stella (remote), Ajunetta
Stith (remote), Jenni Katajamaki -LBA (remote), Brian Hromadka -Turner
& Townsend, Mike Carroll -Colliers (remote), Joel Bargmann -BH+A
(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 Joe Carnahan called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
Roll call attendance: Mark Zarrow (remote), Ed Ross (remote), Joe McDonagh, Emily Sisson,
Marianne McLaughlin-Downing, Geoffrey Coram, Endri Kume, John Sullivan, Joe Carnahan.
The Killam School Building Committee called to order at 7:02 pm.
Roll call attendance: Pat Tompkins, Nancy Twomey, John Coote (remote), Ed Ross
(remote), Chris Haley (remote), Carla Nazzaro.
The Permanent Building/ReCAL Committee called to order at 7:03 pm.
Roll call attendance: Nancy Twomey, John Coote (remote), Nancy Ziemlak, Pat Tompkins.
Mark Dockserarrived at 7:06 pm.
Liaison Reports
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Marianne McLaughlin-
almost $1.9 million estimated cost for seven pickleball courts. She noted that there could
be some value engineering that could be done to bring costs down.
Geoffrey Coram shared that the School Committee discussed the state approval to allow
cameras on school buses to catch people who pass. While the district has a contract with a
bus company, they may ask for a contribution, which could be a possible expense and
warrant article in the future.
The Select Board called to order at 7:06 pm.
Roll call attendance: Karen Gately Herrick (remote), Chris Haley (remote), Mark Dockser.
Public Comment
Laura Stella noted that the debt reduction of the library and other projects appeared in both
presentations for the Killam and the Senior Center, and asked how much it would lower
taxpayer cost. CFO Sharon Angstrom explained that taxpayers will see the savings once,
but both projects want to remind taxpayers that those debt exclusions have been paid off
and will help buffer these debt exclusions.
Killam School Project Presentation and Discussion
Carla Nazzaro, Chair of the Killam School Building Committee, provided an update of the
project, which is currently in the schematic design phase. Ms. Nazzaro shared site plans
and renderings of the proposed three-story building, which will include a consolidated RISE
preschool, Kindergarten through Grade 5 classrooms and other programming spaces, and
improved parking and traffic flow. The feasibility study is on schedule and under budget by
about $650,000 of the allocated $2.2 million.
th
The debt exclusion vote on the project is planned for May 13. The total project cost is
estimated at $130,011,783 (which is the amount that will appear on the Debt Exclusion
Ballot), with $42,666,829 estimated Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA)
reimbursement on eligible costs. The amount of debt the Town will incur is $87,344,954. It
is estimated that the excluded debt will add approximately $734 per year to the average
residential tax bill, or around $61 per month. With the recent payoff of other debt
exclusions, the net tax increase for adding the Killam project would be around $347.
The Committee discussed various aspects of the project including the voting process; the
size and scale of the school to meet education requirement and MSBA standards;
construction timeline; material costs and contingencies; increased staff and maintenance
needs for the new building; and borrowing terms, project costs, and tax impacts to
homeowners.
Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL) Project Presentation and Discussion
Brian Hromadka of Turner & Townsend provided an overview of the Reading Center for
Active Living (ReCAL) project. He reviewed the projectmodate
the increasing 60+ population, limitations of the current Pleasant Street Center, and site
plans and renderings of the proposed building. The initial estimated cost range for ReCAL
was $28-$29 million, but this was adjusted to reflect a later construction start date and an
increased contingency. These changes would have raised the estimated cost to $32.8-$33.7
million. Neighboring communities have paid in the range of $26.8-$34.4 million for similar
projects. The final budget was set at $27.9 million, with a $4.7 million contingency. The
potential tax increase is $183-$265 per year for an average homeowner.
The Committee also discussed the potential for cost savings during the project's design and
construction phases, the project's timeline, concerns about the facility being a community
center and shared with other age groups, impacts on the area due to the simultaneous
construction as the Killam School project, and operational and programming plans.
On a motion by Nancy Twomey, seconded by Mark Dockser, the Permanent Building/ReCAL
Committee voted 5-0-0 to adjourn at 9:18 pm.
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Roll call vote: Mark Dockser Yes,Nancy TwomeyYes,Nancy Ziemlak Yes,John Coote
Yes, Pat Tompkins Yes.
On a motion by Pat Tompkins, seconded by Nancy Twomey, the Killam School Building
Committee voted 5-0-0 to adjourn at 9:18 pm, as Carla Nazzaro had already left the
meeting.
Roll call vote: Nancy Twomey Yes, John Coote Yes, Ed Ross Yes, Chris Haley Yes,
Pat Tompkins Yes.
On a motion by Karen Gately Herrick, seconded by Mark Dockser, the Select Board voted 3-
0-0 to adjourn at 9:19 pm.
Roll call vote: Chris Haley Yes, Mark Dockser Yes, Karen Gately Herrick Yes.
Vote on Finance Committee Reserve Transfer Request
CFO Sharon Angstrom presented a Reserve Transfer Request totaling $80,000, $60,000 of
which is for election cost overruns and the special election scheduled for May. The other
$20,000 is for traffic control repairs that ran over what was budgeted.
Town Clerk Laura Gemme clarified that the extra cost of vote-by-mail and the extra staff
needed to process mail-in ballots was not known until after the Presidential election. Also
included in the request is $10,000 to purchase a high-speed ballot scanner, and to help with
storage solutions given the retention requirements for all the vote-by-mail ballots and
associated documentation.
DPW Director Chris Cole explained that the extra costs for traffic controls were due to the
general increased costs and frequency of repairs.
On a motion by Marianne McLaughlin-Downing, seconded by Endri Kume, the
Finance Committee voted 9-0-0 to approve the reserve transfer as presented.
Roll call vote: Mark Zarrow Yes, Ed Ross Yes, Joe McDonagh Yes, Emily
Sisson Yes, Marianne McLaughlin-Downing Yes, Geoffrey Coram Yes, Endri
Kume Yes, John Sullivan Yes, Joe Carnahan Yes.
Vote on Snow and Ice Deficit Spending
CFO Sharon Angstrom stated that there will be a request at April Town Meeting for an
exceeded the budgeted $675,000.
DPW Director Chris Cole explained that a lot of the overage is due to the need for road
solvents, and contractually obligated overtime, as storms happened on weekends and
holidays.
On a motion by Emily Sisson, seconded by Endri Kume, the Finance Committee
voted 9-0-0 to approve deficit spending for snow and ice removal as presented.
Roll call vote: Mark Zarrow Yes, Ed Ross Yes, Joe McDonagh Yes, Emily
Sisson Yes, Marianne McLaughlin-Downing Yes, Geoffrey Coram Yes, Endri
Kume Yes, John Sullivan Yes, Joe Carnahan Yes.
Future Agenda Discussion
The agendas for the next two meetings include a Public Hearing on the Town budget at the
th
next meeting on March 12, and the vote on the budget and warrant article at the meeting
th
on March 19.
Approve Prior Meeting Minutes
The Committee reviewed the meeting minutes of February 26, 2025, and made minor
corrections to the Others Present heading section, and a typographical error.
On a motion by Emily Sisson, seconded by Geoffrey Coram, the Finance Committee
voted 9-0-0 to approve the meeting minutes of February 26, 2025 as amended.
Page | 3
Roll call vote: Mark Zarrow Yes, Ed Ross Yes, Joe McDonagh Yes, Emily
Sisson Yes, Marianne McLaughlin-Downing Yes, Geoffrey Coram Yes, Endri
Kume Yes, John Sullivan Yes, Joe Carnahan Yes.
On a motion by Emily Sisson seconded by Marianne McLaughlin-Downing, the
Finance Committee voted 9-0-0 to adjourn at 9:43 pm.
Roll call vote: Mark Zarrow Yes, Ed Ross Yes, Joe McDonagh Yes, Emily
Sisson Yes, Marianne McLaughlin-Downing Yes, Geoffrey Coram Yes, Endri
Kume Yes, John Sullivan Yes, Joe Carnahan Yes.
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