Acushnet Police Chief Christopher Richmond announces at Town Meeting on 6/17/24 that he is retiring in the fall. Photo by Beth David.
By Beth David, Editor
Acushnet Town Meeting made quick work of passing a $36.1 million operating budget and other articles, ending the meeting after about an hour and ten minutes.
Almost all articles passed with no discussion, but a couple got a few comments.
Beyond the articles, though, was a big announcement. Chief Christopher Richmond told Town Meeting that he had informed the board that he will retire in the fall, in what he called the town’s “worst kept secret.”
“It’s my time,” said Chief Richmond.
He said it was “bittersweet” and thanked the Selectboard, previous SB members and town meeting.
“I want to thank everybody here,” said Chief Richmond to town meeting, adding that the interactions at town meeting have been some of the best in the past years.
He also encouraged the SB to move promptly to determine the process for his successor. He said the department deserves the stability.
Town Moderator Les Dakin thanked Chief Richmond for this “many years of service to the people of Acushnet.”
The chief received a loud round of applause and a standing ovation from town meeting.
The chief’s position is a civil service position, so hiring will need to follow those guidelines.
One of the few articles to get any discussion, albeit very little, was article 18, calling for the creation of a meals tax of 0.75%.
The new tax would add revenue to the town coffers and diversify the sources of local revenue. Estimates are between $50K and $100K. More than 80% of Southcoast communities charge a meals tax.
Ryan Rezendes speaks against the creation of a meals tax at Acushnet Town Meeting on 6/17/24. Photo by Beth David.
Ryan Rezendes spoke against the implementation of the tax saying he could not in his mind raise his hand to raise taxes.
“Once we’re taxed, it’s only going to go up. We’re taxed to the max,” said Mr. Rezendes. “I will not vote to raise my own taxes or to create a new tax.”
SB member David Wojnar called Mr. Rezendes a “great public servant,”as he currently serves on the Conservation Commission, but, said Mr. Wojnar, the town is in a situation where they have to consider it.
“We are doing this under duress, quite frankly,” said Mr. Wojnar.
He said it is the one tax they can get from out-of-towners. It is “not ideal,” he said, and under any other circumstances they would not be doing it, but they need every penny for the operation of the town.
Eric DeBarros, who also serves on the ConCom, asked why the town just spent $17K for ATV if they are so strapped for funds.
Mr. Wojnar explained that the ATV in article 17, used Community Preservation Act funds, which are designated for certain uses.
Finance Committee chairperson Michael Boucher said people know he is not a fan of new taxes. But, he said Acushnet has a limited commercial tax base. The meals tax will ease the burden on resident property taxes, he said. It will guarantee only a small amount of money, but it will help with shortages.
He said this year was one of the most challenging years they have faced.
“This is really a different year,” said Mr. Boucher.
Eric DeBarros speaks at Acushnet Town Meeting on 6/17/24. Photo by Beth David.
He said Acushnet residents go to restaurants in other communities, and, “We are paying this tax when we eat outside of Acushnet. And other people come here.”
The measure passed overwhelmingly, with minimal opposition.
Town Meeting also voted to use money from the Overlay Surplus Fund to pay for three collective bargaining agreements: Dispatchers ($10,065); Department Managers ($40,830); police ($445,750).’
Mr. Wojnar noted that the police had been without a contract for three years, so the large amount was for retroactive payments.
“Contract negotiations are never easy,” said Mr. Wojnar, who was the board’s point person on negotiations.
He said both parties “have to put on the boxing gloves,” and they did that, but continued to talk and be respectful.
Mr. Wojnar also thanked SB member Kevin Gaspar who was the point person negotiating withe the Steelworkers Union, which includes department heads and inspectors. It is the first time the town has had department heads in a union.
“It was an interesting dynamic for us,” he said, and thanked Mr. Gaspar for “navigating that for us.”
Town Meeting passed all other articles, including the budget; other spending articles; and the change to the stormwater bylaw.
After the meeting Town Administrator Jamie Kelley said there was no opposition to the budget because throughout the difficult process of closing a $2.1 million gap, the town was “open and transparent” with town residents.
The meeting will be available on the town’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AcushnetCable
•••
Click here to download the 06-20-24 issue: 06-20-24 RoadRace
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal
