By Rick Trapilo, Fairhaven Select Board member
I want to thank the Town employee who took the time to share a thoughtful letter regarding my recent comments about Fairhaven’s financial condition and need for a hiring and wage freeze. Although the letter was submitted anonymously, I respect the sincerity and dedication behind it.
During our July 27 Select Board meeting, the Chair characterized my comments as “insulting” to Town employees. I respectfully disagree. That characterization misses the fundamental point of my concerns.
The structural deficits identified in our recent financial forecast did not develop overnight, and they were not created by our employees.
Responsibility for the Town’s long-term financial position rests with the decisions, policies and planning of Town leadership over many years, including previous Select Boards, Town Administrators and department heads responsible for budgets, staffing, compensation, capital expenditures and long-term financial planning.
There is a lesson that has been demonstrated repeatedly in both the public and private sectors: when leadership fails to address financial problems early, hardworking employees are often the ones who ultimately pay the price.
They face hiring freezes, delayed wage increases, layoffs, increased workloads, reduced resources and, potentially, reductions in services. Employees do not create these financial problems, yet they can suffer the greatest consequences when leadership allows them to grow.
That is precisely what I am trying to prevent.
Fairhaven’s financial forecast projects deficits ranging from approximately $1.6 million to more than $4 million through Fiscal Year 2031. These numbers demand that we ask difficult questions now — while we still have the ability to make thoughtful and measured decisions.
My proposal for a temporary hiring and wage freeze was not intended to diminish our employees or suggest that they are “the problem.” It is proposed as a temporary fiscal management measure while we examine the causes of the structural deficit and develop sustainable solutions.
That examination must include revenues, expenditures, staffing, operational efficiencies, capital planning, contractual obligations, service levels and opportunities for economic growth.
Our employees and department heads must be part of that conversation. They understand firsthand where efficiencies may exist, where resources are stretched and where investments are necessary to maintain the services our residents expect.
I am hopeful that the soon-to-be-established Budget Task Force will help bring together the information, experience and ideas necessary to move Fairhaven toward a sustainable financial future.
Transparency and honest discussion are not attacks on our employees. They are essential to responsible government.
Ignoring a structural deficit would be a disservice to taxpayers, employees and future generations of Fairhaven residents.
My responsibility as a Select Board member is to help ensure that Fairhaven remains financially strong enough to support its employees, maintain essential services and meet its obligations to taxpayers — not only today, but for years to come.
I believe we ultimately share the same objective: a financially stable Fairhaven that provides excellent public services and treats its employees with the respect they deserve.
•••
Click here to download the 8/13/26 issue: 08-13-26 InclusiveBeach
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal
