By Beth David, Editor
The heads of Fairhaven’s four largest departments, Schools, Public Works, Police, and Fire, sent a letter to the newly formed Budget Working Group in reference to a letter the four departments received with a 12-point framework, or priorities, that the BWG wants the departments to review and adopt. The letter was sent by Rick Trapilo, the Select Board’s liaison to the BWG. Mr. Trapilo responded to the department heads with a lengthy email that he sent to SB chair Andrew Romano; Town Administrator, Keith Hickey; BWG chair, Ken Blanchard; the TA’s assistant; and the four department heads.
In his response, he asks that the SB discuss the letter at a meeting, which they did on Monday, 10/26/26.
The letter from the department heads says they have already seen what happens when “municipal oversight turns into outright hostility,” and points to the treatment of town departments by some Finance Committee members.
“Seeing your new BWG drift down that same path is deeply alarming,” they write.
They also suggest that the BWG “integrate three core principles into its framework,” including: Early, Collaborative Consultation; Clear Distinction Between Operational Management and Structural Drivers; Alignment with Established Governance.
At the meeting, Mr. Romano started the discussion by saying it was a difficult discussion and decisions the town had to make regarding the budget.
The town faces a $1.5 million deficit this year, projected to be up to $4 million in just a couple of years. Voters have rejected a Proposition 2 1/2 override twice, which would have allowed the town to increase property taxes more than the 2.5% state law allows.
Mr. Trapilo read a statement at the meeting. In it he said his promise to the voters was to bring “accountability, fresh ideas, and a new approach to addressing our financial challenges.”
He said he represents the people of Fairhaven and “taxpayers who deserve a town government that operates efficiently, responsibly, and within its means.”
“Those are the people I represent, and I will not apologize for asking difficult questions on their behalf to town leadership,” he said.
Mr. Trapilo also said he respected the department heads but was concerned that they criticized the efforts of “citizen volunteers.”
SB member, Andrew Saunders reiterated his oft-spoken mantra that the state has issued unfunded mandates and that state aid is insufficient.
SB member Natalie Mello said she had no argument with the BWG, but she had some concerns about Mr. Trapilo’s actions as the SB’s liaison to the BWG. Ms. Mello said he was acting more like the chair than a liaison, that he seemed to be taking a much more active role.
Mr. Trapilo said he would take that as a compliment. He said the liaison to him, is not to “sit like a bump on a log. It’s to be active.”
Ms. Mello said she did not expect him to be quiet, but he seemed to be “leading” the BWG.
Mr. Trapilo said he did not want to overstep his boundaries, but he did not want to “understep my responsibilities.”
Mr. Romano, noting that the SB had no control over individuals, suggested that in the future, Mr. Trapilo discuss his ideas for letters or suggestions to other departments with either the BWG or the SB. It might be more appropriate for the letters to be sent from a board, instead of an individual.
SB member Pam Kuechler, who served on the School Committee, said all departments are under “extreme pressure,” and pointed out the core principles that the department heads wrote about. She said she saw it as a monumental opportunity. The four departments are working together.
“That hasn’t happened in my memory,” said Ms. Kuechler.
She agreed with Mr. Romano’s suggestion. If they are going to encourage everyone to work together, said Ms. Kuechler, “It’s important that we’re part of the discussion.
BWG chairperson, Ken Blanchard, also addressed the board. He noted that they are a new group and only had a few meetings, and two of those were organizational.
He said the BWG was accused, incorrectly, of overstepping its authority, so he believed some of the “angst” was coming from that misinformation.
“We need to turn down the temperature a little bit,” he said. “It’s a very tough job.”
Mr. Trapilo’s email responses, the letter from the department heads, and the 12 point priorities document, are all on the town’s website in the packet materials for the 10/26/26 SB meeting. The response that Mr. Trapilo read at the meeting is available on our website: www.neighbnews.com
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Click here to download the 10/29/26 issue: 10-29-26 Horribles
Click here to download Mr. Trapilo’s letter: TrapiloResponse
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