Trapilo Calls for Hiring and Wage Freeze
At the July 27 meeting of the Fairhaven Select Board, at my request, Town Administrator Keith Hickey presented the Town’s three-year financial forecast.
The projections show anticipated budget deficits ranging from approximately $1.6 million to $4.1 million through Fiscal Year 2031. What concerns me most is not simply the size of the projected deficit, but that it reflects a structural imbalance extending over multiple fiscal years rather than a one-time budget challenge.
I believe the first step in solving any problem is understanding its full magnitude.
Based on my business background and experience in financial management, I recommended that the Town immediately implement a hiring freeze and wage freeze across all departments, until we have a comprehensive plan to restore long-term fiscal stability. I also requested that the Town temporarily postpone capital improvement projects that have been approved but have not yet been placed under contract.
To better understand our financial position, I have requested a three-year history of employee counts by classification for every Town department. In addition, I have requested a three-year history of legal expenditures and asked that our independent auditor present the Town’s audited financial statements to the Select Board so that financial decisions are based on the most current information available.
As I stated during the meeting, I believe Fairhaven faces both a spending challenge and a revenue challenge. Our expenditures have grown faster than our recurring revenues, particularly within the limitations of Proposition 2½. At the same time, I believe Fairhaven has opportunities to responsibly increase revenue by pursuing additional state aid, while encouraging thoughtful economic development that expands our tax base without sacrificing the character of our coastal community.
During my campaign, I pledged to work toward balanced budgets without asking taxpayers to approve a Proposition 2½ override or imposing additional fees, such as a townwide trash fee, simply to close recurring budget gaps. I remain committed to that promise.
Our Budget Working Group is seeking qualified residents who are willing to work collaboratively with Town departments and the Town Administrator to identify efficiencies, improve operations, and help develop sustainable long-term financial solutions while preserving the essential services our residents expect.
I look forward to working with my fellow Select Board members in the months ahead to address these financial challenges with transparency, fiscal discipline, and innovative thinking. Every financial decision should answer one simple question: Does this improve the Town’s long-term financial health? If the answer is no, we should reconsider the expenditure.
Fairhaven is not alone. Municipalities across Massachusetts face similar fiscal pressures. However, last year approximately 85 percent of Massachusetts communities balanced their budgets without seeking a Proposition 2½ override. My goal is to ensure that Fairhaven is among those communities by presenting taxpayers with responsible, balanced budgets that protect essential services while respecting the financial burden on our residents.
Richard “Rick” Trapilo, Fairhaven Select Board Member
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