Ways & Means - September 16, 2026

This was a Ways & Means committee meeting held on September 16, 2026, focusing on several procurement and budget-related topics. Key procurement discussions included the approval of a $78,132.71 fund acceptance from the Will of Marshall Simons for use by the recreation department, and the ratification of a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Burlington Firefighters Union covering FY 2026 through FY 2028. The contract includes general wage increases and education incentives, with an estimated total cost of about $750,000 over the term. Additionally, the committee approved the appropriation of $271,861.53 from the MWRA sewer inflow and infiltration interest fund to support sewer system maintenance and capital planning. Updates were also provided on major capital projects such as the Fox Hills school and police station, both progressing well and under budget. The committee discussed the potential implementation of electronic voting for town meetings, including associated costs and bylaw changes. Finally, there was a detailed update on the Shawsheen School District’s budget process improvements, financial controls, and coordination efforts among sending towns to enhance budget transparency and management.