SAUGUS Advocate Online at: www.advocatenews.net C TE D AT CAT Vol. 25, No. 9 -FREE- www.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday HELP THIS EAGLE FLY 781-233-4446 Friday, March 3, 2023 The Budget Business Begins Crabtree briefs selectmen on his preliminary spending plan for the 2024 Fiscal year; selectmen send plan to Finance Committee By Mark E. Vogler T own Manager Scott C. Crabtree stressed there is much uncertainty surrounding his preliminary $125.4 million budget for the 2024 Fiscal Year that begins July 1 as he unveiled his spending plan on Monday night (Feb. 27) in the cozy fi rst fl oor conference room at Town Hall. “We’ve done a good job of balancing spending within our means,” Crabtree told selectmen. But he also urged caution Jake D’Eon of Saugus Boy Scout Troop 62 has an ambitious public service project to earn his Eagle Scout Badge: He plans to oversee the construction of eight new handicap accessible picnic tables for the Pinetops picnic area at Breakheart Reservation. But he needs the community’s help to buy supplies for his project. That’s why he’s holding a fundraiser at Prince Pizzeria on March 9 at 6:30 p.m. Please see inside for more photos and this week’s “The Advocate Asks.” (Saugus Advocate Photo by Mark E. Vogler) ~ Home of the Week ~ EVERETT...Desirable Ranch style home offers 5+ rooms, 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, eat-in kitchen open to dining room with slider to balcony, hardwood flooring, convenient first floor laundry hook-up. central air (2020). level yard (partially in Chelsea) with deck and storage shed, off street, tandem parking, located in desirable Woodlawn neighborhood. Offered at $459,900 View all our listings at: CarpenitoRealEstate.com iht 335 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906 (781) 233-7300 f th y View the interior of this home right on your smartphone. g when it comes to the School Department, which he noted has an estimated budget recommendation of $30.8 million, which is an increase of $500,000 over the current 2023 Fiscal Year budget approved by Town Meeting last spring. Crabtree’s recommendation for the School Budget is about a million dollars less than what the School Committee approved recently, and that shaved off more than half of the $32.8 million fi rst recommended by Superintendent Erin McMahon back in January. McMahon remains on paid administrative while an investigation into alleged unspecifi ed misconduct – reportedly involving alleged fi nancial mismanagement – continues. “We got to be careful that we’re not increasing an operating budget that’s not sustainable,” Crabtree said, referring to the School Department. “Money doesn’t equal sucA 197 cess,” the town manager said, adding that he worries that public confidence is eroded in the midst of budget discussions when school offi cials seek huge increases in the School Department budget. “I think that’s happened over the years for the schools,” Crabtree said. Crabtree’s overall spending plan and his explanation seemed well received by selectmen, who approved the preliminary budget document, sending it to the Finance Committee, which could begin its budget meetings soon. (See related story.) “There are challenges in preparing the estimates of expenditures in this Budget, such as Town-wide fi xed cost increases,” Crabtree noted in his budget message. He cited the following concerns: Health Insurance: The rates have not been fi nalized by the provider, but will be set within the next few months. The cost of insurance has gone up 4.9%, or $785,000, over last year. Trash hauling and incineration rates continue to increase: In addition, the cost of disposal of recyclable materials continues to increase and has been impacted by increased tonnage and contamination charges. Pension contribution: The $8.5 million payment for the 2024 Fiscal Year is an increase of more than $400,000. Regional School Assessments: BUDGET | SEE PAGE 2 ANGELO’S FULL SERVICE 1978-2023 Celebrating 45 Years in Business! Regular Unleaded $2.999 MidUnleaded $3.949 Super $3.999 Diesel Fuel $4.249 KERO By Container Only Heating Oil at the Pump DEF $4.759 HEATING OI 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available by Pump! Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN AVE • SAUGUS Sun. 9AM-5PM Prices subject to change Ask about our Heating Oil Conditioner! FLEET
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