(3-23-26 Document #9) FinCom Minutes 3-2-26 (EP)

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Canton Finance Committee Meeting
Monday, March 2nd, 2026, 7pm
Virtual Meeting


In Attendance: Emilio Mauro, Nicholas Corkery, John Leonetti, Evan Patton, Reuki Schutt, Helen Mancuso, and Ronald Wilson
William Scollins – Finance Director, Charlie Doody – Town Administrator
Absent: Kristin Mirliani, and Cindy Thomas
CCTV Recording
Recording Secretary: Allison Neff

Chairperson Mauro called the meeting to order at 7:02pm.

DEPT’S 154 HUMAN RESOURCES, 910 EMPLOYEE CONTRACT BENEFIT, & 913 UNEMPLOYMENT
Jody Middleton, HR Director
Department 154 – Human Resources: 
The only change being requested for this department is for an increase in staff. Ms. Middleton noted that, while she understands the need to make financial cuts wherever possible, it is important that this conversation be started now. The increase requested is for an Assistant Human Resources Director with a salary starting at $97,000. 
The Human Resources Department supports all department heads along with managing retirees and School staff benefits. There are currently only two HR employees. As Ms. Middleton heads toward retirement, she wants to bring someone up to speed and start training them over the next couple of years to eventually fill her position. Beyond the need for succession planning, Ms. Middleton explained that the department has a very high volume of work, and another employee would allow the department to place additional focus on training, policy updates, leadership development, and other important matters. Ms. Middleton noted that the handling of benefits alone was enough work to fill the hours of a full-time employee. While this new requested position has not existed in the past for Canton, many municipalities of similar size to Canton have HR departments with 3 or more employees.
Mr. Leonetti stated that he was not sure this is the right year to add another position, but acknowledged that this request should be seen as part of a trend, as there are multiple department heads nearing the common retirement age, and the Finance Committee should be prepared to see more succession-planning requests.
Ms. Mancuso asked Ms. Middleton what the expense line item for “longevity” referred to, and Ms. Middleton explained that it is a reward for longevity within a department. A benefit-eligible, full-time employee receives a bonus check upon their 5-year anniversary which is negotiated with the Union, and increases after 10 years. This is a way to reward employees for their service and keep them long-term. Chairperson Mauro inquired how the longevity bonus is different between collective bargaining and personal contracts, with Ms. Middleton replying that there is little variation, as the Town tries to mirror positions that are not allowed to be in the Union.
Town Administrator Doody noted that succession planning is a priority for all departments at this point, and the increased workload HR has taken on provides ample justification for growing the department roster from 2 to 3 employees. He especially acknowledged the large workload caused by the handling of all the School Department’s benefits.

Department 910 – Employee Contract Benefit:
Ms. Middleton explained the purpose of this department; stating it is where the Town keeps all contractual salary and benefit obligations, which are estimated planning amounts for negotiations, while going through contract negotiations. As negotiations with the Union were recently wrapped up, most of the increase would be for the retirement buyback trust. As an employee retires, there are contract obligations to pay out; the requested increase for that is $100,000.

Department 913 – Unemployment:
Ms. Middleton stated that her department is requesting that funding stay level at $100,000. The Town pays its own unemployment claims and needs appropriate funding for that.
Mr. Mauro noted that there has not been an increase requested in several years and confirmed with Ms. Middleton that the $100,000 continues to be an adequate amount of funding. Ms. Middleton assured the Committee that she and her assistant review unemployment claims very closely.
Mr. Patton asked whether any money that isn’t completely spent in a year is kept in a separate fund as insurance, or if the money is forwarded to the General Fund. Finance Director Scollins answered, saying that due to the Town being self-insured, it is set up as a trust, so remaining monies go into the Unemployment Trust.

Chairperson Mauro thanked Ms. Middleton for attending the meeting and all her work for the Town.

DEPT 155 INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Louis Jutras, Mis Director
Mr. Jutras introduced his requests by explaining that the total increase requested for FY27 can be broken up into 2 pieces: salary contractual obligations and expenses, totaling $82,361. This increase is driven by 2 factors: approximately $89,500 for back-ups, security, and licensing, and a smaller increase of approximately $9,400 for software maintenance and increasing costs on current software. The total figure also includes a decrease of approximately $16,500 which will be seen from savings on items which are being requested through the Capital Request budget process (antivirus renewal). 
Mr. Patton noted that a figure of over $89,000 seems high for software, with Mr. Jutras responding that it includes backups and hardware for security. Mr. Scollins reminded the Finance Committee members that Mr. Jutras has provided a detailed reconciliation of his request in the budget binders for their review.
Ms. Mancuso pointed out that $5,000 was allocated last year for dues and membership, but no similar request was made for FY27. She asked whether any of those costs were expected. Mr. Jutras explained that last year, due to Federal budget cuts, the Town began a subscription that will last 18 months, bringing the department through this fiscal year and into the next one. He does not know if that funding will continue or be reestablished.

Chairperson Mauro thanked Mr. Jutras for meeting with the Committee and keeping the Town updated and secure in the cyber age.

ARTICLE 27 AMEND POLICE REGULATIONS - OBSTRUCTIONS, ARTICLE 28 AMEND MISCELLANEOUS BYLAW – TRAILER BYLAW
Ed Walsh, Building Commissioner

Article 27: AMEND BYLAW ARTICLE XIV POLICE REGULATIONS SECTION 2 OBSTRUCTIONS OF PUBLIC WAYS AND SIDEWALKS
Mr. Walsh explained that there have been multiple instances recently where people refused to move obstructions that were in the public way. This required a lengthy process involving Town Counsel to work on solving the issue, and making it part of the bylaws would make it easier to remove those obstructive items. Adding closing language that states “The town shall not be held responsible for any damages to obstructions, which are removed from the public way and sidewalks” would alleviate some of the concerns that prevented obstruction removal in the past due to the possibility of the Town being held liable for damages.
Mr. Leonetti questioned whether changing the language in the article would actually remove the liability from the Town, and Mr. Walsh explained that, while the Town can never remove itself entirely from liability, having it documented puts the Town in better standing when removing these obstructions, according to Town Counsel.
Mr. Mauro notes that this decrease in liability will allow for the removal of public safety hazards/nuisances more quickly, thereby expediting the process of making the Town safer. He also noted that the Finance Committee will later be looking at an article regarding liens (ATM 2026, Article 22), and asked if that dovetails with this change to capture a lien if someone is not cooperative with removing an obstruction. Mr. Scollins answered affirmatively, stating that is exactly the intention of that article.
Mr. Patton asked whether the change was adding the wording quoted above, or adding the wording in bold on the Article 27 documentation sent to Committee members by Mr. Scollins, which states “Any such obstruction(s) as referred to in this section which remain(s) on any public way or sidewalk beyond the above referenced time frame(s) may be removed by and/or under the direction of a police officer at the owner's expense and any expense(s) not reimbursed to the Town shall constitute a municipal charge lien in accordance with G.L. c. 40, §58.” Mr. Walsh confirmed that all the wording would be added to the motion.

Ms. Schutt made a motion to recommend that General Bylaw Article XIV POLICE REGULATIONS SECTION 2 OBSTRUCTIONS OF PUBLIC WAYS AND SIDEWALKS be amended, and “The town shall not be held responsible for any damages to obstructions, which are removed from the public way and sidewalks” be added, as presented in the Warrant. Mr. Patton seconded the motion.
Discussion: Mr. Mauro asked what the Bylaw Modernization Committee thinks about the change and Mr. Scollins answered that it has not yet been brought to their attention as they are still at the beginning of their process.
The Motion passed with a vote of 7-0-0.
Mr. Corkery volunteered to write the Motion Discussion for this Article.

Article 28: AMEND BYLAW ARTICLE XVI MISCELLANEOUS SECTION 4 TRAILER BYLAW
Mr. Walsh explained that the trailer bylaw was adopted in 1957 and is antiquated. The original intent was regarding mobile homes and trailers being in people’s yards, and under that bylaw a regular camper is required to be located in accordance with the set-backs as regulated under the Town’s Zoning Bylaws, which is difficult in smaller neighborhoods. As a trailer is a registered vehicle in MA, it is reasonable to allow them to be located in driveways (which have no required set-backs). This amendment will provide a service to Canton residents by giving them more options of where to keep their campers.
Mr. Mauro inquired whether there was any need for Planning Board or Zoning Board of Appeals action on this, and Mr. Walsh explained that it is intrinsically linked to the Zoning Bylaws in that a resident needs a non-permeable surface for a driveway and it has to have 2 parking spaces (with a garage counting as one), along with the curb cut required by engineering.

Mr. Patton made a motion to recommend Article 28 as presented in the Warrant. Ms. Schutt seconded the motion.
Discussion: There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 7-0-0.
Mr. Corkery volunteered to write the Motion Discussion for this Article.

DEPT’S 542 YOUTH SERVICES, 630 RECREATION, 650 PARKS, 700 SKATING RINK ENTERPRISE
Tyler Radicioni, Parks & Recreation Director
Department 542 – Youth Services:
This Department covers the town-wide events the Department runs, and no increase is being requested.

Department 650 – Parks:
This Department handles maintenance only at the Paul Revere Heritage Site, and no change is requested. 

Department 630 – Recreation: 
Mr. Radicioni explained that the Department is requesting an increase of $8,000 for lifeguard supplies. Each year, new equipment must be purchased; in the next fiscal year new backboards are needed (which are very expensive), and new tubes are also needed as wear and tear catches up with the current ones. The Department is also asking for a $5,000 increase for lifeguard salaries; there is currently an 85-95% return rate for lifeguards, which is a testament to the Town’s approach to funding lifeguards, and paying for certification has been a way to attract new lifeguards. Certification costs $300-$400, and if a lifeguard commits to the full summer with the Town they can be reimbursed for those fees.
There is a $5,000 increase requested for clover treatment as more has been growing. It is an eye sore, and can negatively impact playing field surfaces; this increase will help get it under control as part of a longer-term plan. Treatment is needed every 5-6 years and was last done 6-7 years ago. A $4,000 increase for part-time grounds keepers is requested as the Department hires 4 part-time summer helpers, who are often high school or college students, and this increase is to match up with appropriate salaries. Additionally, a $4,000 increase is requested for gas and oil; as the fleet expands and operations expand this increase offsets those extra costs. The requested increases total $26,000.

700 - Skating Rink Enterprise:
An increase of $5,827 is being requested, mainly due to the increased lease fees from the Department of Conservation & Recreation under the newest contract. The Town has received DCR approval to raise rink rates to match up more closely with other local rinks, which, in turn, has caused the rental fees paid by the Town to the DCR to increase to a level more closely matching with other local towns, who were upset about Canton’s lower rate.
Mr. Scollins explained that the Town is locked into the lease for another 30 years, and the debt service fluctuates year to year. Due to nature of this debt (which is funded by Rink Enterprise Revenues, which are not very robust), the bond had to be structured to support the $11 million-dollar rehabilitation of the Rink, and payments will stay in this range until the bond is paid off. 
Mr. Mauro asked about the level of retained earnings in the Rink Enterprise Fund; Mr. Scollins stated that it is just under $100,000. Mr. Mauro noted that, similar to the Town keeping 15% in reserves, there is also a formula for keeping a reserve in enterprise funds. Mr. Scollins explained that the goal is to achieve 50% of operating expenses in reserves for Water and Sewer Enterprises, as they have large capital expenses, but a reserve of 25-30% is more reasonable for the Rink Enterprise.

Chairperson Mauro thanked Mr. Radicioni and Mr. Walsh for their time and efforts.

DEPT 548 DIVERSITY EQUITY & INCLUSION COMMITTEE
Naomi Akan, Chair
Nichola Gallagher was unable to attend the meeting.

Ms. Akan highlighted the tangible impact CDEI has made over past year, noting that over the past 2 years the Committee has hosted a number of well attended forums and events which have created meaningful opportunities for connections among residents. They have partnered with multiple local organizations to provide these free events that are open to all. She stated that this work is not abstract; it directly supports the Town’s Goals. The $22,000 increase requested will allow CDEI to expand programing, deepen outreach, and provide opportunities for more connection.
Mr. Mauro stated, as Chair of the Master Plan Implementation Committee, that there’s a desire to reach out to populations in the Town that are not as involved in Town events, and the work done by CDEI helps foster an environment that encourages people to get involved culturally and in decision making.
Ms. Akan reviewed CDEI’s Resource Allocation Details, listing the events they hold annually, ad hoc events, and miscellaneous expenses. She noted that they always try to hold events in places they do not have to pay for and find speakers that are affordable, but this is getting more difficult to do. CDEI wants to continue to hold ad hoc events and create more awareness, but a higher budget is needed from their current annual budget of $6,500.
Mr. Leonetti asked for confirmation that the increased request would mainly serve to allow events run by CDEI to move to venues with fees and/or pay speakers, and Ms. Akan confirmed this. 

Chairperson Mauro thanked Ms. Akan for attending the meeting, and for everything the CDEI does to foster the Canton community.

DEPT 129 EXECUTIVE OFFICE
Charlie Doody, Town Administrator
Jen Kemalian (Assistant Town Administrator) was unable to attend this rescheduled meeting.

Town Administrator Doody explained to the Finance Committee that the Executive Office is looking for an increase to their budget to add 5 more work hours each week for the Administrative Secretary and Clerk, increasing both from 35 hours per week to 40. This increase in hours is needed to cover the needs of the Select Board, given that the work has increased a great deal over the past few years. More tasks and duties are being frequently delegated to Ms. Kemalian, and some of her day-to-day tasks have had to be transferred to other staff members, such as dealing with liquor licensing and common victual licensing. This increase in hours would allow more to be accomplished in the Executive Office, including making sure there is someone staffing the Select Board office during all Town business hours.
Mr. Mauro noted that he met with the Town Administrator and Assistant Administrator, who walked him through the whole budget, and this request makes sense in order to increase the Office’s service to the community.
Mr. Leonetti pointed out that a budget for a Communications Specialist was allocated last year, but as of October 2025 the amount spent was very low, and he asked for the status of that employee. Mr. Doody explained that Kaylie Coleman had been hired and is doing excellent work. She has met with all Town Department heads to gain insight into their challenges, and has begun work on a Town newsletter and increased the Town’s social media presence. The Executive Office is very pleased with what she has accomplished in a short period of time, but she did not start until the Fall of 2025. She works 20 hours per week and is expected to use the entirety of that budget line for the next fiscal year. 
Mr. Leonetti asked Mr. Doody to speak to the challenges that tie back to Ms. Middleton’s request for succession planning, and Mr. Doody responded with his observation that there is significant need to start grooming replacements for Department heads heading toward retirement. He noted the difficulty in having continuity of operations if there is no one trained, and he personally thinks it is critical to have seconds-in-command being trained to keep the Town running smoothly and seamlessly. He also noted that more training is taking place as well. He confirmed that Ms. Kemalian is being trained to eventually take over the Town Administrator position.
Mr. Leonetti noted the large delta in salaries, but Mr. Doody explained that it is similar to towns with employee structures similar to Canton’s. Mr. Mauro noted that assistants are helpful for succession planning, but are also needed to keep departments operating during unforeseen circumstances, asking if there is an approach method for building up this capacity in different departments. Mr. Doody stated that there is no official policy, but he holds Department Head meetings every other month, and is trying to make sure each Department Head has an Assistant Department Head or one is being trained. He reports that progress is being made, as evidenced by the fact that at least 2 Assistant Department Heads are being requested for the FY27 budget.

Mr. Doody also requested an increase of $13,500 for audit expenses, explaining that the price the Town has been quoted for next year is higher than the current budget. Mr. Scollins explained to the Committee that an audit firm is needed to perform a financial statement audit, which is also required for the significant amount of federal grants the Town relies on. Additionally, the School Department is also required to have an annual audited report submitted to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, along with audits required every few years such as the Student Activity Accounts audit. There has not been an increase to this contract for several years, but the recent consolidation of several major auditing firms has left limited choices and raised prices based on demand. This price increase is locked in for 3 years, so it will not go up in FY28 or FY29, and when the Town reaches the end of this contract there will be a less than 3% increase annually, which is very competitive.
Mr. Mauro asked if there had been any impact on industry standards by the consolidation of firms, with Mr. Scollins replaying that there are national auditing standards and peer reviews required. 

DEPT 946 TOWN INSURANCE
Charlie Doody, Town Administrator
Mr. Doody informed the Finance Committee that the Town utilizes an insurance broker, and has been informed that there might be an increase of up to 15% in liability insurance, but there will be enough funding in the budget, if kept level, to cover all insurance costs, so there is no increase being requested.

Chairperson Mauro thanked Town Administrator Doody and the entire Executive Office for their hard work.

VOTE MINUTES 
The 2/4/26 and 2/11/26 minutes are almost done and are still being reviewed.

FINANCE COMMITTEE BUDGET ANNOUNCEMENT
Mr. Mauro asked Mr. Scollins to display the operating budget, and he noted for the Committee that $3,000 was added to the Finance Committee budget, compared to FY26, for increased printing and mailing costs. He stated that this increase is less than the amount that requires Finance Committee review, but asked that any Committee members who wish to discuss the increase inform him so it can be added to a future meeting agenda. Mr. Scollins explained the reason for the increase, stating that more funds are needed in the case of Special Town Meetings being added to the calendar, as the Town has fallen short on funding for printing and mailing when unexpected Town Meetings have been added in past years. Mr. Mauro noted that, even without extra Town Meetings, the costs of printing and mailing are rising every year.

DEPT 543 VETERANS
Arafat Knight, Veterans Service Agent
Mr. Knight explained the 2 budget increases being requested. Firstly, $4,000 is being requested for the Town’s Memorial Day event as prices have increased, especially for advertising.
An increase of $19,700 is also requested to allow Mr. Knight’s assistant to increase from 20 hours per week to 32 hours per week. She is unable to get all her tasks done within 20 hours and has been working additional hours frequently. The 32 hours would be sufficient to complete everything without overtime. Mr. Knight reviewed the tasks being completed by the assistant and detailed the Department’s increased output to the community. He noted that over 200 veterans attended the Veterans Day breakfast, and more have been participating in the Memorial Day parade (but they are getting older, so transportation needs to be provided for them to still participate). The number of disability claims being processed is growing, as is the annual golf tournament, and the Hometown Heroes banner initiative (there are currently over 300 banners and an order of 20 more is being prepared with help from the DPW). Mr. Knight went on to note that his assistant is a photographer by trade, and that skill has been very helpful to the Department, along with her work running the Facebook page, which has been a good resource to get information out to veterans and families (many of whom do not live in this community). She is also excellent at organizing events, which allows Mr. Knight to do more in the office, like processing disability claims and helping veterans in crisis.
Mr. Mauro asked if increasing the hours from 20 to 32 hours per week would impact the benefits for the position; Mr. Scollins replied that the benefits would remain the same, though the pension would increase slightly.
Mr. Mauro pointed out that the tasks listed out by Mr. Knight are a great display of how much is done behind the scenes in all Town departments, and how much the Veterans Department does for the community. He thanked Mr. Knight for what he and his Department do for veterans and community outreach, along with attending this meeting.

NEXT MEETING DATES
Mr. Leonetti proposed that Zoom calendar invites be sent to Committee members and guests when meeting agendas are distributed. Several other Committee members agreed that this would be convenient. Mr. Scollins noted that his office is extremely short-handed at this time and recommended that Committee members save the Zoom link to their personal calendar when the agenda is sent out.

The next Finance Committee meeting will be on 3/4/26.

ADJOURNMENT
Ms. Schutt moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:53pm. Mr. Patton seconded the motion. 
The motion passed 7-0-0.

Minutes reviewed by: Evan Patton

Respectfully submitted,

Emilio E. Mauro, Jr.
Chair, Canton Finance Committee

REFERENCED DOCUMENTS:
FINCOM March 2nd 2026 Agenda
ATM Articles 27 & 28
Explanation of Articles 27 & 28
Cynthia Maddestra Request for Increase of Hours
CDEI FY 27 Budget and Impact
Operating Budget Requests 3-2-26
SB Positions on Articles 2026 for Fin Com