(6-23-26 Document #2) FinCom Minutes 5-11-26 (EP)

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Canton Finance Committee Meeting
Monday, May 11th, 2026, 6pm
Canton High School Cafeteria
900 Washington Street


In Attendance: Emilio Mauro, Nicholas Corkery, John Leonetti, Evan Patton, Reuki Schutt, Kristin Mirliani, Ronald Wilson, Cindy Thomas, and Helen Mancuso
William Scollins – Finance Director
Allyson Podgurski – Town Accountant
Absent: N/A
Recording Secretary: Allison Neff

Chairperson Mauro called the meeting to order at 6:08pm.

GENERAL BUSINESS OF THE COMMITTEE IN PREPARATION FOR TOWN MEETING
Sal Salvatori submitted a substitute motion for Article 24 (Amend General Bylaw Article IV Annual Town Meeting – Moderator). The Finance Committee had no prior warning of this substitute motion or knowledge of its contents until Finance Director Scollins handed out copies at the beginning of this meeting (which he had only just received moments earlier).
Chairperson Mauro read the text of the proposed substitute motion aloud and also noted a clerical error: the word “meeting” is missing from Section 1A(c) in the second to last line after “Annual Town”.

Chairperson Mauro summarized the proposed motion for the Finance Committee, explaining that the immediate changes to the motion that was originally proposed by the Bylaw Modernization Committee (BMC) are that the moderator would continue to be elected on the floor at Annual Town Meeting (ATM), rather than through a ballot box election, and it would allow two moderators to exist concurrently. Based on Committee questions, it was clarified that an election for moderator would take place each year and the second moderator would be a deputy moderator for their first year, then transition into being lead moderator for the second year while a new deputy serves. In order to put this into effect the current moderator would serve for two years.

Ms. Mirliani asked if the BMC had seen and discussed this proposal, noting her discomfort with this proposal feeling like a run-around to her. Mr. Scollins explained that the BMC heard rumors about a proposed substitute motion, but the text was distributed to the Moderator, Town Clerk, and acting Town Administrator late in the afternoon on the day of this meeting. BMC Chairperson George Comeau shared it with Mr. Scollins and Mr. Comeau is in the process of drafting an explanation to compare and contrast this proposed substitute motion with the original. 

Finance Committee members asked whether they would be voting on this substitute motion. Mr. Scollins stated that he would like to hear both Mr. Salvatori’s and Mr. Comeau’s presentations, respectively, to better understand the rational behind changing the intent of the motion. Mr. Mauro agreed, noting that this proposed substitution undermines the original intent of the article. Mr. Leonetti reminded the Committee that he had concerns about the Moderator being elected in the Town election, but felt the Committee had a good discussion about the BMC’s proposed motion, while this proposed substitute motion raised even more concerns for him than the original proposal. He asked for clarity on the procedure for the Finance Committee at this point, questioning if this proposed substitute would go to the floor at Annual Town Meeting (ATM) for consideration whether or not Finance Committee voted to recommend it at this meeting. Mr. Scollins confirmed this was the case. Mr. Mauro explained that at ATM, normally, an article would be moved, and then a substitute motion would be proposed during the discussion time before voting, at which point the attendees could vote to accept the substitution. Mr. Leonetti noted that this means it will go to vote no matter what the Finance Committee thinks/decides on it at this point, despite the other motions in the warrant having been discussed by the Committee over the course of months and printed/distributed well before ATM. Mr. Scollins reminded Committee members that everything discussed and voted on by the Finance Committee over the past several months are only recommendations to ATM. Mr. Mauro added that the original Article 24 language will be proposed first and this will only move forward with the approval of the voters at the meeting. He stated it was up to the Committee whether they want to take a position on the substitute motion.

Ms. Thomas stated that some of the aspects of the proposed substitution are understandable, given that it separates the election of moderator out from the current system (which involves specific political party committees) while not making the moderator selection an open election, which multiple Committee members expressed concern about. However, she was unsure if this proposed substitute is a good idea and feels the Committee should not vote on it without hearing more and having more time to think about it. Mr. Corkery agreed with Ms. Thomas, noting that he was not in favor of the original motion and feels this is much worse. Ms. Mirliani also expressed distaste for the proposal but acknowledged that it was an improvement over the current system, as the several hundred attendees of ATM would choose the moderator rather than the political party caucuses. Mr. Corkery asserted that this could lead to chaos and confusion if multiple names are put forward and it makes the bar for moderator knowledge and expertise even lower than the originally proposed motion. Mr. Patton noted that, under this proposed substitution, the elected person would serve as deputy moderator for a year, which would allow them to gain some experience. Mr. Mauro stated his concerns about nominating a moderator on the floor of ATM under this substitute proposal, as it means there would be no pre-determined initial candidate, and someone could become moderator without training or planning. He further agreed that this substitute motion could lead to chaos and a prolonged election process at the ATM with multiple candidates, and he reminded the Committee that Article 24, as originally proposed, took the election away from the ATM floor, which solved the possible issue of an unprepared moderator. Ms. Schutt noted that the Finance Committee, as a whole, did not seem to support this proposed substitution, nor did they wish to vote on it at this meeting, and the Committee agreed.

Chairperson Mauro stated that he will include an explanation of the Finance Committee discussion of the original article/motion in his comments during the ATM session, and agreed that the Committee does not have enough information to decide either way on this proposed substitute as they will not have the opportunity to hear BMC Chairperson Comeau’s arguments against it, nor Mr. Salvatori’s defense of it, before ATM. Ms. Schutt added that it is not a financial issue, and therefore does not impact this Committee, though Mr. Mauro noted that the Finance Committee does or does not recommend all warrant articles, and this article may have a major impact on how ATM is run and the power to appoint committee members to some key Town committees. Mr. Leonetti agreed with earlier points that an open election at least presents a candidate who can speak publicly and make their opinions known before being voted on in a democratic process, whereas this proposed substitute does not offer a real process and could result in a moderator with no preparation and significant appointment power. He reiterated his opinion that Article 24, as originally presented by the BMC, is a bad idea, and this proposed substitution is even worse. Ms. Thomas also noted that this proposed substitute process could make ATM much longer if multiple candidates were to present their qualifications and debate on the floor, forcing a snap popularity contest.

Ms. Thomas made a motion to table the substitute motion for Article 24 (Amend General Bylaw Article IV Annual Town Meeting – Moderator). Ms. Mirliani seconded the motion.
There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 9-0-0.

Regarding other business for ATM, the Committee was informed that Moderator Staiti confirmed with Town Counsel that the language in Article 26 (Reconsideration) is consistent with Town Meeting Time.

Chairperson Mauro reminded the Finance Committee that members can speak for or against any article at ATM as individual voters, but not as members of the Finance Committee representing it.

VOTE MINUTES
The minutes of the Finance Committee meeting on March 4th, 2026, were originally voted on at the March 25th meeting, and, like all votes taken at that meeting, needs to be revoted.
Ms. Schutt made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 4th, 2026, Finance Committee meeting as written and distributed. Ms. Mirliani seconded the motion.
There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 9-0-0.

Ms. Schutt made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 18th, 2026, Finance Committee meeting as written and distributed. Ms. Thomas seconded the motion.
There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 9-0-0.

Ms. Schutt made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 23rd, 2026, Finance Committee meeting as written and distributed. Ms. Thomas seconded the motion.
Discussion: Mr. Patton stated that, at the top of page five, where it says, “Assistant Treasurer goes to the Treasury […]” it should read, “Assistant Treasurer goes to the Registry […]”. 
Ms. Schutt made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 23rd, 2026, Finance Committee meeting with the above correction made. Ms. Thomas seconded the motion.
There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 9-0-0.

Ms. Schutt made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 25th, 2026, Finance Committee meeting as written and distributed. Ms. Thomas seconded the motion.
There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 8-0-1 with Mr. Leonetti abstaining.

Ms. Schutt made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 30th, 2026, Finance Committee meeting as written and distributed. Ms. Thomas seconded the motion.
Discussion: Mr. Patton pointed out that Ms. Nolan was mistakenly titled “Mr. Nolan” on page one, in the first paragraph under the Canton Alliance Against Substance Abuse Committee Report heading.
Ms. Schutt made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 30th, 2026, Finance Committee meeting with the above correction made. Ms. Thomas seconded the motion.
There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 8-0-1 with Mr. Leonetti abstaining.

Ms. Schutt made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 8th, 2026, Finance Committee meeting as written and distributed. Ms. Thomas seconded the motion.
There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 7-0-2 with Mr. Leonetti and Ms. Mancuso abstaining.

NEXT MEETING DATES
Chairperson Mauro acknowledged Mr. Scollins, stating that he has been Finance Director since 2019 and has done a fantastic job and ensured that budgets were submitted and correct buckets used, among many other tasks, and thanked him for his efforts. Mr. Scollins responded that the feeling is mutual and thanked Chairperson Mauro and the Committee. He then introduced Allyson Podgurski who is the recently appointed Finance Director/Town Accountant as of July 1st, 2026. He expressed his belief that the Committee and Town will be in very good hands with her.

Chairperson Mauro asked whether a meeting regarding year-end transfers was needed in June or July. Mr. Scollins responded that there will be a snow and ice budget deficit of just under $700,000, while the Reserve Fund contains approximately $600,000, so additional deficit relief will likely be required. The worst-case prediction for the shortage amount is $150,000, which he believes is a generous over-estimate. A request will be coming to exhaust the Finance Committee reserve account, which can possibly be handled in an allowable and appropriate way: the snow and ice deficit can be raised on the tax recap when the tax rate is set. A line currently exists for it, so it does not have to be appropriated. Mr. Scollins noted that he is not suggesting the entire $700,000 deficit be put there, but, depending on what other deficits are estimated at, suggested $250,000 total will be needed beyond the current reserves. He recommended relieving the snow and ice deficit with $350,000 from the Reserve Fund, with anything beyond that listed on the recap. Since there must be an offset, the logical one is to look at raising another item on the recap that can be adjusted without further action: the Overlay. Annually, the Town budgets $800,000 for overlay exemptions and abatements. If there’s an overachievement of tax growth the Overlay would usually be increased. The Overlay is very flush, so it would be appropriate to use those funds as he anticipates there will be enough to cover whatever the Reserve Fund cannot. Effectively, this reduces the amount that would have been put into the Overlay (the overachievement above $800,000), but that adjustment will not be made until November and the FY26 books close in June, so the funds are coming out of the new reserves for the next fiscal year. Mr. Scollins went on to state that the statutory deadline to cure all deficits is July 15, 2026. In order to avoid meeting in early July he suggested setting a meeting date in late June, noting that it will be a quick meeting with materials sent in advance. The Committee agreed to meet on June 23rd at 7:00pm via Zoom. Mr. Scollins explained that the Select Board usually hears the information which will be presented at that meeting before the Finance Committee, but they will not have the opportunity to do so, meaning the Finance Committee will take their vote before the Select Board hears the information, if Chairperson Mauro agrees. Chairperson Mauro asked if the Select Board is likely to make any changes once the information comes before them, to which Mr. Scollins responded in the negative, noting that the Select Board hearing the information first is how it has been done in the past, but it is not a requirement given that the Reserve Fund is controlled by the Finance Committee. 

Mr. Scollins went on to explain that the Overlay total will not be known until the new growth is certified in November. Ms. Mirliani asked if it was known how the School Department is performing currently and if it is staying on budget, and Mr. Scollins responded that, based on their financial reporting, they are within budget. The Special Education Reserve Fund has not been used yet, which is common, as it is frequently not tapped into until June. While the School Department does not appear to be struggling to meet their budget, there is a hiring freeze currently. Mr. Scollins will be meeting with Mr. Lynch from the School Department later this week to handle the year-end process and he will have more information that he can share with the Finance Committee after that meeting. 

Mr. Scollins went on to explain that the Senate Ways and Means Committee has presented their budget proposal for FY27 (though it still needs to go before the Joint Ways & Means Committee and the Governor), and it currently stands at $500,000 over what the Governor had proposed. The Senate increased unrestricted general government aid substantially, which is not normally seen. When the article regarding supplementing the School Department’s budget comes forward at the next ATM most of the increased funding would be recommended to go there, helping them significantly for next year, but some portion would be recommended to go to the Municipal accounts as well.

The Committee went on to discuss whether it would review the compensation amounts for certain elected officials at the June 23rd meeting. Ms. Mirliani asked if the BMC had weighed in on this issue and Mr. Scollins stated that he would find out and let the Committee know. Ms. Mirliani asserted that the idea of increasing the compensation amounts has been discussed for a long time, and Ms. Schutt added that it was never really vetted, only discussed vaguely. Ms. Thomas stated that a fair amount of vetting on this topic was done years ago, and that information should be looked at, but noted that they had primarily looked into the impacts regarding insurance benefits rather than the timing and stipend amounts. Ms. Schutt asked why changes were not made at that time and Ms. Thomas explained that the situation involving Karen Read had just become major news and the decision was made to table the topic until things had settled down. She recommended reaching out to the Select Board as it would be helpful for the Finance Committee to know their position on this subject. Chairperson Mauro stated that he will add this topic to the agenda for the meeting on June 23rd. He went on to note that he had also spoken with the School Department Administration about the Special Education Reserve Account as they stated an interest in working with the Finance Committee, a sub-committee, or just the liaisons (Ms. Thomas and Mr. Wilson) to reword the name of the account and how it is presented at ATM, and that topic will also be added to the June 23rd agenda. Mr. Leonetti suggested also adding a discussion on the appropriate level of detail that should be reflected in Finance Committee meeting minutes to the June 23rd agenda, and Ms. Thomas suggested looping the Town Clerk in on that conversation so they can provide feedback about what is correct and appropriate when it comes to meeting minutes. Ms. Mancuso would also like to discuss the format of the meetings and whether some selected meetings could be held in-person.

ADJOURNMENT
Ms. Thomas made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:51pm. Ms. Schutt seconded the motion.
There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 9-0-0.


Minutes reviewed by: Evan Patton

Respectfully submitted,

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

REFERENCED DOCUMENTS:
FINCOM May 11 2026 Agenda
ATM 2026 - Substitute Motion for Article 24
Finance Committee Meeting Minutes 3-4-26
Finance Committee Meeting Minutes 3-18-26
Finance Committee Meeting Minutes 3-23-26
Finance Committee Meeting Minutes 3-25-26
Finance Committee Meeting Minutes 3-30-26
Finance Committee Meeting Minutes 4-8-26