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ATTLEBORO - Mayor Kevin Dumas and his administration got kudos from the city council Wednesday as thepanel wrapped up work on the city's $105 million spending plan to take effect July 1.
A state-aid decrease of about $350,000, coupled with a $600,000 bill for snow removal, ripped about $1
million out of the city's budget early on, but Dumas was able to keep services at current levels and keep
wastewater and trash fees the same, while imposing just a 1.8 percent increase on water rates, they said.
The mayor also held the line on health insurance premiums, which have been budget-busters in other
communities, and added a third full-time paramedic crew to the city's fire department at Briggs Corner.
"While the economic hardships nationwide continue to affect all the residents of the city and state, this
municipal council and administration can take pride in the fact the budget sitting before us for (fiscal year
2012) is thoughtful, transparent and effective in providing the services the city has come to expect,"
councilors wrote in their annual budget message. "This is true despite a reduction in local aid from the
Massachusetts Legislature (and) a $600,000 carryover in snow removal costs from this winter."
While the mayor's budget provides $549,299 above last year's appropriation for education, the school
department is still $1 million short, pushing school officials and unions into negotiations to close the gap.
Councilors said they have faith school officials will overcome the shortfall.
"We recognize the difficult financial situation the schools are in and know that the school administration and
the school committee will make the best decisions for the city, students and families of Attleboro," councilors
wrote.
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