Selectmen Talk Budget Priorities: Fire Substation, Unaccepted Roads

WILMINGTON, MA — At last week’s Board of Selectmen Meeting, Town Manager Jeff Hull asked members to share their priorities for the town’s FY2020 budget, which Hull has begun to put together.

“This may be a little controversial, but perhaps overdue. I’d like to see Wilmington adopt something that our neighboring town in Billerica does,” said Selectman Greg Bendel. “On a yearly basis, Billerica accepts up to six roads. I understand we can’t accept all our unaccepted roads and that this will bring a financial burden to the taxpayer, but I think it would go a long way if we take a look at adopting a few roads each year. I throw out the number six as it seems reasonable.”

According to the town’s Department of Public Works, Wilmington currently has more than 200 unaccepted private ways comprising over 30 miles of roadway.

“We need to come up with a process of how to apply to get your road approved, as well as a deadline for the application. We then look at the pool of roads. We look at our budget. And we take care of some of those roads that are in dire need,” continued Bendel. “That’s really something I’d like to see if we could explore.”

Bendel also stressed the need to continue strong funding for the school department. He praised the addition of the town’s Substance Abuse Coordinator, calling her a “huge asset to the community.” Bendel would like to see upgrades made to the Senior Center and to ensure it’s handicap accessible. He’d like to see language added to the trash contract with Russell Disposal for an additional week of leaf pickup as well.

“I urge the manager to continue to be conservative with the budget. Be creative. Continue to seek grants,” added Bendel, who noted he was glad to see a few items at last year’s Annual Town Meeting paid for out of the town’s free cash reserves.

Selectman Jonathan Eaton supported Bendel’s idea to systematically increase the number of accepted streets in town.

“I agree with Selectman Bendel’s idea about beginning to cyclically phase in the acceptance of roads. That’s a good idea,” said Eaton.

“I also believe increasing staffing in the Fire Department should be a priority,” continued Eaton. “We should get out in front of preparing for a much needed North Wilmington fire substation… Let’s increase staffing levels in preparation of that.”

Selectman Ed Loud agreed with his colleagues relative to an accepted streets program and a North Wilmington fire substation.

Selectmen Chair Kevin Caira emphasized that the town’s free cash reserves need to be utilized to help fund future building projects, including a Town Hall/School Administration building, a Senior Center, a Fire Substation, and a new Elementary School.

“That’s the importance of free cash and the stabilization fund,” said Caira. “They can be used for these important projects coming down the line.”

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