[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6568511,"mediaKeyId","3194439-39b7e9e44ed55bb13f89f33679eb656a","parentId",3194439,"title","Mayor's office requests modest FY26 increase; economic development manager funded by multi-year grant","audioSeconds",331,"startMs",7820000,"endMs",8151000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3194439-39b7e9e44ed55bb13f89f33679eb656a&start=7820&end=8151","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3194439-39b7e9e44ed55bb13f89f33679eb656a/thumbnail_7820000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6568511/Town-of-Braintree/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Mayors-office-requests-modest-FY26-increase-economic-development-manager-funded-by-multi-year-grant","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568511-50507ec90fd23db07ea219b7b7bd79d6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437042&Signature=C0F~Itp-Ru0tP8RZcVBgvyIYtjdFyGUmN88jZbX-OA8I2~gnn0J-zzbxz~Q60XAOZwmJJQuZZf8K1Olawf-cm9ZM8B4fv~~ymSQYkxaTFkbgntR~Q-kBnUsOglI909MQD5izbUsn5Z3lrRw~hgFy5PD23xvCdEJFQ1qzXi8UurWmIwRdeLoW9hVvHosM2udc9V0fYoA9Bd6YHAh4WfT54q1Xxx5pVx9jBNRWZPgwgzJn8tszMXPoMcnpa18zUqqvWq-aaMi51cL20HArLcuOLZlXLKq67jCs-OtRze4zrNJ1bOTHdDuy2CxZwoJxH~Qlc1CXfaGmQfTMVlcZkttOOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Braintree, MA","date","2025-05-06T00:00:00Z","article","Chief of Staff Kara Nyman presented the mayor's office FY26 budget to the council on May 5, describing a roughly 1% increase from FY25 and emphasizing staffing and communications work. The FY26 mayor's-office request covers four full-time positions including the chief of staff and a communications coordinator; 88% of the office's budget is salaries.

Nyman noted that the town's economic development manager, Ryan Egan, is currently funded through a state grant (total award about $500,000) that the administration said was amended to allow administrative costs and an FTE. The grant-supported position is funded through June 30, 2026; administration staff said extension or replacement funding could be considered in future budget cycles.

The mayor's office said modest increases in printing/forms, advertising, awards/ceremonies, and consultants reflect communications and digital-engagement work. Administration staff added that some line items classified as \"printing and forms\" or \"consultants\" support ongoing website improvements and the CivicPlus platform integration carried out under the mayor's direction. The mayor's office is coordinating website edits and content upkeep while the town's IT line pays annual SaaS hosting costs.

Councilors asked about the communications coordinator role and grade change; Nyman said the role was reposted at a higher grade to reflect responsibilities and attract qualified applicants after the current coordinator announced plans to leave.

Councilors praised incorporating goals and metrics into departmental budget materials and urged continued attention to website accuracy and an integrated digital strategy.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Braintree Ways and Means Budget Hearing","oneSentenceSummary","Chief of Staff Kara Nyman summarized the mayor's FY26 office budget (a 1% increase) and noted that the town\u0000economic-development manager position is funded through a state grant that runs through FY26 and totals roughly $500,000 over multiple years.","taxTitle","Town of Braintree , Norfolk County, Massachusetts","taxId",57175,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6568517,"Human resources presentation emphasizes pension schedule change and health-trust reserve targets",581,5481000,6062000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3194439-39b7e9e44ed55bb13f89f33679eb656a&start=5481&end=6062","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3194439-39b7e9e44ed55bb13f89f33679eb656a/thumbnail_5481000.jpg","/articles/6568517/Town-of-Braintree/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Human-resources-presentation-emphasizes-pension-schedule-change-and-health-trust-reserve-targets","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568517-c61e683289f5ff6460c7f21442832140/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437042&Signature=inK0o-if1Nu-FWzipLtLLJCEOUUaOLH0VKzNcc9zSIYMSVR-HcrVkR-eCI0rYH4jlXt65bzD9cnG14gj4U3Knh4b04YrD7t5YHrifblmkMRgFSwW3vwkrH72lIMcf9sHxJ3u~TLNkEiH19wkyW5sykktCuDpZO2S-WIy9Um-cw~TZqhqkGQXuU9SXg7U8Zp-EQh9SH8z3EwhDk7sx1UaBIiDdQBH7XtH8VsUGV11cUtBpfvD4luq9xn7IMVPAD1pQcn5CwZ3IGJUxgSGmvtNm4gDyOKuDeHZUOJH0o3sLZFiJuYgGpR0stVY4JqXc2dvdV4WbTFXuj3Jvi7ZaUdtZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chris Shipps, Director of Human Resources, and administration staff briefed the Town Council on May 5 about the FY26 HR proposal, which they described as roughly level-funded across administration, benefits, veterans' benefits, and celebrations programs. Shipps said the administration trimmed a mid-year vacant payroll supervision position and instead reallocated responsibilities, explaining part of the year-over-year variance in administrative lines.

Shipps and administration staff emphasized two long-term cost drivers: pension contributions and health-insurance expenses. They said the town requested and obtained a one-year extension on the retirement-system funding schedule to smooth a projected fiscal spike; as a result, pension year-over-year increases have been set at about 7.1% in the funding schedule, lowering a steeper near-term budget impact.

On health care, staff explained that most activity is managed through the town's medical trust fund (the health-insurance trust). The town appropriates the general-fund share into that trust; the trust also receives contributions from employees, retirees, enterprise funds, and stop-loss/rebate recoveries. Administration described a plan to reset a reserve policy for the trust and target a 20% to 25% reserve balance going forward. Staff noted the trust started FY25 with a reserve level of roughly 54% of projected net expenses, giving the town capacity to moderate FY26 appropriations while maintaining prudent reserves. The presentation assumed an 8% baseline growth rate for the medical-trust expenses in multi-year forecasts.

Shipps told the council that the town has held health-premium increases to about 5% in the recent year\u0000noting that other communities faced double-digit increases. Councilors asked for public access to trust balances and forecasts; staff said the information is included in the town's annual financial reports and bond/disclosure documents and offered to prepare a clearer, public-facing forecast for council review.

The HR briefing also covered veterans' benefits, where staff said current spending trends were lower than FY25 projections and that the Veterans' Service Officer position remained open and under active recruitment. Councilors expressed interest in stronger outreach to younger veterans to ensure available benefits are used.

","Human Resources Director (Chris Shipps) and administration staff described the FY26 HR budget as largely level-funded, highlighted a pension funding schedule extension that reduced near-term spikes, and outlined a target reserve policy for the town\u0000health-insurance trust.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6568521,"Council unanimously raises Senior Work-Off benefit to $2,000 and expands program cap to $75,000",1305,4370000,5675000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3194439-39b7e9e44ed55bb13f89f33679eb656a&start=4370&end=5675","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3194439-39b7e9e44ed55bb13f89f33679eb656a/thumbnail_4370000.jpg","/articles/6568521/Town-of-Braintree/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Council-unanimously-raises-Senior-Work-Off-benefit-to-2000-and-expands-program-cap-to-75000","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568521-904e620a180fd2ab63e52bb94d7d18cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437042&Signature=KFJlDD8i2c5qhlwDmgsCA9XqR05dPeFOF-wVgrAkSaoFIivpb6KRYRR4NcseC3BHYtgLS5hM5hmMRzHxnxC1~B8RkNpkwBs745KdiTGAzTcgrUeonu1iha3OEE5XSNNSfSbhowHWb47epPYTyLTokNdZZxZd7UzoxezU~S2Iqi195pvqEQfx~0i7ZjbXf9aOlQp08HQ3Y-VtwAXzPO69tQKXf2Vizp934ofl~sye~r1L2~j3FJe93IdfuQ5aPbZHDx3ugGV5-B0y09PFgKm2AxtWTsHS3aw2Vv2QyCVnkAss3OTpR-UEUJQwDJyzPXbPY1--TuofTmf3LJlOiWsQsQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town of Braintree Council voted unanimously May 5 to raise the per-household maximum for the Senior Work-Off program from $1,500 to $2,000 and to increase the program cap from $50,000 to $75,000 for FY2026. The motion as introduced cites Chapter 59, Section 5(k) of the Massachusetts General Laws as the authorization for the program.

Director Esmond and Director Biswas described the program as a long-standing municipal option that lets retired residents exchange volunteer hours for property-tax relief. The council heard that the program was fully subscribed in FY25 and that increasing the per-household benefit and program cap would allow more participants and higher per-household relief. Sharmila Biswas and program staff noted that 31 households were participating in the current cycle.

Councilors discussed demand and equitable access. Councilor Flaherty supported the expansion and noted the program's potential to reduce seniors' tax burdens while keeping them engaged in municipal operations and community services. Councilor Maglio and others noted the need to monitor who benefits and urged future follow-up to determine whether the program reaches lower-income or underrepresented seniors.

The council passed the motion, moved by Councilor Flaherty and seconded by Councilor Maglio: \"I would move that the Town Of Braintree's Senior work off program as authorized by chapter 59, section 5 k of Massachusetts general law shall increase the annual household cap for reduced tax obligations to $2,000 further that the amount of such reduced property tax obligations shall not exceed $75,000 in fiscal year 20 26, and further that abatements under the senior work off program will be paid from the allowance for abatements and exemptions account.\" The motion carried with no recorded opposition.

The council directed staff to monitor program enrollment and to report back information on participant demographics and whether the expanded cap changes subscription dynamics.

","The Town Council voted to increase the maximum tax credit per household for the Senior Work-Off program from $1,500 to $2,000 and to raise the program's total funding cap to $75,000 for FY26, citing demand and a desire to expand relief to retired residents.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6568526,"Elder Affairs highlights high-touch services, wins federal van grant; budget largely level-funded",583,2613000,3196000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3194439-39b7e9e44ed55bb13f89f33679eb656a&start=2613&end=3196","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3194439-39b7e9e44ed55bb13f89f33679eb656a/thumbnail_2613000.jpg","/articles/6568526/Town-of-Braintree/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Elder-Affairs-highlights-high-touch-services-wins-federal-van-grant-budget-largely-level-funded","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568526-cf98631105df9399c14522c84e3de4d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437042&Signature=c2vJWrxW2K69sQRPZpWNez1UgWqlRTPIMWGt8oQKYSUERFCOTBUC2NDehsa2B7wi78I9zCBDwBy9vncQgqKd6VyBd8hAnHKH2jmZhPprBAmjl-KlMD0Xf0lc6txECpVo-JtAjWCThWnzYydoMfUKO3WIwUm3qzXTf3ePAIiPOF-w-W7y8qLXozxpKXnCnpRsPPxpZRuaxrsbdkMRt4UF8wN9AtVFHlcK6yeTEc9C2Cij2mnA9rCd6XPJR3wImXxLMkM6MuIfWHnPuKOL80NG-vwSdHfXU2Izp7IinB7QrKzpP4C51LuNfPuqVduuBfSvWA8RhRaJYIhLJaWtJ~zDcA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Shamila Biswas, director of the Town of Braintree Department of Elder Affairs, told the council on May 5 that the department operates on a small FY26 budget while delivering a wide range of social and transportation services to older residents and neighboring towns. She described congregate programming and a daily \"grantee center\" (day center) that keeps many older residents connected and less isolated.

Biswas said the department's FY26 line items are largely level-funded; the packet shows a modest increase related to reclassifications and building-related line items (lighting, repairs, water/sewer). She said the department serves two tiers of older adults: about 75 frail homebound residents who average roughly a dozen service contacts each, and hundreds of other older adults who average multiple social contacts per year.

The department reported success in obtaining federal assistance for transportation: Biswas said the town won a Department of Transportation grant that will provide a wheelchair-lift van expected to arrive in fall 2026. She described the vehicle as costing roughly $120,000, with the DOT covering about 80% and the town responsible for roughly 20%.

Biswas also described partnerships the department uses to deliver services, including SHINE counselors who assist older adults with Medicare enrollment and South Shore Elder Services benefits counselors for Social Security and related questions. She said Elder Affairs leverages collaborations with the Thayer Public Library, South Shore Hospital, Rotary Club, and others for events such as a senior safety fair that drew roughly 250 attendees.

Councilors asked about staffing and the FY26 budget lines. Biswas said two internal reclassifications were approved to better reflect current duties and that certain positions remain supported by formula grants under the Older Americans Act; those formula dollars pay for part-time roles such as an Asian outreach coordinator and drivers. She said the department requested a revolving-fund line (Fund 3002) of $30,000 for revolving activities and confirmed the department would continue to pursue grant and legislative support from state and federal delegations.

Councilors praised the department's work and urged continued outreach and grant-seeking; Biswas thanked local legislators for assistance on formula funding and told the council she will follow up with requested details on metrics such as call counts for Asian outreach.

","Director Shamila Biswas described elder affairs' small FY26 budget and broad service reach, reported a federal Department of Transportation grant for a wheelchair-lift van, and said the department will continue to rely on formula grants and collaborations.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6568531,"Thayer Public Library director outlines FY26 priorities, warns of federal grant cuts",428,523000,951000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3194439-39b7e9e44ed55bb13f89f33679eb656a&start=523&end=951","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3194439-39b7e9e44ed55bb13f89f33679eb656a/thumbnail_523000.jpg","/articles/6568531/Town-of-Braintree/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Thayer-Public-Library-director-outlines-FY26-priorities-warns-of-federal-grant-cuts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568531-eba1bf0d65d86e6ed665d9010845668d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437042&Signature=RE6BZeCH-SQko1MfOzO2Q49AP8HF97w3yvaXOzzVfE8JDQh380IsGP4OMM9cB8sK8a16-jpqH~nKckq504g9xijdN8LWRT2TDqKT1RHZa1hyC2K8ip2xc2clk2Xd3XtWb-ug4I6~LM1I2y9d1Y282PUuiuMWIW5NCYICnQSybED5FC8H9ZrFFfVvZFkUhZZ-5NDeCHMA9Wj3JYi16~fcLTr09CZVLSQgyHSbwatRGfEV9DHshDM9tvNxPaUnCHGN4HQf2FG0Df4ow1fL04M5mHTKziUb~jW8-uGFxIEBdM1FFgWa56M0FeFQxgh2V5mD-maBYnzeqBd7Do6Nhb~GHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Terry Stano, director of the Thayer Public Library, told the Town of Braintree Council on May 5 that the library's FY2026 budget is designed to meet state certification standards and to support continuing increases in programming and electronic resources. \"The library is not what we have for people, but what we do for and with people,\" Stano said, summarizing the library's mission.

Stano said the Thayer Public Library saw a 44% increase in program attendance and a 52% increase in use of electronic resources in the year reflected in the FY26 submission. Trustees last year contracted Aaron Cohen Associates to complete a space-needs assessment, she said, and the Friends of the Library funded additional exterior lighting to improve safety and welcome patrons after dark.

The library director told councilors the FY26 request was built to align with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners\u0000(MBLC) minimum standards that preserve eligibility for state aid. She warned that cuts at the federal level reduced flows through the MBLC. Stano said the library was denied a $4,000 Explore grant after staffing and funding at the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) were cut. That Explore grant was intended to expand services to English-language learners and buy curriculum and collection materials for that effort.

Councilors pressed for context on the attendance and digital-use numbers. Stano said the 44% program increase compares FY24 to FY25 activity (the town's ARRIS reporting cycle) and credited expanded programming, vendor-led events, and an intentional increase in electronic-resource purchases. She said some online platforms are funded through state aid and through the regional OCLN network; reductions in federal and state support would likely force the library to re-evaluate subscriptions and programming support.

Councilors also asked about staffing and facilities. Stano said the library has a mix of long-tenured and newer staff and has restored some positions lost earlier in the pandemic; the library remains open about 64 hours per week, which affects scheduling needs. Trustees and facilities staff coordinate on maintenance and capital needs; Stano said there were no immediate \"ticking time bombs\" in building systems but that long-term capital planning and space changes remain a priority.

Councilors praised the library's service role across age groups and called attention to a narrow margin the library holds above the MBLC certification threshold. Council President noted the town was about $156 above the minimum certification threshold under the MBLC formula and urged council support to sustain accreditation-level funding. Stano and councilors encouraged residents to provide input in advance of the public hearing on the overall town budget scheduled for May 27.

The council did not take a department-level vote on the library budget on May 5; the Town Council will vote on the full budget after all departments are heard.

","Director Terry Stano presented the Thayer Public Library\u0000FY26 operating request, highlighted increased program use and electronic-resource spending, and warned of reduced federal funding that already cost the library a $4,000 Explore grant.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Mayor's office requests modest FY26 increase; economic development manager funded by multi-year grant

Human resources presentation emphasizes pension schedule change and health-trust reserve targets

Council unanimously raises Senior Work-Off benefit to $2,000 and expands program cap to $75,000

Elder Affairs highlights high-touch services, wins federal van grant; budget largely level-funded

Thayer Public Library director outlines FY26 priorities, warns of federal grant cuts