The Braintree Ways and Means Budget Hearing held on May 6, 2025, focused on the town's budget for the upcoming fiscal year, with significant discussions led by Town Clerk Casey regarding the operations and financial needs of the Clerk's office.

The meeting commenced with procedural motions, including the unanimous approval to take specific orders off the table for discussion. Town Clerk Casey presented an overview of the Clerk's office, which is staffed by four full-time employees and supported by nearly 100 election workers during election seasons. Casey expressed gratitude for the team's efforts, particularly during the recent presidential election, highlighting their performance as deserving of a "gold medal."

For the current fiscal year, the projected expenditures for the Clerk's office are expected to be slightly below the appropriated $561,000, with $157,000 allocated specifically for elections. Casey noted that the town received state reimbursements totaling over $92,000 for early voting-related expenses, which helps offset costs.

Looking ahead to fiscal year 2026, Casey proposed a budget of $512,538, reflecting a reduction of approximately $49,000 or 8.7% from the previous year. This decrease is primarily due to the decision to opt out of early voting by mail for the upcoming November election. Most non-election items in the budget remain level funded.

During the discussion, Casey raised concerns about the increasing complexity of election processes and the potential need for additional part-time staffing to manage these changes effectively. He emphasized the importance of training staff to handle new responsibilities, particularly as state legislation continues to evolve.

Council members acknowledged the efficiency of the Clerk's office and expressed confidence in its operations. However, they also highlighted the need for ongoing training and resources to adapt to changing election standards. Casey mentioned the lack of funding for out-of-state seminars, which could provide valuable insights into these changes, but reassured that local resources are sufficient for staying informed.

The meeting concluded with discussions about the need for improved storage solutions for election equipment and the digitization of records to enhance efficiency. Casey noted that while some progress has been made in digitizing records, further investment is necessary to streamline operations and manage the growing demands placed on the Clerk's office.

Overall, the hearing underscored the importance of adequate funding and resources for the Clerk's office to maintain the integrity and efficiency of Braintree's election processes while adapting to future challenges.