[{"_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",6469373,"mediaKeyId","5824081-e8fa336c9a171af0323d310a3d2d0f86","parentId",5824081,"title","Town finance update: water fund posts small gain; town projects $11M baseline deficit, board warns override likely in 2 years","audioSeconds",1811,"startMs",3896000,"endMs",5707000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5824081-e8fa336c9a171af0323d310a3d2d0f86&start=3896&end=5707","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5824081-e8fa336c9a171af0323d310a3d2d0f86/thumbnail_3896000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6469373/Town-of-Norwood/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Town-finance-update-water-fund-posts-small-gain-town-projects-11M-baseline-deficit-board-warns-override-likely-in-2-years","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6469373-e2dd00655b7822d110fb27c66a39529d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152207&Signature=YwQd1IwCkdHXyK~pqpCXJKny2F0jVJdqSntKv5KwDGfFiPPZ7tcpqDkdrhi4eoE70LDvB3vwvuGw~Wq2fBS7xzXlh2O1PyRuhMIzT6etdBhfgnwr8WJV9rHs8GSuXa9cX52WN9XjVLw2il1bnOinkyMZYGtmq8Bb2ZNB6o-vI5BvfFS4WSNZNAxusEMMCcBUQrX2E-e2DvaP15ZqoGe2nCp4PUm7bDgwxDVlz7hlNUP1AnGXD5SgzixnDlkgHUf28jAsUEL81lmuMfsJvUCZoi~c8D1pJPg8-avxXOgNJ10i9y0RCRodS4hZP0CGKEGi33WuOUMcKXs7L7EGnxcmiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Norwood","date","2025-09-24T15:19:13.353Z","article","Jeff O’Neil, town director of finance, briefed the board on water/sewer fund performance and the town’s overall fiscal outlook.

Water/sewer fund: O’Neil said FY25 revenues were about $22.6 million (100.77% of budget) and expenditures about $22.0 million (98% of budget), producing an unaudited increase to retained earnings of roughly $600,000 and an estimated retained‑earnings balance of about $1.3 million, or 5.95% of the fund. He cautioned the figures are unaudited and that the town expects certified retained‑earnings numbers in October. O’Neil said the fund’s mid‑term goal is closer to 10% of annual expenditures, and staff recommended waiting several more months of operating data and the retained‑earnings certification before scheduling a rate hearing; he suggested the board consider a January hearing with a target effective date in March if a rate increase is needed.

Budget outlook and projected deficit: Finance staff and the town manager presented a baseline projection for fiscal 2027 that modeled a 4% increase in operating costs and included a 2.5% levy increase and current excluded debt. On that baseline, they estimated an operating gap of about $11 million. The presenters emphasized the figure is a working projection, not a final budget. Staff presented a worst‑case illustrative scenario showing roughly a 10% across‑the‑board reduction would be needed to close the gap without using reserves; presenters and several board members said such reductions would be unacceptable because they would cut core services including public safety, leaf pickup, weekend library hours and other widely used functions.

Staff and the manager discussed tools to reduce the deficit and the timing of decisions. They said the town can use reserves (free cash) to smooth near‑term gaps, but that the longer‑term solution will likely require an override in a future year. The manager and finance director said an override is likely in fiscal 2028 (two years out), estimating an illustrative range of $10 million to $14 million based on current assumptions; they added the town expects new tax revenue (new growth) from major projects in coming years that will offset part of the need. Staff recommended continuing to restrict nonessential spending, pursue fee increases where appropriate and evaluate targeted measures (for example, a separate public safety funding question) rather than a single large general override if the board chooses to split policy priorities.

Why it matters: the water fund’s modest replenishment improves short‑term resilience. However, the larger town projection shows structural budget pressure that staff say will require near‑term decisions about fees, personnel and possibly a future override to avoid significant service reductions.

Next steps: Finance will seek retained‑earnings certification in October and recommended a follow‑up water/sewer update in November; staff proposed a January rate hearing date if a rate increase is necessary for March implementation. The manager said the town will continue internal budgeting work, seek fee adjustments where reasonable and present options for the board to consider in the months ahead.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Selectmen 9.23.25","oneSentenceSummary","Jeff O’Neil reported FY25 water/sewer revenue slightly exceeded budget and retained earnings rose to about $1.3 million; separately staff presented a baseline FY27 operating gap of roughly $11 million and said a fiscal 2028 override of about $10–$14 million is likely without other offsets.","taxTitle","Town of Norwood, Norfolk County, Massachusetts","taxId",52806,"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},6469386,"Norwood Municipal Light reports multi‑year cable and broadband build; landfill solar delayed to spring-summer 2026",1242,139000,1381000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5824081-e8fa336c9a171af0323d310a3d2d0f86&start=139&end=1381","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5824081-e8fa336c9a171af0323d310a3d2d0f86/thumbnail_139000.jpg","/articles/6469386/Town-of-Norwood/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Norwood-Municipal-Light-reports-multiyear-cable-and-broadband-build-landfill-solar-delayed-to-spring-summer-2026","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6469386-023129475c42eec7b601b09c32021947/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152207&Signature=Wt3zvbXPkpKgq4KHgsjNQ4rj9wMCXegBbuPQ0Ytfa7BW9VnMwM~ac9EWeFcbHqteKr6Ky942ywkHZcldEg~9BddvbV49wSSsjX8~7V-4x~7hNUs1CyHpMqj2zXOL-Y1iqnxBVkoqsRp1lM1jytxy7E4WoX6iDYvY9hQSFCLcnMafGAw1x51mqVDjN5ZomaW-ySuO7U55Xn0hsK2pMXG3vpELV072x8PaOFpc61GzQuwJG~gHUn5V30~AP5EyX5W1BZ-zknfefPH~AwKLw8HJvd31C2xXDW~LKFC~EY-Gw5DM4M6mCcYDaD~qhknxpy7rSfpc4eBJWJYIklkZ4uNGXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dan Morrissey, chief operating officer of the Norwood Municipal Light Department, told the Board of Selectmen the department is advancing several multi‑year infrastructure projects aimed at reducing outages, supporting growth and finishing a town fiber broadband plant.

The department is replacing aging underground feeder cable “paper insulated lead covered” cable with modern EPR cable; Morrissey said deliveries should begin in October and the work will take about a year to a year and a half. He said the replacement will bring cables installed in the 1970s to current standards and reduce feeder outages.

Morrissey said a separate bid package to install underground conduit on Pleasant Street (from Pleasant Place to Moore Street) is nearly complete with a likely October–November advertisement for spring construction. He described work this fall to decommission old switchgear at the department’s 206 Central Street facility and scheduled conduit repairs at the Springville Road substation, the latter done in coordination with Moderna and starting in October.

On overhead infrastructure, Morrissey said Verizon inspected every pole in the system and that Norwood is managing a multi‑year pole replacement program; the department has identified about 343 poles needing attention and has completed about 103 so far. He noted the department replaces poles rather than rely on braces because pole height — and the increasing number of attachments on poles — is the core issue.

Morrissey and Assistant Superintendent Jason Haber described work supporting local commercial customers. The department assisted Home Market Foods and FM Global Electric with site builds, and Morrissey said Amazon added roughly 196 vehicle chargers at its local site; the vendor told the light department those vans will charge overnight (Morrissey said the company expects most charging between about 11 p.m. and 9 a.m.), which the department said would help even out the system’s load profile.

On the landfill solar project, Morrissey said he had spoken that day with the project owner and was disappointed with progress. The project’s original EPC contractor, Milton Cat, is no longer on the job; the owner has contracted Optum EPC as the replacement. Morrissey said panels, transformers and switchgear are on order, but ballast racking deliveries — the hardware needed to mount panels on the capped landfill — have been repeatedly delayed by the racking supplier. He said the owner still targets production by June 2026 (Morrissey previously told the board March was a target) but that site work may not begin until fall or winter depending on the racking schedule. The department said it will require a letter of credit when construction begins and that penalty clauses exist in the contract.

Morrissey and Haber summarized customer-facing programs. The utility reported $217,000 in rebate awards in the first eight months of the year for appliance, thermostat and heat pump incentives and about $33,000 awarded to four residential solar projects; the town retains the solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) from those projects toward its non‑carbon portfolio. The department said average retail revenue per kilowatt‑hour is a little over 17 cents and that sales are up roughly 1% year‑to‑date compared with the same period in 2024.

Broadband manager Rich O’Reilly said the town’s “to‑the‑premises” fiber build is about 82% complete and that the infrastructure (the headend out to the plant) should be finished by Nov. 30; multi‑dwelling unit hookups and some in‑building work will continue after that date. O’Reilly said the department will increase customer education and targeted marketing after the November completion to help residents migrate from cable to streaming and to demonstrate tools such as the department’s “my bundle” streaming configurator. He said the contractor field crew has been responsive and the build has generated few residential complaints so far.

Why it matters: the projects described — underground cable replacement, pole work, substation repairs, large commercial chargers, and the broadband rollout — affect system reliability and customer service across Norwood. The landfill solar project, if completed as now scheduled, would add renewable supply and contribute SRECs to the light department’s non‑carbon portfolio. Delays and supply‑chain issues could push commercial benefits and tax and revenue assumptions into later budget years.

Board members asked about contract protections; Morrissey confirmed contractual penalty provisions and said the town will require a letter of credit before construction begins. He also clarified that energy from the landfill will interconnect on a medium‑voltage three‑phase line near Winter/Rugby Road and flow into the system where it mixes with other local load.

The board did not take formal action during the presentation; staff said they will return with regular updates as the broadband and solar projects advance.","Norwood Municipal Light presented a quarterly update on underground cable replacement, pole testing, substation repairs and an 82%‑complete fiber broadband build; the landfill solar project has changed EPC contractors and faces racking supply delays, now targeting June 2026 production.",{"_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},6469377,"Capital Outlay committee presents $ and priorities for town meeting; major projects include Willett School roof and ladder truck replacement",1510,2299000,3809000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5824081-e8fa336c9a171af0323d310a3d2d0f86&start=2299&end=3809","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5824081-e8fa336c9a171af0323d310a3d2d0f86/thumbnail_2299000.jpg","/articles/6469377/Town-of-Norwood/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Capital-Outlay-committee-presents-and-priorities-for-town-meeting-major-projects-include-Willett-School-roof-and-ladder-truck-replacement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6469377-b5d059d39ff93f76fdfcb090f3da5c16/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152207&Signature=PrTCkPYz0Zb4WtCR3KjrEIwenZfFDhK4MFRCcefhCC5~zmPGYKs17yCse4pKVG0w730I3xHJVssDh4Ii44OxF5v9V28gbzhwDi67IScvhVcQiu5gEmuFXSOrqxxTnxisy7evCbullnVai9LPWUs9hXVvMraovAP39fignGODqLpkD~wPkk3Mj-NhXekOnvg2eBD3sOSTXlwSpV4vFbTzylbce9aAOO9DC8dlnPkcB36wXm~1y0Na4eaY1K3qvH6T7pyaappMc0cp9vHGL3LNasa-1hNO7Cnf8t~kLORSWajdV5t-wFElQI24S9f3Y7WX3UiUwJVwVPuPSvrJtqYhpQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town staff and the Capital Outlay Committee presented the draft capital improvement plan to the Board of Selectmen and outlined funding proposals ahead of the fall town meeting.

Funding sources summarized by staff include approximately $3.3 million from free cash, $8 million from general fund borrowing, $5 million using water‑rate borrowing, $500,000 in an NWRA grant/loan, and $25,000 from the recreation revolving fund. Those figures reflect the committee’s work and will be refined before town meeting.

Key projects and highlights described by staff included:

- Airport runway safety and approach work (town share $300,000): staff said most airport projects are predominantly federally funded and the listed amount represents the town’s share.
- Willett School roof replacement: staff recommended the roof as the next large roof replacement, with an estimated cost of about $3 million.
- HVAC study for elementary schools: staff recommended a feasibility/design study to determine cost‑effective cooling upgrades and any required electrical infrastructure work.
- Public Safety Building carpet and a feasibility/design study for a turnout gear room: staff said turnout gear should be stored off apparatus floors to limit exposure to contaminants and proposed design money and a possible small addition or steel storage structure be studied.
- Engine 1 ladder replacement: staff reported estimated total, fully equipped costs around $3 million and noted three‑year lead times for ladder trucks; they proposed borrowing authorization large enough to place the purchase order and to allow staged progress payments.
- Ambulance replacement: the town operates two ambulances and maintains spares; staff noted ambulance costs have risen and replacement timing remains practical given call volumes.
- Civic Center and Senior Center kitchen equipment replacements and library facade and envelope repairs: staff recommended equipment and condition work to keep those community facilities functional.
- Sidewalk repair program: staff proposed a multi‑year sidewalk repair plan and noted year‑one funding in the current capital plan; staff said financing and prioritization will be discussed further.
- Water main replacement and related design money for Route 1 ahead of a state project: staff recommended replacing water mains to avoid redoing work after state road projects take place.

Staff repeatedly emphasized the capital planning process: departments submit needs, the Capital Outlay Committee inspects facilities and recommends priorities and funding sources; the board will review before the fall town meeting and implementation follows town meeting approvals. Staff said progress reports will be provided monthly.

Why it matters: the plan queues large, multi‑year infrastructure investments that will require borrowing and will affect future budgets. Several projects (airport work, ladder truck, Willett roof, water main work) carry the largest dollar amounts and will be on the warrant for town meeting consideration.

Board discussion touched on alternatives (roof design choices), lead‑service replacement regulatory uncertainty, timing of state projects, and the expectation that some projects may be delayed to manage debt service and water‑rate borrowing pressures. The board did not vote on the plan; staff expected the warrant to return for action in October.","Capital Outlay presented funding recommendations and a proposed capital plan for the coming fiscal year including a $3 million Willett School roof, runway safety work, a feasibility study for a fire turnout gear room and a $3 million ladder truck appropriation; recommended funding sources include free cash, borrowing and water‑rate borrowing.",{"_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},6469382,"Board approves two livery licenses for new local operators",877,1386000,2263000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5824081-e8fa336c9a171af0323d310a3d2d0f86&start=1386&end=2263","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5824081-e8fa336c9a171af0323d310a3d2d0f86/thumbnail_1386000.jpg","/articles/6469382/Town-of-Norwood/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Board-approves-two-livery-licenses-for-new-local-operators","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6469382-1297b15496f0adbfa39f82f3160a4df0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152207&Signature=G57zs9d6fmzEhQmEbw~mlI~-fLoaQ3uFklXkgL3EzxuIFRziQQIep-vqQ1eMAxyyt~fFAZdTRSQUVh84iKKZKZ60F3pkVZ92D87BxXEnQgZrFxtM7sHTntA3ufKGdB1ugCaw0Ui3IwZmEDbIYbXyc8p~VGP-qYaiIO5hQzEShY215Nd1vFQjNhKqFQ0nCGthqSA1nHan9coBAQtvDhDSGqqh0WLH8Wtd9zAnTVUahhreOk3g4RboAbzMfbhuerWpWwNNurjs8HXOkM0WrCIxn4C1FBWweqff2VbxkiIPtXCV4bAQNjvOiUCgaNVK4-rauQHSIUSMRGG~0Lay64w4Ow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to grant public automobile (livery) licenses to two applicants who said they will base operations in Norwood.

Dennis Smith, who applied as DMS Transportation with a business address at 451 Walpole Street, told the board he has prior experience operating a stretch‑limousine service and worked for several area transportation companies. Smith said he currently owns a Cadillac Escalade that he will use for airport and corporate transfers and told the board he expects to expand to multiple vehicles with garaging at Ray’s Car Care on Walpole Street.

Board members asked about pricing, waiting‑time charges and vehicle garaging. Smith said he plans airport fares to Logan in the $95–$135 range (including tolls and fuel), that he currently does not plan to add waiting charges, and that he will aim to keep up to three vehicles at Ray’s Car Care if demand grows. The board reminded Smith the livery insurance and plate issuance depend on his licensing and registration; Smith said he submitted an insurance certificate and will obtain livery plates once the town issues the license.

After discussion, a board member moved to approve the application; Mr. Donnelly seconded. The board voted unanimously to approve DMS Transportation’s license.

The board then considered an application from Syed Nasaf of Boston Travel Limo. Nasaf described decades of local driving experience, repeat airport clients and a current vehicle based at 82 Railroad Ave. He said he holds $1,000,000 insurance and that most business is prearranged airport transfers. Board members discussed vehicle storage and the procedural requirement that permanent garaging be registered in Norwood; Nasaf said he will comply.

A motion to approve Boston Travel Limo’s license was seconded by Mr. O’Haney and passed unanimously.

Why it matters: the licenses increase the number of local livery operators, which the board said improves consumer choice for prearranged airport and corporate transportation. Board members emphasized enforcement of established fare and insurance rules and asked staff to ensure garaging and plate registrations meet town requirements.

Votes at a glance

- DMS Transportation (Dennis Smith): motion to approve, seconded by Mr. Donnelly; vote unanimous (approved).
- Boston Travel Limo (Syed Nasaf): motion to approve, seconded by Mr. O’Haney; vote unanimous (approved).","The Board approved two public vehicle (livery) licenses: DMS Transportation (Dennis Smith) and Boston Travel Limo (Syed Nasaf). Applicants said they will base operations in Norwood; board discussed garaging, insurance and fares.",{"_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},6469367,"Compost pilot moves to private subscription; comprehensive plan survey opens for resident input",269,6464000,6733000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5824081-e8fa336c9a171af0323d310a3d2d0f86&start=6464&end=6733","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5824081-e8fa336c9a171af0323d310a3d2d0f86/thumbnail_6464000.jpg","/articles/6469367/Town-of-Norwood/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Compost-pilot-moves-to-private-subscription-comprehensive-plan-survey-opens-for-resident-input","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6469367-f9c4ae922eb6d834ce6ad4f2e67b96f1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152207&Signature=Bhu-RS-zn4tc5ngRR5MUbSRkB-fTFyHM30TmZ0YxsWNffHmc3KkPjfSgB-9GlfVTRcXScadpm1q4aFYtxmLU0Zv9fHcX3LGs9unOJg2adQOlOJuPgsKVbYiCt4vU2KkNc-lFk8HIG9cwOW-Oi1M0t0RFnbrcXICyoCOPrl8hUYC9EbsnU9obHWce-PKOyBpdS4YPeCrtQmNSB~pwUrPuIMhw6d8I9bKP~yO9MGnletIw2k4PIrCGJnyjyqTVfjJyOseImUmGTic8LAckfSMxmplV~FHyLVx-m0rG3lu207ZGOJcq4d-5MjgE65aIQAeAbpVFztmfitJyqmuxGlgmUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town staff reported the Black Earth compost pilot will end on Sept. 30 and that participants will be offered private subscription rates that reflect volume pricing.

Staff said the pilot reached roughly 700 participating households to date and estimated the program would divert about 170 tons of food waste by the pilot’s end. Black Earth is offering a reduced per‑household rate to continuing customers; staff said roughly 238 of the 700 pilot households already had signed up for the private subscription rate and that increased participation could further reduce unit costs (staff said 400 households would trigger additional vendor discounts). Town staff said expanding the town‑funded program to the scale necessary to materially reduce municipal trash tonnage would be costly; Lexington’s municipal program was cited as an example where the town funds up to 4,000 households at roughly $400,000 per year.

Staff emphasized the environmental benefits of composting, but said that because the town’s fiscal situation is tight it is not appropriate to fund a large, town‑wide municipal compost program at this time. Residents can enroll directly with Black Earth at blackearthcompost.com; staff said the town will continue to promote composting options including the existing municipal drop‑off program.

Separately, the Comprehensive Plan Committee opened a public survey on draft goals and objectives. Staff directed residents to tinyurl.com/norwoodcp to review draft plan elements and provide ranked input; the committee will use public responses to refine the town’s 10‑year vision and priorities.

Why it matters: the pilot gave town staff experience and data about household composting rates and diversion; moving to private subscriptions keeps the service available to residents without a continuing municipal subsidy. The comprehensive plan outreach is a formal step toward updating long‑range planning priorities for land use, transportation, housing and public services.

No formal board vote was required; staff said the pilot ends on Sept. 30 and that private subscriptions are available immediately.","The town’s Black Earth compost pilot ends Sept. 30 and participants can convert to a private subscription; staff said about 700 households participated and the pilot diverted an estimated 170 tons of food waste. The comprehensive plan committee opened a public survey on draft goals and objectives at tinyurl.com/norwoodcp.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Town finance update: water fund posts small gain; town projects $11M baseline deficit, board warns override likely in 2 years

Norwood Municipal Light reports multi‑year cable and broadband build; landfill solar delayed to spring-summer 2026

Capital Outlay committee presents $ and priorities for town meeting; major projects include Willett School roof and ladder truck replacement

Board approves two livery licenses for new local operators

Compost pilot moves to private subscription; comprehensive plan survey opens for resident input