Fincom Preps PFAS Funding Options Before Oct. 17
Finance Committee · Meeting of September 14, 2026
Shutesbury's Finance Committee previewed rising PFAS costs and free-cash risk ahead of an Oct. 17 special town meeting. Consultant Tighe and Bond estimates the town's PFAS mitigation work at $106,000 in fiscal 2027, roughly $102,000 in fiscal 2028 and roughly $107,000 in fiscal 2029, not counting lab fees and new filtration installations still being tallied. Chair AJ said options for covering this year's shortfall include a free-cash transfer, year-end line transfers, or amending the levy, calling the last option one the board had largely "ruled out." Staff member Haley warned free-cash certification may not arrive before Oct. 17, jeopardizing any warrant article built on it; last year's certified free cash totaled $1.044 million.
Member Frank cautioned against a three-year trash-hauling contract given diesel "hitting an all-time high three times this week," and members flagged a possible $100,000-plus cost to outfit roughly 840 households with new trash and recycling bins. The committee voted 7-0 to approve amended minutes.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 3,858 words
Source: the Finance Committee meeting of September 14, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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