March 11 found the Mattapoisett Select Board continuing their meetings with department heads to review FY26 budget proposals in preparation for the town’s annual Spring Town Meeting. On this night seated for the Select Board were Tyler Macallister and Jodi Bauer meeting with Acting Library Director Susan Pizzolatto, Council on Aging Director Jacki Seney, and Water and Sewer Superintendent Henri Renault. Pizzolatto has been assisting the town as it searches for a new director.
Stepping up to the conference table, Pizzolatto quipped that she is a bit rusty on presenting an annual budget. The board assured her that her efforts would be more than acceptable and very much appreciated. Pizzolatto shared that by state mandate 19-percent of the library budget must be spent on books and other materials that can be checked out of the library.
Regarding staffing, Pizzolatto said that a new children’s librarian, Kevin Thompson, had been hired and was working out well. She complimented the entire staff for their level of professionalism and willingness to serve the public. The full-time staff members are Amanda Lawrence, Ann Schattle, and Thompson supplemented by about ten part-time employees.
Pizzolatto also commented on the use of outside services for janitorial duties. She shared her belief that an employee would be more heavily invested in the library, as a whole, versus a contractor. Currently the town is paying $6,200 for cleaning services. The total FY26 budget for the library is $646,050, a 4.74-percent increase over FY25.
Renauld pointed out that a number of bonds would be rolling of the debt schedule in the coming years. He spoke to the ongoing upgrades at the Fairhaven sewer plant which is about 30-percent complete he stated. Nearing completion is the installation of new water meters throughout the town’s water service areas and further noted that water rate increases would soon be announced.
The overall department budget for the water department is $2,701,102 a 2.6-percent increase, and the sewer department budget for FY26 is $2,497,370 a 4.28-percent increase.
Seney, who was giving her final budget summary before pursuing other opportunities after many years as the town’s Council on Aging director, introduced a new way of compensating drivers who are responsible for providing services to seniors who need drivers. Whether it’s for grocery shopping, doctor appointments or planned out-of-town events the COA coordinates the transportation to many seniors in the community. Seney put forward a plan that would establish a step system. “Our drivers are our best ambassadors,” Seney stated. Drivers currently receive $15.60 per hour which would be augmented with a step program.
The COA budget stands at $236,206, a decrease of 3-percent over FY25 due to a staff position becoming a part-time position.
In other business Harbor Days was briefly discussed and the possibility of the Recreation Department using the tent for an activity. Harbor Days takes place on July 18, 19, and 20.
A tri-town Select Board meeting will be scheduled in the coming days. Board member Macallister said a major topic will be contracts with cable service providers.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board was not discussed upon adjournment.
Mattapoisett Select Board
By Marilou Newell