Abington Finance Committee Approves $1.157 Million in Year-End Budget Transfers

ABINGTON -- July 8, 2026, Abington Finance Committee approves $1.157 million in year-end transfers and warns free cash will be scarce heading into FY27. The committee, meeting July 8 for the first time since spring Town Meeting, voted unanimously to shift funds across general fund accounts to cover overruns in police salaries, town manager salaries, town counsel expenses, and special election costs, drawing on surpluses in debt service, electricity, and health insurance. Town Accountant Andrew Flanagan reported that Abington's FY26 snow-and-ice deficit of roughly $1.3 million will be partially offset by $400,000 from the transfers and a $160,000 state grant, with the remaining $720,000 amortized over the next three fiscal years at approximately $240,000 per year, an obligation not yet in any adopted budget. The committee elected Matthew Salah chair, Chris Murphy vice chair, Abby Jendro statistician, and Floyd Bartum secretary, and also welcomed back returning member Russ Fuller, leaving one seat still vacant. On a positive note, Flanagan reported the final state budget delivered $183,000 more than projected between increased aid and reduced state assessments. The committee's next meeting is September 9, 2026, with a joint session with the Select Board planned for later that month to begin aligning on FY28 budget strategy.