WEST SPRINGFIELD TOWN COUNCIL APPROVES CAPITAL AND OPERATING BUDGETS; CUTS OVER $1 MILLION FROM SCHOOLS
West Springfield, MA: At its regular meeting on June 3, 2024, the West Springfield Town Council adopted Mayor William Reichelt’s proposed capital and operating budgets for fiscal year 2025, which begins July 1. However, the Council cut approximately $1,214,374 from the proposed operating budget, including $1,028,880 from the School Department.
The cuts made by the Council consisted of $185,494 from the Department of Public Works’ budget for trash related costs, due to the savings from the Town’s new contract with USA Recycling and Waste. The remainder of the cuts came from the School Department’s budget, including $586,373 of existing educator positions, plus $250,000 of proposed new positions. Councilors DiStefano, LaFlamme, O’Brien, Connor and Forfa voted in favor of the School Department cuts, while President Powers, Vice President Clune and Councilor Griffin voted against the cuts. Councilor Smith abstained due to a conflict of interest.
Once the budget orders have been presented to Mayor Reichelt for his approval, he has ten (10) calendar days to sign the budget, approving it or vetoing the cuts made by the Town Council. If the Mayor exercises his veto powers, the Town Council will then have to meet again to reconsider the cuts. The Council can override the Mayor’s veto with a two-thirds majority.
The approved capital budget includes investments in paving as well as replacement and construction of new sidewalks. In addition, the capital budget funds repairs to the Senior Center’s kitchen and a new ambulance, among other infrastructure investments.
“While I am pleased that a majority of our requested funding was approved, I am deeply disappointed that the Town Council chose to cut from our students’ education by eliminating funding for existing educator positions,” commented Mayor Reichelt. “As I contemplate whether to veto these cuts, I am carefully considering both the impact of the cuts on the students of our District as well as the impact on our taxpayers.”
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