It's passed: Here are 5 things you should know about Weymouth's $190 million budget

WEYMOUTH –  The town council this week unanimously approved Mayor Robert Hedlund's $190 million fiscal 2023 operating budget, which Councilor-at-Large Michael Molisse described as "solid and transparent."

Chief of Staff Ted Langill said the council's unanimous support "reflects a transparent and responsible budget that not only continues our recovery from the economic impacts of the pandemic, but protects and builds on the progress we’ve worked together to create over the last seven years."

Only a handful of residents attended the annual town meeting last month, but several who did praised town officials for their management of the town's finances while still providing services that residents need. Resident Elizabeth Foster-Nolan said the budget is one that “Weymouth needs and deserves."

Here are five things to know as the town heads into its next fiscal year July 1:

Spending is up over last year

The budget is an increase of about 3.6% from fiscal 2022, driven by rising expenses such as staff costs and health insurance.

Personnel costs drive up bottom line

The budget provides a 3% cost-of-living pay raise for nonunion staff, and would restore salary steps not provided during the pandemic. Between the town and the school department, personnel costs account for 60% of the new budget growth.

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Solid, but cautious

Hedlund and Molisse, chair of the budget/management committee, have referred to the spending plan as solid, but cautious. The town also has eight unsettled union contracts.

Using COVID money to help those in need

Langill said the budget adds resources for people in need, including outreach workers in youth and family services departments, an enhanced substance misuse coordinator and a mental health clinician who will work within the Weymouth Police Department.

"We want to make sure any resident or family in need has or knows about the resources available to them," Langill said.

School department adding 37 employees

The budget fully funds the school department's proposed fiscal 2023 budget of about $81.2 million, an increase of 3.9% from this year. That accounts for about 45% of the town's total budget growth.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Here are 5 things you should know about Weymouth's $190 million budget