The Attleboro City Council approved a fiscal 2027 budget of $201.7 million, a 4.9% increase over the current year, despite facing a $2.5 million budget deficit.
Mayor Cathleen DeSimone attributed the shortfall to rising health insurance costs, reduced state aid projections, increased transportation expenses, and ongoing inflation affecting fuel, equipment, and materials. To balance the budget, the city implemented staffing reductions, left some positions vacant, and used $937,000 in free cash—a measure the mayor described as temporary and unsustainable.
Budget cuts affected several departments, including the public library, recreation department, council on aging, planning department, and various administrative offices. Residents may experience minor delays in services and operational adjustments as remaining staff assume additional responsibilities.
A portion of the free cash allocation will keep Capron Park Zoo open through fiscal 2027 after public opposition to a proposal to close the facility. Notably, the city had avoided using free cash in last year’s budget.
Education remains the largest expenditure, accounting for $125 million, or 62.5% of the total budget, reflecting a 4% increase. Municipal operations, pensions, retiree health insurance, and debt service increased 4.9%. Police and fire department budgets rose 7.1% and 6.6%, respectively.
Finance Committee Chairman Jay DiLisio called the budget process challenging and emphasized that planning for an even more difficult fiscal 2028 budget must begin immediately.