Belmont Select Board Reviews FY27 Budgets, Plans CFO Hire to Split Administrator Role

BELMONT — December 12, 2025 — Belmont's Select Board heard FY27 budget presentations from seven municipal departments Friday, with no formal votes taken. Town Administrator Patrice Garvin announced plans to post a Chief Financial Officer position in January and separately create an Assistant Town Administrator role, funded by eliminating a budget analyst position, keeping total headcount flat. Fire Chief David DiStefano renewed a request to restore a firefighter position cut in 2021, citing a fire prevention permit workload that has grown from roughly 640 to an estimated 750 permits in a single year, with major developments including McLean Hospital Zone 3 and Zone 4 still coming. Garvin disclosed approximately $42,000 in unexpected legal costs tied to a sewer matter since July, warning the board she may seek a supplemental legal appropriation at year's end. Town Accountant Donna Tuccinari reported that audit costs are rising beyond the town's control, with the current firm quoting roughly $95,000 against alternative bids of $100,000 to $113,000, while combined accountant and treasurer FTEs have dropped from 11.2 in FY22 to a projected nine in FY27. The Belmont Public Library is set to reopen in its renovated building January 7, with an FY27 operating budget of approximately $2.5 million — about $2.8 million including plant operations — reflecting the first full year back in the new facility.