Cadime Presents $78 Million Town Budget

Town Administrator Shawn Cadime’s proposed FY’27 budget for Seekonk is $78.7 million.

That figure represents a 3.6 percent increase over the current fiscal year.

Cadime reviewed the budget at the March 18 Select Board meeting. The budget will be voted on at the May 11 Annual Town Meeting.

The biggest portion of the budget is for Seekonk Public Schools - $34.7 million. Chapter 70 funding totals $8.5 million, an increase of $174,000 from last year. Foundation enrollment is 2,018 students - a decrease of 22 students from the previous school year.

However, Superintendent Rebecca Kidwell is requesting a 4.61 percent overall increase in the budget. The Quad Board approved a 2.5 percent increase for the schools. Cadime believes if the school budget isn’t reduced, personnel cuts may need to be made on the town side.

“I respect her position,” Cadime said. “Obviously she has to advocate for education. From my standpoint, I’ve got to look at the entire town and make sure we have a balanced budget. That’s the most important thing. Anything over two and half percent (budget increase for the schools) is going to be significant.”

Funding for Public Safety has been increased by $1 million over the current fiscal year, which represents an eight percent increase.

The Police Department budget is $6.3 million, which provides for 44 full-time employees. The Fire Department budget is $5.7 million, which provides for 49 full time employees.

Cadime said fixed costs have increased by 39 percent since 2023. Pension costs have increased by $225,000. Liability insurance increased by two percent.

Growing fiscal challenges going forward include rising public safety and education costs, making closing budget gaps more difficult.

The FY’27 budget began with a gap of over $3 million. That figure equals about 57 percent of the combined budgets of all departments excluding Public Safety, the Department of Public Works, the library, and fixed costs.

Most municipal department budgets have already been minimized to essential increases.

“Without new revenue, future budgets will likely require significant impacts to services,” Cadime explained.

In addition, Seekonk has $7.2 million in a Stabilization Fund, $2.2 million in a Municipal Capital Fund, and $3 million in a Building and Infrastructure Fund.

The entire budget can be viewed on the town website: seekonk-ma.gov.