2021 Budget Subject to Changes

Rehoboth town officials and the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School department are continuing to work on the 2021 school budget. However, adjustments may be necessary due to the impact on the local economy due to the coronavirus epidemic.

“We achieved the goal of completing work on the town budget by mid-March; however, given the current situation it may be necessary for (the Finance Committee) to reevaluate revenue projections which in turn may require us to revisit the budgets,” said selectmen chairman Gerry Schwall.  

Finance Committee chairman Michael Deignan believes modifications to the town budget would need to be completed by the middle of May. The town meeting will be held on June 16.

Deignan said it’s too early to tell what impact the economic slowdown will have on town revenues.

“Between now and Town Meeting, whenever that is, we (the Finance Committee and other Town officials) will continue to assess our economic situation, and we will make adjustments to our revenue projections and the Town budget as necessary,” Deignan noted.

Dighton-Rehoboth School Superintendent Anthony Azar said the school department “will need to monitor our current situation and plan accordingly.”

“Current revenue assessments at both the state level and the local level more than likely will be negatively impacted,” Azar said. “Therefore, we must continue to brace for the worst and hope for the best.”

“We will continue to work with our two towns as we continue to review our budget needs,” Azar continued. “I am truly encouraged by the communication that the Town of Rehoboth has afforded to the school district thus far. Due to several meetings we have had with representatives from Rehoboth, we are in a better position to have a collegial conversation about the budget than last year. As always, our communication with Dighton has been open, on-going and transparent.”