Whitman Capital Committee Approves Town Meeting Warrant, Drops Fire Vehicle

WHITMAN -- March 16, 2026, Whitman Capital Planning Committee unanimously recommended a town meeting capital spending plan Monday after cutting a $100,000 fire department shift command vehicle to keep the budget workable. Police Chief Timothy Hanlon appeared in person to present requests for an $84,000 replacement cruiser, $28,500 in ballistic vests for roughly 40 officers due for mandatory replacement in December 2026, and approximately $26,000 in new Glock Gen 6 service weapons with integrated optics, noting that a majority of the vest cost is historically reimbursable through state and federal grants. Whitman-Hanson Regional School District Superintendent George Carroll requested $114,995 (Whitman's share of a $191,658 total quote from contractor T&K) to repave the high school staff parking lot, which has not been fully redone since 2005. Town Accountant Mary Beth outlined a complex funding picture drawing on free cash, overlay surplus, capital stabilization, and water and sewer retained earnings, with the committee agreeing to pull $234,000 from the $478,484 capital stabilization fund for financial management software. The plan leaves roughly $35,000 in unallocated free cash as a floor reserve, and the committee deferred action on a $1.4 million fire pumper, directing the accountant to consult with bond counsel about a possible borrowing authorization.