MATTAPOISETT — In the face of decreasing state aid, the town will focus on lowering revenue funds for its fiscal year 2021 budget to leave stabilization funds untouched. 

Former Town Administrator Michael Gagne appeared at the June 30 Selectmen’s meeting and commended board members for passing a temporary budget for July and August, until the town can have a Town Meeting in late August. 

“It gives us some breathing room after we close the books to decide where we want to go with the budget,” Gagne said. 

He said state aid is likely to decrease by 10 to 15%, but fortunately school budgets will not increase dramatically this year, with the Mattapoisett schools budget rising 2.3% and the Old Rochester Regional budget rising 2.7%. Switching to a new health plan in January also helped the town save about $125,000.  

“Conservativeness is the best course of action. We don’t know where this is going to go nationwide,” Gagne said.

Current Town Administrator Michael Lorenco said Mattapoisett was able to decrease its budget by 12%. It also faces a revenue decrease of 25%, and has a hiring freeze in place.  

He feels the budget cut is the best course of action for now, since the town can always adjust its budget at the Fall Town Meeting if it has extra funds. 

Mattapoisett has already submitted $190,000 in coronavirus expense reimbursements to the county. The town will get $500,000 more through September, and it can also use FEMA money and other grants if needed. 

Lorenco mentioned the Police Department has already applied for a $15,000 overtime grant because of coronavirus. 

“We are trying to seek every revenue source we can,” Lorenco said. 

Both administrators agree that they would like to finish the 10-year capital plan, even if they have to scale back capital spending for a time.