Town Administrator Sullivan warns of bleak budget ahead

Rising pension and health insurance costs could leave little room for additional spending in Wareham's next budget, Town Administrator Derek Sullivan warned during the Select Board's Tuesday, Nov. 3 meeting.

"We're starting the budget process, and as you all know it's not going to be a good year," said Sullivan. 

He explained that the anticipated increases in pension and health insurance costs could consume much of the town's additional revenue from Proposition 2 1/2 and new growth.

Sullivan said he is preparing revenue estimates as the town begins its budget process. He also cautioned that officials will need to take a realistic look at what services the town can afford to provide. 

"It's going to be very difficult, and we will be lucky to have level funding," he said.

He emphasized that the goal remains to provide the best services possible with the funding available.