Budget Working Group — October 20, 2026

The Fairhaven Budget Working Group met on October 20, 2026, to discuss ongoing municipal efficiency investigations and long-term economic development initiatives. After correcting and approving the minutes from September 29 and October 6, 2026, the working group deliberated on wastewater treatment operations. The group discussed the Board of Public Works' recent vote declining to fund an outside review of wastewater operations, as well as a joint letter submitted by four department heads. Following debate regarding town culture, privatization, and municipal oversight, the committee voted 4-2 to arrange tours of both the Fairhaven Wastewater Treatment Plant and a comparable privately operated plant in Taunton, inviting DPW Superintendent Vinnie Furtado to attend both.

The committee then heard presentations from Economic Development Committee Chair Kathy Melanson and Town Planner Dawn Cork regarding commercial growth and revitalizing business plazas along Route 6. Melanson reviewed 40R smart growth district opportunities, Chapter 40S school funding, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and retail gap studies, noting that Big Y is occupying a major plaza space and a solar PILOT project on Stevens Lane could yield approximately $1.5 million over 20 years. Committee member Jay Lanigan stressed the need for cohesive sidewalks, lighting, landscaping, historic 40C districts, potential industrial park zoning near Route 240, and hiring dedicated planning and economic development personnel.

During public comment, resident Patrick Carr urged the town to institute monthly pre-permitting meetings across departments to eliminate developer red tape, an effort Town Administrator Keith Hickey confirmed is actively being planned. Former Board of Public Works member Keith Sylvia recommended hiring an in-house professional engineer, noting Fairhaven spends roughly $500,000 annually on outside engineering firm GCG. The working group agreed to track these concepts—an in-house engineer, regional economic development collaboration, and wastewater analysis—on an ongoing menu of recommendations before adjourning until November 10, 2026.

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