Acushnet Finance Committee debates Old Colony school costs ahead of November 18 vote

ACUSHNET — November 13, 2025 — Acushnet's Finance Committee aired sharply divided views on the $288 million Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School project ahead of the district-wide November 18 construction-authorization vote. Chairperson Michael R. Boucher told viewers the November 18 ballot carries only one question — authorizing Old Colony to proceed to construction — with the debt exclusion vote expected in spring 2026 if the authorization passes, clarifying that the two-step process means tax impacts will not be on the ballot next week. Members Peter Benoit and Philip Adams argued that state MSBA grants covering roughly half the project cost make construction more fiscally responsible than repairs alone over the same period, while Eric R. McGlynn and Lisa Orlowski-Tomlinson raised concerns about fixed-income residents, flat state aid, and projected fiscal year 2027 cost increases of $200,000 to $300,000 in health insurance and $100,000 in pensions before the debt exclusion ever takes effect. Boucher warned that if the project passes, Acushnet may also need a separate Proposition 2 and a half operational override within a few years to absorb Old Colony's rising annual assessment, projected to roughly double from $400,000 to $800,000. The committee made no formal recommendation, saying its role is to educate residents rather than endorse a position.