In May 2026, Southampton voters approved a $1.9 million override, a permanent increase in property taxes. I question whether taxpayers were given a complete and accurate picture of the town’s finances before voting.
For years, I have reviewed financials reports, attended Select Board meetings, written memos and requested public records. I have repeatedly been told, “We are working on it.”
Yet many of the same questions remain unanswered. Here are some of my concerns:
Accounting errors delayed financial reporting. Approximately $400,000 in prior year expenses went unrecorded. There have been errors and delays in submitting Schedule A, delays and mistakes with internal reporting, other state filings and overdue audits. How can officials make sound budget decisions without accurate financial information?
Denied CARES Act (grants available during the COVID-19 pandemic) reimbursements. Approximately $331,000 submitted expenses denied, leaving taxpayers responsible. Select Board Chair Christine Fowles was involved in administering these funds. Why were reimbursements denied, and how were those expenses covered?
Revenue not disclosed during override discussion. I have questioned approximately $200,000 in potential revenue officials knew about in February 2026. Why wasn’t this discussed publicly? Could it have reduced the override?
College Highway property purchase. Questions remain about money market funds, the timing of transfers and whether action taken complied with Town Meeting authorization. Taxpayers deserved a complete accounting.
Spending following the override. The override was presented as necessary to maintain existing services and restore school staff. Yet, there is indication of additional positions, increased employee hours, overtime and salary increases. Were these expenditures included in the budget presented to voters, or authorized by the Select Board after?
I did not vote for the override because I did not believe it would solve our underlying financial problems. Now, we are hearing about another difficult budget process. Possibly another override. Taxpayers are being asked to make a major financial decision without having all information available to them.
I have documents supporting some of these concerns, but requests for additional public records have been delayed or unanswered. How can taxpayers trust the numbers when so many questions remain?
The Southampton Select Board, Town Administrator Scott Szczeback and the accounting department need to address these concerns. I have called for an investigation and independent financial review, a public explanation of the findings and corrective action.
Simply changing auditors will not fix the internal underlying problems. I have been asking questions and sending emails without any response. There are others who want change. I cannot do this alone.
Before the 2027 budget is developed and voted on, residents deserve answers. Contact the Select Board, attend meetings, make your feelings known and demand answers. We cannot continue on this current path.
Please join me, speak up, and hold our town officials accountable.
Nilda Cohen lives in Southampton.