05/12/2026
Now that Town Meeting has passed, I want to take a moment to recognize something important.
Budget season is never easy. There are always different opinions, and those opinions matter to everyone. People care deeply about this town, its future, and how tax dollars are spent.
In small town government, there is rarely a time when everyone agrees. That is okay, that is how the system is built. Public debate, questions, and different viewpoints are all part of the process.
During difficult financial times, it is very hard to meet everyone’s needs, concerns, and expectations. That does not mean anyone is ignoring those concerns. It means the choices are difficult, and the challenges are real.
Across every town department, department heads and employees have worked tirelessly to make this budget work. That includes our firefighters, police officers, DPW workers, Town Hall employees, school employees, and every other town employee who helps keep Mansfield moving every day.
These employees provide extraordinary service to this community. They respond to emergencies. They plow roads. They repair infrastructure. They answer calls. They help residents solve problems. They work nights, weekends, holidays, storms, heat waves, and emergencies. Much of their work happens quietly, without attention or recognition.
Town employees are also residents, neighbors, coaches, volunteers, parents, and taxpayers. They care about Mansfield because this is their community too.
Everyone who works for Mansfield has the same goal:
To make Mansfield a better place.
Most employees here would not want to work anywhere else. They take pride in serving this town, even during difficult times.
This year’s budget challenges are not caused by one department, one decision, or one group of employees. Communities across Massachusetts are facing many of the same pressures:
• State aid has remained flat for years
• Health insurance costs continue to rise
• Fuel costs remain high
• Equipment, supplies, and materials cost significantly more than they did just a few years ago
• The cost of providing basic public services continues to increase
We know social media can become heated during budget discussions. We also know Mansfield is at its best when people stay engaged, ask questions, and work together.
We have a brand new Town Manager, elected officials, boards, committees, and department heads working through these issues. They need time, support, and community engagement as they work toward long-term solutions.
My office is always open for questions, explanations, or conversations about the fire department, our budget, our operations, or the services we provide. I would much rather have a direct conversation than see misinformation or frustration grow online.
Our town employees will continue to do what they have always done. They will show up, solve problems, and serve the people of Mansfield to the best of their ability.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the process, attended meetings, asked questions, and stayed involved. Mansfield is a strong community because people care. That includes the residents, elected officials, volunteers, and employees who serve this town every day.
~Chief Desrosiers
Mansfield Firefighters Local 1820
