Staff Report
Town Council President Jim Letterie delivered the annual State of the Town address at the beginning of last week’s council meeting. Following is the text of the address:
“Good evening—
It says something about the kind of winter we have experienced when an overcast 38-degree day feels like a welcome reprieve. As we know, the weather is beyond our control. In some respects, our town can feel similar. It is discussed, debated, praised, and at times criticized. It is tested by challenges both expected and unforeseen. Yet through it all, we consistently come together. We support one another, we assist our neighbors, and in doing so, we strengthen the bonds that define our community.
While no analogy is perfect, this one speaks to an enduring truth about who we are.
One of the responsibilities — and truly one of the privileges — granted by the Winthrop Town Charter is for the Council President to deliver the annual State of the Town address. This occasion provides an opportunity to reflect on our current standing, recognize the progress we have made, acknowledge the challenges that remain, and look ahead with clarity, purpose, and a shared commitment to continued progress.
This is my fifth opportunity to stand before you in this capacity, and I do not take that responsibility lightly. I am sincerely grateful for the trust you have placed in me and for the privilege of serving a community that means so much to all of us.
No State of the Town address would be complete without first expressing my sincere appreciation to our department heads, their dedicated staff, and the many members of our boards and committees. The effective operation of our town depends on their professionalism, expertise, and daily commitment to public service. They ensure our safety and well-being, educate our children and grandchildren, maintain clean and welcoming public spaces, provide vibrant parks and recreational opportunities, and preserve and improve our infrastructure and streetscapes. In short, their work sustains the quality of life that makes our community one we are proud to call home.
The State of Our Town
The state of our town is good.
That does not mean perfect. It does not mean without challenges. But it does mean we are stable, responsible, and moving forward.
Like every municipality in the Commonwealth, Winthrop faces a wide range of daily issues — many of which are discussed regularly on social media, in coffee shops, and around kitchen tables. It is natural to focus most closely on the issues that affect us personally. Yet even though we are small in land mass, the scope of what we manage as a community is substantial. And I believe we are doing a tremendous job.
Fiscal Responsibility and Stability
State aid continues to be a lifeline for cities and towns. Nationwide, municipalities receive approximately 31 percent of their revenue from state aid. In Massachusetts, that figure is closer to 26 percent. We must therefore rely heavily on sound local fiscal management.
At the same time, we are facing continued cost pressures. Health insurance costs have increased more than 22 percent over the past two years, and projections for Fiscal Year 2027 indicate an additional 7–9 percent increase.
Because of conservative and disciplined budgeting, we have been able to absorb these pressures while continuing to invest in our priorities.
Recently, the Finance Subcommittee discussed the distribution of “free cash.” As many of you know, that term is somewhat misleading — it is neither truly “free” nor simply “cash.” It is the result of responsible financial management and careful forecasting. Through structured financial policies, we use these funds to strengthen our stabilization accounts.
Our stabilization accounts — Capital, General, Building, and most recently Education — position us for long-term success. The benchmark many municipalities strive for is approximately 10 percent of the operating budget in stabilization. We have made remarkable progress to reach that goal.
This financial strength has helped us maintain an excellent bond rating, saving taxpayers millions of dollars when we borrow for major projects — such as the new fire station.
That is not luck. That is discipline.
Major Projects and Progress
As I reviewed past State of the Town addresses, I noticed certain projects have been consistent topics of discussion. The difference today is that most are now well-defined and actively progressing.
The Middle School site
The new Fire Station
Infrastructure improvements on Tileston, Girdlestone, and Pico
The Revere Street TIP Project
Each of these required extensive planning, coordination, and perseverance. While they are in different phases of development, they are all moving forward.
In addition to the new Fire Station, I am hopeful we will see meaningful improvements to the Eruzione Center — upgrades that will make the rink and gym cleaner, safer, and more aesthetically welcoming for residents of all ages.
I also continue to advocate for a community arts center as a potential future use for the Pauline Street Station once the new Fire Station becomes operational — a space that could serve creativity, culture, and connection within our town.
3A and Moving
Forward Together
No issue has generated more discussion over the past several years than 3A.
Last year, we were one of 34 communities not in compliance. Today, we are one of 10. That reflects serious effort and continued engagement.
We remain committed to identifying a solution that works best for Winthrop — one that satisfies state requirements, one way or another, while preserving what makes our town special. Our goal is to present new information in the near future that will move us forward constructively.
3A will not define us.
It will not divide us.
We are far more effective working together than apart.
To ensure residents remain informed and engaged, I will be holding bi-monthly office hours focused on respectful dialogue and transparency. Even when we disagree, we must do so thoughtfully and constructively.
Our Shared Responsibility
Winthrop is special to all of us.
The world has changed in many ways, but I hope we never lose the values that define us — respect for one another, civic pride, and the understanding that the goal is not individual victory, but community achievement.
We are fortunate in many ways. Yet too often, we focus on what divides us rather than what unites us. We look at the glass as half empty instead of half full. We focus on what might go wrong instead of what will likely go right.
Life is too short to be consumed by negativity.
Let us work together.
Let us support one another.
Let us keep Winthrop the jewel that it is — and the place we proudly choose to live, raise our families, and build our future.
Thank you, and may we continue moving forward — together.”