The town is lucky that the surprisingly high level of free cash lets it avoid the necessity of another override to finish this year’s budget, funding the recent union settlements. It may or may not have been possible to pass an override. The Board of Selectmen made a wise decision to use free cash and move on to solving the systemic problem of inadequate funding for the town that residents want.

Harvard should follow Acton’s example, working to ensure it is getting its fair share of local aid. The town should aggressively support passage of Chapter 70 reform legislation. It looks like that could generate a major increase in local aid, even this year. And we should work harder to develop other revenue services, perhaps expanding the commercial tax base.

The problem of underfunding isn’t temporary, and it won’t solve itself. Until Harvard finds real answers, the town is going to keep facing impossible choices between giving up services and driving the tax rate toward the highest in the state. That’s one “top 10” list Harvard doesn’t want to make.