Above: The old ice pond on Beal’s Preserve (Photo by Beth Melo)
I know I haven’t finished filling you in on Town Meeting (and some rather interesting, relevant background info I learned about). But, I don’t have time for that today since some of the schools have a half day. So, you’ll have to wait until tomorrow for more.
In the meantime, it’s time for another open thread. What’s on your mind this week, Southborough?
For those of you new to the blog, the open discussion thread is your place to ask questions, sound off on town issues, or share information with other readers. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
- Ask questions about programs in town or the town itself
- Post a note about things that you’re selling or giving away, or things that you want
- Share notices about upcoming events (Southborough or otherwise)
- Register your thoughts on town issues or news stories
- Point out interesting or helpful resources
You can add comments to the thread throughout the week. Check back often to see new comments. (If you read the blog via email or RSS, you might want to check the site from time to time for new comments.)
To view past open discussion threads, click here.
Thanks for the opportunity. I’m new to town (just 1 year). I have an observation and question. I came from a town where a sticker to gain access to the towns recycle facility, for residents only, cost $35. I paid an occasion $10 here and there but mostly everything else was free to dump. Anything yard related trees, leaves, grass clippings, shrubs was all free. Southborough however charges $200+ and my understanding is some items are not free. Can anyone help me understand why its so expensive to purchase a sticker? I’m sure at some point I might eventually have to buy one.
Thank you in advance for any feedback.
There is a recycle only fee that was adopted about a year ago. That was for $50 before September 15. Now, with late fee it’s $75 for the year. If you moved in after September 15, you could ask if there is any prorating or consideration about the late fee.
I can’t tell you for sure if that covers grass clippings etc. for that information, you should check with public works.
As for why the high costs, there has been lots of investigation into how much it cost to run the transfer station, possible improvements, and how much should come out of taxes versus user fees. It is very possible that your old town chose to absorb more of the costs as part of the taxes that everyone shared as a burden. Selectmen have opted to try to reduce the tax burden for seniors and anyone who chooses to pay for a private hauler. That is currently something that selectmen vote on every year. As for more on the costs behind the transfer station, this post a post and linked report from last year should fill you in on more: https://mysouthborough.com/2015/01/23/public-works-board-discards-pay-as-you-throw-but-recommends-recycling-made-easier/
[Note: Just fixed the comment. Made it on the go yesterday from my phone – and clearly had some issues!]
Welcome to Southborough where everything is more expensive than anywhere else! Please open your wallet for transfer station stickers, taxes, school fundraisers (like you have never seen) and everything else that comes down the pike!
Sounds like you’re unhappy here. That’s a shame, but you do have options.
Is there an opportunity to be a poll observer/volunteer on election day in Southborough?
You’d have to contact the Town Clerk’s office.
Hello,
Massachusetts General Law (950 C.M.R. § 54.04) does allow for observers to be present at the polls on Election Day. Observers are allowed inside the polling place, outside the guardrail unless they are disorderly or obstruct the access of voters.
There will be a poster at each polling place summarizing the ‘dos and don’ts’ that any observer must follow.
Feel free to call me if you have any more questions.
Jim Hegarty
Southborough Town Clerk
jhegarty@southboroughma.com
(508) 485-0710 x 3005
Southboro transfer station used to be a 100% tax paid service. Now it is mostly paid for by the transfer station sticker money. Sorry. I’m not happy about it either. Thank the selectman as it never went to public vote.
Increase taxes, cut services or add/increase service fees – take your pick. When the school budget consumes 75% or more of the budget what else can be done. Since the school budget will not be cut, the selectman can only deal with what they have been dealt.
I am surprised the school committee has not investigated adding an administration building on the St Mark’s golf course property – can fold it in with the future senior center.
And then have the school commitee, superintendent and Business Director watch half a million dollars roll out their doors and watch the school committee do nothing to hold anyone accountable in Christine Johnson’s office. A horrendous injustice to the people of our school districts. Like we are stupid or something. The superintendent should have resigned along with her business director. Let’s give them more money in their budgets!
Agree. Covered by insurance or not, we cannot have half a million dollars going out the window due to our administrators not paying attention.
Do you know when the st. Mark solar panel install work will be complete? Will dog walking still be allowed in this area after the work is complete?