At Monday night’s Annual Town Meeting, voters passed Articles representing around a 7.37% tax increase for next year. Most Articles were passed without amendments. Only a few failed. Read the full article → from Annual Town Meeting quick recap on the votes (Updated)
Government
Tonight’s Annual Town Meeting At-A-Glance
An overview of the Warrant with links to more details
All registered Southborough voters are encouraged to act as the Town’s legislature in the meeting opening tonight (Monday, April 7th) at 6:30 pm. Here’s what you need to know. Read the full article → from Tonight’s Annual Town Meeting At-A-Glance
The week in government
Annual Town Meeting, Neary Building Committee on educational benefits of project, School Committee on School Choice and 5th grade at Trottier, Conservation Commission hearings, and more
Here is a selection of the committee and board meetings for the week along with my selected highlights from the agendas. Read the full article → from The week in government
What tax increases are we facing with, and without, the Neary Building Project?
A look at the numbers to help inform voters before Monday night's Annual Town Meeting
On Monday night, voters are being asked to approve budgets and spending Articles that impact taxes for next year and beyond. Before voting on Monday, I wanted to better understand the Town’s financial outlook and what it will mean both with and without the building project. I’m sharing with readers what I learned. Read the full article → from What tax increases are we facing with, and without, the Neary Building Project?
ATM CPA Articles: $121K for Town Common fence; Transferring affordable housing funds
One article is another investment in preservation in the downtown Historic District. The other is intended to make it easier for Town officials to use the already set-aside funds for housing projects
On Monday night, Town Meeting will be asked to approve up to $121,000 to restore a historic “fence”. Select Board members publicly worried about the reaction of voters upset about rising property taxes. But, they stressed that the money for the proposed CPA project doesn’t directly impact tax bills.
A separate CPA Article follows through on a recent push to move funds dedicated to Affordable Housing to a Trust Fund that will allow the Town to react more quickly when opportunities arise. Read the full article → from ATM CPA Articles: $121K for Town Common fence; Transferring affordable housing funds
Town Meeting: Advisory explains projected 7.36% Tax increase
The committee's report for Annual Town Meeting on Monday night addresses budget challenges.
For each Annual Town Meeting, the Southborough Advisory Committee is required to submit a report to voters. It includes their recommendation for the Town Budget and other spending Articles. (They also opine on other Articles on the Warrant.) Read the full article → from Town Meeting: Advisory explains projected 7.36% Tax increase
Apply for financial aid or emergency assistance
Residents with emergency financial needs can apply for support using the same form as for assistance with RAP/summer camps and support through the annual "Winter Wishes" program
Southborough Youth & Family Services is promoting information on how Southborough residents who qualify can apply for emergency Financial Assistance. Read the full article → from Apply for financial aid or emergency assistance
Letter: Why We’re Voting Yes on the New Neary
Our own kids are low on the list—but doing nothing costs far more than you may think.
My Southborough accepts signed letters to the editor submitted by Southborough residents. Letters may be emailed to mysouthborough@gmail.com.
The following letter is from a group of 22 Southborough residents. Read the full article → from Letter: Why We’re Voting Yes on the New Neary
Annual Town Meeting on Monday night: Town asks “Will you attend?” & promotes details
All registered Southborough voters are encouraged to participate in Annual Town Meeting this Monday, April 7th, 6:30 pm at Trottier Middle School.
A new 3 question survey this morning is asking the public, will they? And if not, why?
In this post, I’ll cover the survey, an overview of what Town Meeting is (for unfamiliar voters), this year’s logistics, and what’s on the ATM Warrant. Read the full article → from Annual Town Meeting on Monday night: Town asks “Will you attend?” & promotes details
SPD announces abandoned search. Chief answers questions about staffing issues
The Southborough Police issued an unusual press release.
The Southborough Police Department issued a press release on an incident yesterday evening. It involved a manhunt that was ultimately abandoned when officers had to respond to another emergency call. Read the full article → from SPD announces abandoned search. Chief answers questions about staffing issues
Annual Town Meeting: Article 30 to enable more shared parking
At Monday’s Annual Town Meeting, voters will be asked to amend the zoning bylaws for parking in commercial districts. The proposal is to make it easier for businesses to share designated parking spaces. The change isn’t just pro-business. It’s also promoted as “environmentally friendly”. Read the full article → from Annual Town Meeting: Article 30 to enable more shared parking
Clarifying Neary School Building Project Meeting Schedule
Between changing messages from the Town over meeting locations, and an error in a post I ran this morning, the public may be confused about when and where some of this week’s meetings on the big building project are taking place. Read the full article → from Clarifying Neary School Building Project Meeting Schedule
The week in government (Updated)
Forums on Neary Building project & financial impact; Select Board Meeting; and more
Here is a selection of the committee and board meetings for the week along with my selected highlights from the agendas. Read the full article → from The week in government (Updated)
Town Meeting Articles 28 & 29 on ADU zoning (Updated)
Annual Town Meeting will decide whether or not to update bylaws on Accessory Dwelling Units
The Planning Board pitches that the changes will remove the conflicting language and “protect the town’s interests by providing clarity in the zoning code”.
Opponents argue that the board’s proposal under Annual Town Meeting Articles 28 & 29 goes too far in adding local oversight. Read the full article → from Town Meeting Articles 28 & 29 on ADU zoning (Updated)