How much to rely on one-time money to pay town expenses been a hot topic at Town Meeting for the past several years, and this year will be no exception. As in past years, town officials differ on what the best answer is. Read the full article → from Should the town dip into its savings to balance the budget this year?
Government
Repost: 7 reasons to attend Town Meeting
On the fence about whether to attend town meeting on Monday night? Here are seven reasons why you should. Read the full article → from Repost: 7 reasons to attend Town Meeting
POLL: Will you attend town meeting next week?
Does it surprise you to learn that for the vast majority of Southborough residents, the answer to that question will be no? If Southborough’s 5-year average is any indication, only 5 percent of registered voters will attend Town Meeting this year. Read the full article → from POLL: Will you attend town meeting next week?
Selectman says he’ll consider releasing ‘Southborough Eight’ meeting minutes
At Town Meeting next week, voters will be asked to decide whether to reimburse the legal fees of employees involved in the so-called Southborough Eight investigation. Some of you have said before you can make a decision on the issue, information previously undisclosed needs to be released. Selectman Bill Boland said last night he’s considering releasing at least some of it before Town Meeting. Read the full article → from Selectman says he’ll consider releasing ‘Southborough Eight’ meeting minutes
Selectmen consider limiting arts programming at South Union School
There are some who say the historic South Union School — home of the Recreation Department, Facilities Department, and Southborough Arts Council — should be shut down because it’s a drain on the town. Recreation Director Doreen Ferguson is not one of those people. Read the full article → from Selectmen consider limiting arts programming at South Union School
UPDATED: Splash pad down the drain, but playground proposal remains
There may not be any water to splash around in, but Recreation Director Doreen Ferguson still hopes to create a new place for Southborough kids to play. Read the full article → from UPDATED: Splash pad down the drain, but playground proposal remains
MWDN: Former Southborough selectman challenges legal bills
When the question of whether to reimburse four town employees for legal fees incurred during an investigation into remarks made at Pizzeria Uno in 2009 first came before the Board of Selectmen last June, then Selectwoman Bonnie Phaneuf declined to take a position on the issue saying it would be up to Town Meeting to decide. Read the full article → from MWDN: Former Southborough selectman challenges legal bills
Countdown to town meeting: What do you want to know?
Town Meeting starts a week from today. There has been no shortage of discussion on this blog and around town about many of the issues voters will get a say on next Monday. Operating budgets have been the center of discussion, but there are other articles that voters will be asked to weigh in on. Read the full article → from Countdown to town meeting: What do you want to know?
Advisory Committee member to present minority report at Town Meeting
At town meeting next Monday, the Advisory Committee will present a set of budgets to voters. So will the Board of Selectmen. Both sets call for a tax increase somewhere in the neighborhood of 2 percent. But turns out those won’t be the only options for voters. There will also be a third set of budgets presented — a set that calls for no tax increase. Read the full article → from Advisory Committee member to present minority report at Town Meeting
The week in government
A list of department and committee meetings for the week. Read the full article → from The week in government
Should teachers and town employees get raises next year?
That’s been a hot topic on this blog and elsewhere recently as the town continues to look for ways to trim municipal and school budgets. Read the full article → from Should teachers and town employees get raises next year?
Selectman to hold office hours at the Senior Center on Saturday
Selectman Bill Boland will hold office hours at the Senior Center on Saturday morning. It’s a chance for residents to meet informally with Boland in advance of town meeting. Read the full article → from Selectman to hold office hours at the Senior Center on Saturday
Superintendent says he’ll leave it up to voters
Superintendent Charles Gobron told parents and seniors at a series of budget forums last week that the schools have done all they can to trim the K-8 budget, and they don’t plan to make any more cuts in advance of town meeting. It’s a message he reiterated to selectmen last night. Read the full article → from Superintendent says he’ll leave it up to voters
Town meeting warrant and annual report now available
Town Meeting is less than two weeks away. We’ve talked about many of the issues that will be on the warrant, but certainly not all of them. For those of you who want to start doing your homework, the complete warrant has been posted on the the town website. Read the full article → from Town meeting warrant and annual report now available