The Metrowest Daily News reports Selectmen last night decided to defer the decision on whether to add a lieutenant to the ranks of the Southborough Police Department because some details around the job description still need to be worked out with the Personnel Board. Read the full article → from No decision on whether to add a lieutenant to the police force
Government
Advisory Committee: Town budget would call for 2.9% tax increase but no override
The Advisory Committee is one of two groups that recommend a budget for town meeting voters to consider (the other is the Board of Selectmen). Yesterday Advisory Committee member Al Hamilton posted a comment about the state of the budget from his committee’s perspective. Since some of you may have missed it in the comments, I’m reprinting it here. Read the full article → from Advisory Committee: Town budget would call for 2.9% tax increase but no override
Southborough town website wins award
Common Cause Massachusetts, government watchdog organization “dedicated to citizen participation in an open, honest, and accountable government,” will award Southborough and 180 other cities and towns its 2010 e-Government Award in a ceremony today at the State House. Read the full article → from Southborough town website wins award
Southborough ambulance fees are on the rise
A trip in one of Southborough’s two ambulances is going to cost more next year. Selectmen voted unanimously last week to increase fees for ambulance services to bring them more in line with neighboring communities. Read the full article → from Southborough ambulance fees are on the rise
The week in government
A list of town meetings for the week of March 15 through March 19. Read the full article → from The week in government
Good news (finally!) on school budgets, along with some words of caution
There hasn’t been much good news on the budget front this year, but School Superintendent Charles Gobron got to share some last night. Gobron told the school committee that thanks to additional cuts, cooperation from teachers, and some help from Uncle Sam, the school was able to trim their budget by an additional $350K. Read the full article → from Good news (finally!) on school budgets, along with some words of caution
Selectmen consider staffing changes at the police department
Some members of the Southborough Police Department may soon be moving up the ranks. At last night’s Board of Selectmen meeting, Police Chief Jane Moran asked for the board’s approval to fill a lieutenant position on the force. Read the full article → from Selectmen consider staffing changes at the police department
Breaking news: Southborough town planner resigns
Southborough Town Planner Vera Kolias announced she has accepted a position with the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission and will resign her post in Southborough effective April 15. Read the full article → from Breaking news: Southborough town planner resigns
The week in government
A list of town meetings for the week of March 8 through March 12. Read the full article → from The week in government
Residents have their say on village zoning
Proposed changes to village zoning have elicited a strong response from village residents, and last night an impressive number turned out to share their opinions at a public hearing. The exchange was (mostly) civil, and in the end it seemed to have an impact. Read the full article → from Residents have their say on village zoning
Planning Board member announces he won’t seek re-election
Planning Board member Richard “Chuck” Connors, who is up for re-election this year, has announced he will not seek a forth term on the board. Connors sent me this letter explaining his decision. Read the full article → from Planning Board member announces he won’t seek re-election
Southborough won’t vote on Algonquin reimbursement compromise this year
We’ve talked a lot about the things that will be on the warrant at town meeting this year, but here’s one that won’t be. Read the full article → from Southborough won’t vote on Algonquin reimbursement compromise this year
Representative Dykema to hold office hours on Friday
In the discussions we’ve had on this blog about the dire state of the school budgets, several of you have suggested contacting our state representatives to talk about the cuts the state has made in education funding — cuts that have significantly impacted our town. Here’s a chance to talk to one of our representatives live and in person. Read the full article → from Representative Dykema to hold office hours on Friday
Residents speak out against proposed changes to village zoning
How would you like an art gallery in downtown Southborough? What about a playhouse? Or more restaurants and shops? The Zoning Advisory Committee (ZAC) believes enabling that type of development downtown — as well as in Southborough’s other three villages — is key to reinvigorating the village district. But some downtown residents feel the specific zoning changes proposed by the ZAC will threaten the historic character of the village districts, and they plan to share their concerns at a public hearing on the matter tomorrow night. Read the full article → from Residents speak out against proposed changes to village zoning