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
Government
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
Would raising fees help solve the school budget crisis?
We all know there are two ways to balance a budget: cut costs or increase revenues. And while the Advisory Committee last night had their share of suggestions on ways to cut costs in the school budgets, they spent a fair amount of time talking about ways to bring more cash into the districts. Read the full article → from Would raising fees help solve the school budget crisis?
Change to tonight’s Board of Selectmen agenda
For those of you planning on attending tonight’s Board of Selectmen meeting, note there’s been a scheduling change. The executive session originally scheduled to run from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm has been canceled. The open meeting will now start at 6:00 pm and all agenda items will shift up by two hours. Read the full article → from Change to tonight’s Board of Selectmen agenda
The week in government
A list of town meetings for the week of March 1 through March 5. Read the full article → from The week in government
Southborough share of regional school budget to increase by 5%
The regional school committee on Wednesday night approved a budget for the coming fiscal year that is a 0.66% increase over the current year’s budget. But because of growing enrollments, Southborough’s share of the budget will be 5% higher than it was last year. Read the full article → from Southborough share of regional school budget to increase by 5%
A look at Algonquin enrollments – and what it might mean for your taxes
The Regional School Committee meets tonight to vote on the budget for the 2010-2011 school year. It’s a budget that may prove expensive for Southborough. Read the full article → from A look at Algonquin enrollments – and what it might mean for your taxes