The Metrowest Daily News did an article on PILOT contributions in Metrowest towns, Southborough included. The article presents some interesting figures I haven’t seen elsewhere: Southborough has $2.2 billion worth of taxed properties and $243 million worth of tax-exempt properties. If I did my math right — all those zeros make me dizzy — that means Read the full article → from Report: Ten percent of Southborough property is tax-exempt
Government
Special town meeting in September to feature some big issues
I’ve mentioned it before, but here’s your official save the date for the special town meeting this fall. It will be held on Tuesday, September 29 at 7:00 pm at Trottier, so get your babysitters lined up. There are 15 articles on the warrant, several of them — like purchasing a new ladder truck — are Read the full article → from Special town meeting in September to feature some big issues
The week in government
Here’s the list of meetings for the week. On Tuesday, selectmen meet to discuss the salary range for the new police chief, among other items. The Zoning Board of Appeals on Wednesday talk about Woodland Meadows. Also on Wednesday, the Police Chief Search Committee meets in an executive session (closed to the public). Applications for Read the full article → from The week in government
Getting real about 150 Cordaville Road
When the news broke that the building at 150 Cordaville Road was up for sale and town officials were eying it as a potential public safety building, many of you on this blog were excited about the prospect. But while selectmen have asked the Municipal Facilities Committee to evaluate the feasibility of purchasing 150 Cordaville Read the full article → from Getting real about 150 Cordaville Road
Another day, another power outage
My house was one of about 360 in Southborough that lost power this afternoon. The electricity went out at around 4:20 and came back shortly before 5:00. Perhaps it was all those air conditioners running at full blast. I’ve complained before about the number of power outages we have in Southborough. A while ago I Read the full article → from Another day, another power outage
Tough questions about a new ladder truck
One of the items you’ll get to vote on at the special town meeting next month is whether to appropriate money for a new ladder truck. The precise amount of money and where the funds would come from are still to be determined, but total cost estimates are in the $900K range. About $350K has Read the full article → from Tough questions about a new ladder truck
Advisory Committee proposes linking PILOT agreements to new construction
Over the past several months, selectmen have met with nonprofits in an attempt to boost their contributions to the town. While some of the discussions have borne fruit — mostly in donations to the ladder truck fund — selectmen still consider the relationship between the town and its nonprofits inequitable. Last week selectmen formed a committee Read the full article → from Advisory Committee proposes linking PILOT agreements to new construction
Carolyn Dykema to hold office hours in September
Start working on your questions. State Representative Carolyn Dykema will hold office hours at Red Barn on Friday, September 18, from 8:30 to 9:30 am. Dykema represents Southborough precincts 2 and 3. Read the full article → from Carolyn Dykema to hold office hours in September
Update on the search for a new police chief
Today is the last day to submit an application to be Southborough’s chief of police. Search committee chairwoman Desiree Aselbekian said she didn’t know offhand how many resumes have been submitted, but she told selectmen that resumes “have been coming in.” Aselbekian updated selectmen last week on how the search for a new police chief has Read the full article → from Update on the search for a new police chief
The week in government
There are just a handful of meetings this week. Here’s the schedule. Monday, August 17 No meetings scheduled Tuesday, August 18 No meetings scheduled Wednesday, August 19 Board of Health, 6:30 pm @ Board of Health Office, Cordaville Hall Zoning Advisory Committee, 7:30 pm @ Upper Hall, Cordaville Hall Thursday, August 20 Community Preservation Committee, Read the full article → from The week in government
When should the Transfer Station be open?
In the open thread this week, there was a discussion about which days the Transfer Station should be open. Many of you lobbied for additional weekend time, namely Sundays. After their meeting on Tuesday, I asked the selectmen what they thought of the idea. Not surprisingly, the issue comes down to money. Chairman Sal Giorlandino Read the full article → from When should the Transfer Station be open?
Firefighters recognized for their years of service
At the Board of Selectmen meeting on Tuesday night, Fire Chief John Mauro Jr. handed out service award pins to members of his crew in recognition of their time with the department. He also got to keep one for himself for his 35 years of service. Those with 20 or more years of service are Read the full article → from Firefighters recognized for their years of service
Committee formed to research PILOT donations
The Boston Globe today has an article on PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) donations by nonprofits, and it focuses largely on Southborough. Of note, here’s a quote from a Fay School spokeswoman that I’m sure you’ll appreciate: The Fay School feels an obligation to be a good citizen of Southborough. To meet that obligation, Read the full article → from Committee formed to research PILOT donations
Southborough has a new ambulance
At town meeting in 2008, voters allocated $175,000 for a new ambulance, and it has finally arrived. Ambulance 28 is a shiny new 2009 Ford/Horton model. Fire Chief John Mauro Jr. said the department did “considerable research” before settling on that model. The new ambulance will replace an older 1999 model in the fleet. You Read the full article → from Southborough has a new ambulance