See the woman in the front row on the left? That’s Southborough’s Assistant Town Administrator Vanessa Hale looking none too happy. And with good reason. Hale attended the municipal conference last week at which Governor Deval Patrick announced massive cuts in local aid to cities and towns. Patrick said he will cut $128 million for Read the full article → from What impact will local aid cuts have on Southborough?
Government
The week in town government
There aren’t a lot of meetings scheduled for this week, but the ones that are scheduled are all meaty (meety?). The Advisory Committee takes on the tough topic of budgets, the Planning Board looks at traffic on Route 9, the ZBA talks about Woodland Meadows, and the Conservation Commission considers EMC. I don’t know what Read the full article → from The week in town government
How much those snow plows cost you
The Boston Globe recently posted a comparison of how much towns paid for snow removal in 2008. For Southborough it was $287K, which works out to about $30 per town resident. The state average is $29 per person, so we’re not too far off the mark. By comparison, Northborough residents pay the equivalent of $20 Read the full article → from How much those snow plows cost you
Poll: What do you think of Southborough property taxes?
I’ve heard plenty of talk about property taxes around town lately. Some say they’re too high, others think they’re comparable with area towns. I haven’t heard anyone say they’re too low, but I suppose it’s possible. Sounds like a good topic for the next My Southborough poll. You’ll find it off to the right in Read the full article → from Poll: What do you think of Southborough property taxes?
Algonquin principal finalists announced
Linda Murdock is looking to graduate. The current principal at Trottier Middle School hopes to become the new principal at Algonquin. Murdock is one of two finalists for the position announced at last night’s regional school committee meeting. The other finalist is Thomas Mead, assistant principal at Andover High School. A decision is expected by Read the full article → from Algonquin principal finalists announced
Should the police station be torn down?
That’s a question both the Municipal Facilities Committee and the Historical Commission are asking, but their answers are at different ends of the spectrum. There are currently two plans on the table for a new police station, one calls for the existing building to be demolished and replaced, the other is a renovation of the Read the full article → from Should the police station be torn down?
Southborough’s snow removal budget depleted
Winter may be only half over, but Southborough has already burned through its entire snow removal budget. The Board of Selectmen last night approved an additional $88K to see the town through the rest of the season. The amount budgeted for snow removal this winter was $229K. That money was all gone even before the Read the full article → from Southborough’s snow removal budget depleted
A couple of chances to talk with your legislators
The economy and transportation are hot topics this year, and your elected officials want to hear from you. Here are two upcoming opportunities to voice your opinions: Panel Discussion with the Corridor Nine Legislators Thursday, January 22 7:15 – 9:30 am Doubletree Inn, Westborough The discussion will focus on the economy. Southborough representatives Jamie Eldridge, Read the full article → from A couple of chances to talk with your legislators
Got an issue with your property tax bill? Act now.
The amount you pay in property taxes each year is based on two things: the tax rate set by the town and the assessed value of your property. While the tax rate is non-negotiable, you do have the right to ask for a review of your assessed value. But you’d better do it soon – Read the full article → from Got an issue with your property tax bill? Act now.
Budget cuts mean teachers could be eliminated
I wasn’t able to attend last week’s school committee meeting, but the Metrowest Daily News was there, and they report Southborough teachers could be eliminated due to budget cuts. Superintendent Charles Gobron said at the meeting that two teachers and four aides could be cut. The cuts would most likely happen through attrition, not through Read the full article → from Budget cuts mean teachers could be eliminated
The week in town government – 1/19
Here’s a list of department and committee meetings scheduled for the week. Monday, January 19 MLK Day – no meetings scheduled Tuesday, January 20 Southborough Affordable Housing Trust Fund Committee, 6:15 pm @ Hearing Room, Town House Board of Selectmen, 7:00 pm @ Hearing Room Town House Assabet Valley Regional Voc. School Committee, 7:00 pm Read the full article → from The week in town government – 1/19
Looking for a job? Think local.
There are a few job openings with the town, both contract and permanent. Here are the details. Conservation Scientist: Provides technical and scientific review for the Conservation Commission. Acts as a scientist, environmental officer, and consultant for the Commission. Approximately 10 hours per week, no benefits. (full job description) DPW Mechanic: Work includes maintenance and Read the full article → from Looking for a job? Think local.
What impact will EMC layoffs have on Southborough?
EMC has a significant presence in Southborough. And in addition to existing offices on Coslin Drive, the company has proposed a new 1.5-million-square-foot complex to be built on the Southborough/Westborough line. So, as the Boston Globe reports, people in this area are watching the recent news of restructuring and layoffs closely. Southborough Town Planner Vera Read the full article → from What impact will EMC layoffs have on Southborough?
Police department may have to make difficult cuts
With a projected budget shortfall upwards of $2 million, town departments may have to make deeps cuts for 2010. But in the case of the police department budget, there’s little fat to trim. “Ninety-four percent of our budget is contractual,” Interim Chief Jane Moran told the Advisory Committee this week. Previously-negotiated contracts cover everything from Read the full article → from Police department may have to make difficult cuts