Holden Board of Selectmen
Special Meeting
May 1, 2007
7:00 PM Holden Senior Center
In attendance: Chairman David White, Selectmen Joseph Sullivan and Kimberly Ferguson.
Meeting called to order at 7:35PM.
Discussion was held regarding the FY 08 Wachusett Regional School District budget. The Town Manager presented a spreadsheet that showed the changes that have occurred regarding that budget from its initial submission to the most recent assessment letter. The sheet also showed the impact to the District and Municipal budget’s should further reductions be made.
Discussion centered on the proposed $500,000 reduction requested as a result of the April 26th Regional Board of Selectman’s meeting. Two Town’s, Princeton and Paxton are supporting that reduction, Rutland has not stated a formal position and Sterling supports the original District budget. The District has countered that they would agree to such a cut but only guarantying the first $300,000 with the remaining $200,000 reduction being contingent on additional state aid being received by the District.
Discussion continued on the political reaction of the proposed further cuts and the sense that other Towns needed to step up to challenge the District. This is all the more true since for the first time communities other than Holden are being more significantly harmed financially by the District budget.
The Board by consensus agreed to recommend the $300,000 immediate cut that has been offered by the District and accept the further reduction should additional state aid be received by the District.
The Board then joined the Finance Committee meeting in progress. Members of the Finance Committee expressed a strong desire to continue to request the entire $500,000 reduction be made immediately to resolve the impasse. Members of the Board and the Committee exchanged views. At the conclusion of that discussion, Selectman Sullivan made a motion to support a $500,000 immediate reduction of $500,000 in the FY 08 WRSD budget. Seconded by Selectman Ferguson. After a brief discussion, Chairman White called for a vote and the motion passed 2 to 1 (White dissenting).
Further discussion was held regarding the request by the Town of Paxton to have District member Towns share in the cost of their school window replacement expense per the regional agreement. An assessment letter from the District in the amount of $31,717 has been received as Holden’s share of that expense.
On a motion by Selectman Ferguson seconded by Selectman Sullivan the Board voted 3 – 0 to oppose this expenditure at town meeting and to encourage other member Towns to act similarly.
On a motion by Selectman Sullivan seconded by Selectman Ferguson the Board voted 3 – 0 to adjourn at 8:45PM.
Approved: May 7, 2007
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