Selectmen discuss proposed state funding
By Angela Greiner Community Reporter

Hudson - State Rep. Patricia A. Walrath, D-Stow, met with the Hudson Board of Selectmen Jan. 28, as she does at the start of each year. The main topic of discussion was the bleak outlook of the state's fiscal year (FY) 2009 budget, which was no news to the selectmen.

Walrath explained that the proposed FY 2009 state budget currently has a structural deficit of $1.3 billion. Gov. Deval Patrick has proposed several solutions to reduce the deficit, including cuts in spending, tax reforms to create additional revenue and a $400 million transfer from the "rainy day" funds.

The discussion included the topic of funding from the state Lottery. Walrath explained that the revenue from the FY 2008 Lottery has already surpassed FY 2007 by 6.2 percent. She also released a report to the selectmen from the Lottery industry that outlines the growth of Lottery funds and describing the Massachusetts Lottery as "the most efficient lottery in the United States in terms of generating government revenue."

Both Walrath and the selectmen questioned the 15 percent decrease in Lottery revenue in the governor's FY 2009 budget.

Walrath explained that in this year's budget, unlike past years' budgets, there are two lines of proposed spending: one with the decrease in Lottery funding and the other based on a higher distribution of Lottery revenue that would go into eff ect only if the State Legislature votes in support of casinos in the commonwealth.

"It is not appropriate for the cities and towns to be held hostage to the casinos to get state aid," Selectman Joseph Durant said. "This money is desperately needed."

"The governor wants casinos," Walrath said.

If the Legislature supports the building of casinos, the initial fees paid by the incoming casinos are expected bring in additional funds for FY 2009.

"Even if the Legislature approves the casinos, there is no guarantee that money will be there in time for this budget," Walrath said.

In other budget news, Walrath was hopeful that the schools budget would continue to allow for increased spending.

Other business

Selectman Carl Leeber asked Walrath to look into retail store space regulations after voicing concerns about fire exits being blocked by temporary displays. Walrath agreed to look into it after Leeber said he had already spoken to the fire chief, who discovered that there are no local regulations that preclude blocking the exits.

The selectman also approved the signing of a $16.46 million loan agreement for the town's wastewater treatment plant. The selectmen were not happy about the figure.

"I really do not want to vote for this," said Durant, who grudgingly approved the spending.

Executive Assistant Paul Blazer explained that the money was a low interest (2 percent) loan from the state's revolving fund and would be repaid by the town through sewer fees.

Before adjourning, Selectman Santino Parente extended thanks to the Department of Public Works.

"They have done a fantastic job keeping the streets clear especially after the last couple of ice storms," he said.

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday Feb 11.