By David Fassler, Community Reporter
Hudson – The town's voters approved just over $863,500 in expenditures at the Special Town Meeting held Nov. 21. The meeting was delayed a half hour past its scheduled start time until a quorum of 150 voters was reached. Of the eight articles that were on the town warrant, four dealt with budgetary matters.
Article 1 was unanimously approved to authorize the expenditure of $581,467 for construction, reconstruction and improvements of the town's roads. This expenditure was requested by the selectmen so that the town can be reimbursed by the commonwealth pursuant to the town's Chapter 90 apportionment for fiscal year 2012.
For Article 2, the voters unanimously approved a supplemental appropriation of $4,303 to the town's pension expenses. This approval will ensure the town meets its pension obligations.
The school system's net spending expenses will increase by $225,284 with the unanimous passage of Article 3.
The voters also approved Article 4, which was a request to appropriate $52,500 for a Downtown Parking and Traffic Infrastructure Study.
Resident Ken Varnum, 12 West Ave., said, “I's be in favor of this particular article at a different time. I understand there may be an opportunity at a later time to apply for a grant – state, federal or otherwise, so I's recommend this article be voted down.”
As part of this article being approved, the funds will be matched by the Hudson Business Association (HBA).
Finance Committee Chair John Parent said, “I think the fact that the [HBA] is putting up $52,000 shows there is the cash for this article. We need a study to determine what we need to do and what we can do. We need this advanced level of site engineering to implement future design plans.”
The measure was approved by a majority vote.
