Westborough’s Special Town Meeting is under way.
“It’s nice to be back to almost normal,” said Town Moderator John Arnold.
Benjamin Gold was named deputy Town Moderator, and the electronic voting devices were tested.
Advisory Finance Chairman Michael Barretti said the town remains in good financial health, although there are “spending challenges.”
“We strongly urge the Westborough Town Meeting — our legislative body — to be very diligent about spending,” Barretti said in the AFC’s message to Town Meeting.
Barretti reminded Town Meeting about the spending requests before them — out-of-district special education costs, a proposed library renovation, and the wastewater treatment plant.
Town Manager Kristi Williams also discussed the town’s financial health. This included updates on the American Rescue Plan Act, as well as reserves and free cash.
Article 1 (Prior Years Bills) — This request is for a transfer of $3,072.89 from free cash to pay outstanding bills from FY 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Select Board Chair Ian Johnson brought forth the article. A 9/10 vote is required.
Article 1 passes, 387-15.
Article 2 (Appropriation of Commonwealth Transportation Infrastructure Fund (DPW) — This request is for a transfer of $4,740.60 from the Receipts Reserve Account; funds for this account come from a tax on Uber, Lyft, etc. The funds must be used for road maintenance.
DPW Chris Payant brought forth the article.
Article 2 passes, 389-12.
Article 3 (Fiscal 2023 Finance Department Budget Adjustment (Select Board) — This request is to appropriate $10,962 for the purpose of increasing the the salary/wages budget for the position of chief assessor, which was revised and reclassified following approval by the Select Board in June.
Select Board Vice Chair Sean Keough brought forth the article.
Article 3 passes, 327-74.
Article 4 (Fiscal 2023 Public Works Department Budget Adjustment (DPW) — This request is for an addition of $76,000 for the DPW budget; $31,000 for the Water Enterprise Fund Budget; and $10,000 for the Sewer Enterprise Fund Budget. These appropriations are to help cover the rising costs of fuel.
DPW Director Chris Payant brought forth the article.
Article 4 passes, 368-40.
Article 5 (Building Maintenance (DPW) — This request is for a transfer of $35,000 from free cash to cover unscheduled building maintenance costs; these include the Town Hall elevator and the DPW Garage HVAC.
DPW Director Chris Payant brought forth the article.
A resident questioned why the elevator needed repair when it had been fixed just a few years ago. Town Manager Kristi Williams replied the elevator was replaced seven years ago; Select Board Chair Ian Johnson said the warranty had expired.
Article 5 passes, 349-68.
