The pandemic was a difficult time for our community, and many are still dealing with the financial impact. To help, Northborough received $4.5 million dollars in aid from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The Board of Selectmen (BOS) is solely responsible for determining how these funds will be spent.
Since the BOS is responsible for spending these funds, they should be asking one question:
“How can these funds be used to help as many Northborough residential taxpayers as possible?”
The BOS held a sparsely attended ARPA public input session to hear ideas from residents. This doesn’t give the BOS permission to use the ARPA funds to benefit the 25 or so residents who attended or for projects proposed by the loudest voices.
If the ARPA funds are used correctly it should lead to future tax savings for residents.
How? Simple.
Use the ARPA funds for capital assets and projects that have already been identified. These projects need to be done whether or not ARPA funds are used.
For example, we need a new fire engine. The fire engine is 20+ years old and must be replaced. If ARPA funds are NOT used, Northborough will be forced to take on new debt to purchase it. Taxes will go up or other programs will be cut in order to pay off the debt. If ARPA funds ARE used, no new debt will be needed. By using the ARPA money, it will effectively save taxpayers $800,000 plus interest in future taxes.
Selectmen Jason Perreault and Scott Rogers, plus the Town Administrator support these projects because they understand how to properly use resources in the best interest of taxpayers.
The funds shouldn’t be used on most of the projects the BOS is considering. Projects like a Rail Trail study for $100,000, or $500,000 for businesses, or benches, or trees. Not that these are bad projects, but they’re projects that don’t directly reduce future taxes.
Unfortunately, the other members of the BOS haven’t asked the right question and haven’t considered the impact the pandemic had on you and your family. Contact the BOS and let them know that they should.
Tim Kaelin
Member of the Northborough Appropriations Committee, Former member of the Board of Selectmen, Former Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and former member of the Council on Aging
