• Voters Approve 0.7 percent Increase In Municipal Government Spending
The Performing Arts Center filled slowly as the 7 p.m. opening of Spring Town Meeting was about to start. However, attendance mushroomed as the proponents for the $1.9M Groton-Dunstable School override streamed into the PAC to ensure passage of this override. (See GDRS Override story, Page One)
The first part of the budget discussion centered on the municipal budget, that even if approved, is also subject to approval of the school override as the two separate budgets had been coupled together. The voters did approve the requested $14,623,687 for the operation of municipal government, which Finance Committee Chairman Gary Green pegged at an overall 0.7 percent increase over last year’s budget. He cited the extensive work done by the Finance Committee and Selectmen in reaching agreement that the overall increase would not grow at more that 2.2 percent in any area.
The majority of growth was in Information Technology and Public Safety. Green said, however, that analysis shows that there will be a deficit on the municipal side moving forward, citing a five-year forecast that shows growth at 3.5 percent, noting that the only way to address this is to reduce municipal spending or it will require yet another override.
Green also pointed out that in the Groton-Dunstable Regional School District, the year-over-year growth was projected at 4.7 percent, not necessarily based only on costs, but also on significant reduction in state funding.
Based on recommendations from the Finance Committee and some Selectmen, the town will set up a Sustainable Budget Study Committee, charged with analyzing current spending and look for ways to reduce or consolidate costs on the municipal side.
The meeting concluded shortly after 10 p.m. with approval of an article requesting $40,000 from the Excess and Deficiency Fund in order to retain a consultant to conduct a feasibility study to determine the future needs of Groton Senior Center. This evaluation will look at the benefits of relocation, the cost to bring the current site up to code, especially in the areas of access and egress, and safety for handicapped access, looks at potential moves to other town facilities, and a cost analysis of all options.