Friday, March 6, 2026

 So people, feelings on being asked for a 3-million-dollar override - increase in real estate taxes?


Using rounded numbers, every $1 increase in the tax rate adds roughly $1.1m in revenue. Adding $3 to the tax rate would add an additional $3.3m to the overall annual budget.
As an example of what this means, if a property was valued at $400k, the $3 increase would result in a $1,200 increase in that property's annual tax bill ($300 per quarterly billing).

Remember also that for the first year of an override , the additional money has to go to the stated purpose, then in following years, those extra dollars just get added to the pile on the table and can go towards anything. Roads in Templeton are much the same in other towns, terrible and even when paved, the important parts are left undone, drainage, water main, sidewalks, etc.

Tuesday, March 3, 2026



Planned timeline for Saturday meeting of Templeton Select Board on budget presentation.



8:00 AM: Development Services, Laurie Witta

8:30 AM: Public Works/Snow & Ice, Bob Szocik
9:15 AM: Fire/EMS/Ambulance, Chief Dave Dickie
10:00 AM: Emergency Management, Rich Curtis
10:30 AM: Sewer Department, Jeff Aldrich
11:00 AM: Parks & Recreation, Ken McClure
11:30 AM: Town Clerk, Carol Harris
Noon: Lunch Break
12:45 PM: Senior Services, Jackie Prime
1:15 PM: Library, Jackie Prime
1:45 PM: Veterans Department, Michelle Durkee
2:00 PM: Cable Department, Steve Castle
2:30 PM: Assessing, Justice Graves
3:00 PM: Treasurer/Collector/Debt, Cheryl Richardson
3:30 PM: Accounting, Amber Dupell
4:00 PM: Advisory Committee, Jackie Macomber
4:10 PM: Select Board/IT/Insurance, James Ryan
4:40 PM: General Discussion
5:00 PM: Planned Adjournmen

Sunday, March 1, 2026

 How much revenue has Montachusett TV brought to Templeton?


An enterprise fund is supposed to function or pay for itself off of generated revenue. So, if revenue is around 100 thousand dollars per year, that should be the budget you live with!


 Time for Templeton to look at having a Town Charter, which is basically a legal document that outlines how the town will be run, who is elected and who is appointed and by whom, town charter generally creates a town manager position who is overseen by selectmen. Town charter results in a more centralized form of governance / efficient.

Also, senior tax work off amount should be set at the maximum amount allowed by statute, according to a policy adopted by the selectmen, again, following statute, in collaboration with council on aging. Seniors deserve that.

Monday, February 2, 2026

 So the MA govna has put forth numbers.

Templeton total state aid; $fiscal year 2027 @ $2,136,462.00, which is $47,246.00 more than last year (fiscal year 2026)
Fiscal year begins July 1 and ends June 30, so we are now in fiscal year 2026. Fiscal year 2027 begins July 1, 2026, ends June 30, 2027.
NRSD chapter 70 state aid is @ $13,915,038.00, which is $195,942.00 more than last year.
transportation is @ $733,082.00, which is $126,575.00 more than last year.
These numbers will probably change some, but will probably not cover the actual cost increase of many things, because after cuts to state aid back in 2008, those dollars have never been replaced, so state aid is still behind what it should be at.
These are some of the dollars used for next town budget.

Friday, January 16, 2026

 Dear Members of the NRSD Community,

I am writing to sincerely thank the voters who participated in the recent special town elections and voted to approve the MSBA roofing project for the Narragansett Regional Middle School and High School.
This vote represents an important investment in the safety, longevity, and stewardship of our school facilities. The approval allows the District to move forward with critical roof replacements while leveraging significant reimbursement through the Massachusetts School Building Authority, ensuring that the work is completed responsibly and cost-effectively for our communities.
The Middle and High School buildings serve thousands of students, staff, families, and community members each year. Maintaining these facilities is not only about addressing current needs, but also about protecting our schools for future generations and avoiding more costly repairs down the road.
I recognize that decisions of this nature are never taken lightly, and I am grateful to our residents for taking the time to learn about the project and participate in the process. Your engagement and support reflect a shared commitment to our students and to the long-term health of the Narragansett Regional
School District.
On behalf of our students, staff, and School Committee, thank you for your confidence and for your
support of our schools.
With appreciation,
Dr. Chris Casavant
Superintendent of Schools

Friday, January 9, 2026

 Beginning January 1, 2026 thru June 30, 2026, there are 65 meetings of public bodies on Templeton meeting calendar.

TCTV states it costs about $500.00 per meeting to show them, record them and get them on youtube. 65 meetings times $500.00 per = $32,500.00. What is not shown is the annual town meeting and advisory pretown meeting. TCTV states a town meeting costs $1,000.00 to show, so those 2 additional meetings = $1500.00, so we need $34,000.00 for the rest of the year.
TCTV has stated previous they record about 120 meetings per year at $500.00 per meeting; 120 meetings X $500.00 = $60,000.00 to record and broadcast 120 meetings of Templeton public bodies, plus 2 town meetings at $1,000.00 per, so in total TCTV figures show they need $62,000.00 to record and show 120 public body meetings plus 2 town meetings. Keep in mind, the fiscal year 2026 TCTV budget has $145,000.00 in personnel costs, and TCTV states they need more money, for what exactly? Oh yeah, doing all that extra commercial TV type stuff that has produced exactly zero dollars, and TCTV has already asked for an additional $22,000.00 at the last STM.
The total TCTV budget appropriation for fiscal year 2026 is $178,650.00. Want to know where money is for another police officer or a paramedic? Right in front of you, without an override.