Municipalities can raise tax revenue beyond annual statutory limits imposed by Proposition 2½ M.G.L Ch. 59 Sec. 21C through a referendum to approve an override or an exclusion, or they can reduce the amount taxed through an underride. With one exception, legal authority to place a question on the ballot rests solely with the board of selectmen, city council or town council.
Contingent Appropriations:
Towns only can approve a contingent appropriation (Ch. 59 Sec. 21C(m)) which is usually a single additional expenditure, or multiple appropriations made subject to subsequent voter approval of a funding source. Most often, that funding source is additional tax revenue raised through an override, debt exclusion or capital expenditure exclusion. While town meeting must approve the contingent appropriation, only the selectmen can actually place the referendum on the ballot for voter approval. When a contingent appropriation is approved at an annual town meeting, the related referendum must be placed before the voters prior to September 15. When a special town meeting approves contingent spending, the override or exclusion vote must occur within 90 days. In any case, a failed referendum may be returned to the voters on subsequent ballots, but if not approved by the applicable deadline, the appropriation is null and void.
Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 39, section 10:
Section 10: Warrant; issuance; contents
Section 10. Every town meeting or town election, except as hereinafter provided, shall be called in pursuance of a warrant, under the hands of the selectmen, notice of which shall be given at least seven days before the annual meeting or an annual or special election and at least fourteen days before any special town meeting.
I saw the latest selectboards meeting ( cable access and YouTube TCTV ) and also heard about it yesterday. I have to say a few thing stuck out. The most obvious to me anyway, discussions about mac&cheese . I don’t recall such a big back and forth about too many things in this town over the years. Tough call and I hope that they have a good showing wherever it lands. The money is needed for the COA considering Meals on Wheels for the homebound elderly and disabled is potentially being cut in 1/2.
ReplyDeleteNext was the lack of knowledge by a couple of boards members. One in the area of space needed to place such an event as described above ( 1,500 people say 3 person car (?) = 500 cars ) a lot of space I would imagine. Not exactly the nicest spot proposal next to a cemetery near a Superfund site on a road that resembles the Grand Canyon.
Then there was the lack of knowledge of what is or is not a town ordinance or if in fact there is even a town ordinance.
Overall, I think they did a good job of deciding to deny this location ( center of town ) for the event and like I mentioned above hope they can, with the help of a selectboard member who seemed to reach out to the Friends of the Elders come to a consensus sooner rather than later.
Coffee,
ReplyDeleteI had just watched the meeting this morning. A comment made at my residence regarding the meeting went something like " spent more time discussing "mac & Cheese" than they did over hiring Town Counsel and OPM for Police Station"
I to agree moving the festival away from downtown was a good idea. I do think the town needs to have a "function grounds" and if it is to be Gilman than it should be designed accordingly and not haphazardly stitched together.
It was nice to hear the BOS actually dealing with the liability issue for the town. It has been handled properly since 2012 based on Alan statements from last year.
In agreement Bob . Food, perhaps Mac & Cheese being the thing that brings people to the table should be used as a luring device for all public meetings.
ReplyDeleteThe wife of a Selectman is director. In Templeton, nothing's on the level, everything's a deal, and there's no deal too small. She'll be fine.
ReplyDeleteI’m not worried about a director. My concern as noted above is homebound elderly and disabled who need food and someone to check in on them. But thanks for spouting out more venom.
ReplyDeleteI will wait to see who gets reprimanded now me or anon 12:03 “ .. nothings on the level”
ReplyDeleteI have to say I watched the meeting just now and I found a lot of thought and effort put into the Mac&Cheese Festival. I am an optimistic person and feel the people envolved will have a workable plan and hope that next year is better prepared for all concerned. This is such a needed event for keeping the COA going fiscally Which is not really that secure anyway, sad to say. ( not for lack of personal or participants ).
ReplyDeleteAlso needed for the Town as a boost to much needed moral.
No Name,
DeleteAbsolutely, it was really good that this was being talked about in a BOS meeting so as to make everyone aware of the issue.
It's not just a matter of saying "over here"......
We honestly have a few items that could sideline more than meals on wheels. Dont quote me, but the school override could wipe out most of the town services if not passed. The ALS would wipe out ALS service and full time fire fighters along with cost us something like $125,000 for 2 years. Then add the Police station.
ReplyDeleteI'm just worried taxpayers are going to pull a Nancy Reagan........Just say NO. Financially as a taxpayer looking at my tax bill I want to say NO, but do I want the reality of a NO vote............I know I want ambulance service in town. A NO vote on the school override does nothing to cut the school, it just cuts town services. I voted yes on the police station in prior years, but at present, even though I understand the Police Station is not sufficient I dont think this is the best possible plan/location if we are spending this much on a long term loan. Why not look at other sites. Why haven't we priced out a completely new structure over a remodel in the last few years?
Many questions, many concerns and many dollars needed...........
ReplyDelete“ Pull a Nancy Regan “ Best quote ever here ! I like that ! Yes, again Bob M I’m with you. May so say it’s hard to sit on any board in a town never mind a small town. It’s even harder to say No to the police dept .. who doesn’t “ support the men in blue “ . I mean really what does one do.
This is me .. I support the town ALS I haven’t seen or heard yet ..for alternatives as far as financing that’s better off. Not a great fan of dying so ya i support that 120.00 plus what ever a year. I can’t provide skilled emergency treatment at home and if I could it would be more than 60 Cents a day.
I also support what appears to me after looking, listening and copious reading a resonable increase of 2.8 % for the District school. That’s I get it another 120.00 a year plus reassessment going forward. No kids in the school never in Gansett but I pay property tax in town. Besides you foundation budget is what it is and again I think the ask is well thought out and needed.
Now, the police station. Easy for me to say on a blog what I think but not in support( at this time) . The amount voted on well reasonable that amount fell way short after bids. Fund their cars, radios, healthcare and all the things you can give them for safety that I have zero trouble with reconciling I’m all for that but right now perhaps the building should wait.