Politics & Government

Wrentham Approves Budget, Changes Allocations at Town Meeting

Much discussion on budget, allocation from stabilization fund.

Wrentham citizens fiercely debated the the town's budget at town meeting last night, passing the measure and allocating additional money to town services.

The meeting was a continuation of April's meeting, which had many of its major issues delayed to get more certain figures.

Two hundred and forty-five of the 330 voters present voted to move $278,000 from the Stabilization Fund to the Wrentham Elementary Schools, the town fire and police departments and the public health nurses. A two-thirds vote is required to take money from the fund.

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The original amendment was put forward by resident Deirdre Foley. She proposed the town take $240,000 from the fund — $120,000 for the schools and $60,000 each for police and fire.

A subsequent motion was made and accepted to transfer an additional $38,000 for the town's public health nurses.

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"What is the Stabilization Fund? It's set up for a rainy day," Foley said. "Given the current economic downturn, some would argue it's pouring out."

Foley said the town was in the bottom three percent of the state for per-pupil spending, and that the police and fire departments are understaffed. She said the measure is a stopgap one, and that the town must develop a plan to increase revenue.

Resident John Zizza said the town could not afford to spend the money.

"This economic development scenario is humorous," he said. "There isn't one business opening anywhere. How can we be attracting business when it doesn't exist?"

A former member of the Finance Committee cautioned against transferring the money.

"It's not good business," she said. "It would be going out of our savings account for a recurring cost."

Resident Lisa Bailey said the town's police department needs more officers, recounting the story of a break-in at her home. She said it took the police a good deal of time to respond, as only two officers work between 12am and 6am.

"Luckily, they were in the center of town [at the time]," she said. "What if they were close to Franklin or Foxborough? What if they were dealing with a DUI?"

The motion was approved by a standing vote, 245-85.

Planning Board Chairman Bob Cohen opened discussion on the budget by suggesting the town reduce the amount allocated for legal services by $15,000, and transfer that to the schools.

Town Administrator William Ketcham said he did not believe that was wise, as Wrentham is currently engaged in litigation.

Cohen's proposal was defeated in a standing vote, 145-147.


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