Templeton to hold special meeting

Templeton to hold special meeting Issue of free cash ties up budget resolution

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

TEMPLETON — Town officials have selected March 8 for a Special Town Meeting where the Board of Selectmen will present their plan to combat a $505,000 budget shortfall.

Residents have expressed frustration for the board’s lack of direction during the budget crisis, although Chairman Jeffrey Bennett explained a concrete plan was hinging on the amount of certified free cash the town has at its disposal — a number which still remains a mystery, even to board members.

Mr. Bennett indicated he made several requests about the certified free cash amount to the Town Accountant, however, the accountant, he said, was reluctant to provide any figure until it was finalized. The free cash amount will not be known until the Fiscal Year 2013 books are closed, which officials said should occur by the end of this month. If, however, the information is delayed until after the town meeting, the board will be left with fewer choices. 

“We would have to present our other options,” said Mr. Bennett.

The remaining options to balance the budget are requesting a Proposition 2 1/2 override and budget cuts. The board has already asked all department heads to make an initial 2-percent cut to their operating budgets, but the town meeting could result in an even deeper slash.

The town could be left with a potentially difficult situation should it fail an override at either the ballot or town election. If an override passes at the ballot, the town election is not until May 6, and the town could be left in limbo until then.

If voters pass the override at the election, but it fails at the ballot, the select board could decide to have another ballot election.

“It’s like a rock and a hard place,” Mr. Bennett explained. “If it fails, we cut the budget unless the free cash comes in.”

According to Selectwoman Julie Farrell, it takes 65 days to post for an override election — but without the free cash number — they would be unsure of how much to ask for. Board member Kenn Robinson suggested they develop an alternate plan should the override fail in order to eliminate the need for further special town meetings.

“We should make it very clear — if an override passes this is what we’ll do, if not, this is what we’ll cut,” he said. “(Voters) know what the consequences are.”

While the board voted on the date and time of the meeting, they decided not to open the warrant right away. The delay allows for the board to easily cancel the meeting should it become unnecessary, and also gives the board time to gather more information.