Nuclear Option- Spencer East Brookfield

Spencer, East Brookfield differ on need for override if schools get their way

By Kim Ring, TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

Selectmen in East Brookfield said the town won't need an override of tax-limiting Proposition 2½ if voters approve a reduced regional school budget of $24,031,558 at a districtwide meeting Saturday afternoon.

East Brookfield had been facing a potential override of $260,000, down from $405,000, after the school committee cut its proposed budget from $24.7 million to just over $24 million.

Residents of Spencer and East Brookfield will meet jointly Saturday to act on the proposed $24,031,558 budget.


Meanwhile, Spencer selectmen said they can't recommend approval of the budget because the town will need a $1.1 million override they think is likely to fail, resulting in major cuts to town services.

Spencer Finance Committee members agreed and said they, too, would support the budget at net school spending plus $500,000, which would be taken from so-called free cash — unexpended money in the treasury. Selectmen made that recommendation, but interim School Superintendent Edward Malvey said the amount wouldn't be enough.

East Brookfield Selectman Leo E. Fayard said, "Reductions to the school budget will result in a total assessment of $2,014, 896 for East Brookfield."

The bulk of that amount already has been approved at the prior annual town meeting in East Brookfield.

East Brookfield selectmen, the Finance Committee, other finance officials and town department heads have worked for several months to refine local town budgets, r-calculate levy limit figures and add an improved new growth amount to arrive at an improved financial picture and avoid an override, according to East Brookfield selectmen.

"While there will still be substantial reductions to the town operating budget," Mr. Fayard said, "these will not result in any major cuts in the services the town provides to its residents."

If the proposed budget amount is reduced at the meeting Saturday, school committee members can vote to approve the new number, work on the budget with the towns trying to come to an agreement on a figure or await a state takeover of the district in December.

Saturday's districtwide meeting will be held at 1 p.m. at David Prouty High School on Route 9. Doors will open at 11 a.m. and voters can begin checking in at that time. They will be registered by the respective town clerks from Spencer and East Brookfield. Those who wish to vote must be registered to do so in their town. The vote will be taken on a paper ballot.

The main meeting will be held in the gymnasium with reserved seating there for town officials, handicapped voters, speakers and the press. Overflow crowds will be in the auditorium and cafeteria and will watch a simulcast of the meeting. Those who wish to speak should go to the auditorium, where there will be two lines at microphones.

There will be additional parking at the former Ragsdale Chevrolet and a a shuttle bus from Wire Village School on Paxton Road.

Town officials are asking residents to arrive early and to carpool if possible. Spencer Town Moderator Peter Adams will preside over the session and may set a time limit for speakers.

Residents in both towns can watch a special episode of "Talk of the Town" on Spencer Cable Access at 7 p.m. Thursday. The episode will focus on the meeting, the budget and possible ramifications.