Templeton faces devastating cuts or state takeover

Templeton faces devastating cuts or state takeover

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

TEMPLETON  — After many thought the failure of a $505,000 override at Monday’s ballot would lead to receivership, Town Administrator Bob Markel informed the Board of Selectmen Tuesday night that there existed another option.

Make $505,000 in cuts to the current operating budget immediately.

Mr. Markel described the plan as “eviscerating” the town’s government for the remainder of the fiscal year, resulting in numerous furloughs, layoffs and union contract negotiations. The town’s public library and Council on Aging would likely be closed until July 1 and public safety departments — including the Fire and Police departments would see their hours and spending dramatically slashed.

“It would be very, very painful for the town,” said Mr. Markel.

Employees given a furlough would return on July 1, however should the town adopt the budget suggested by the Advisory Board, many would see their positions eliminated permanently in the coming fiscal year.

According to Mr. Markel, the town has spent about 74 percent of this year’s budget, with about $3 million in cash left for the town to carve out $505,000 in cuts. With less than 10 weeks left until the start of a new fiscal year, the reductions will need to be dramatic to make an impact.


“That’s why they’re such draconian cuts in spending,” explained Vice Chairman Kenn Robinson.

Those in attendance during the meeting — most of whom work for the town — expressed frustration at the course of action in front of them.

Health Director Phil Leger was concerned for town employees not part of a union or bargaining unit who would likely see their jobs on the chopping block.

“This is really painful for us and our families,” he said.

Mr. Robinson agreed with Mr. Leger's assessment, saying that almost all nonessential — and even some essential — personnel will be laid off, at least temporarily.

Library Director Jackie Prime explained that if a public library closes at any time other than for construction or an emergency, it immediately loses its certification, which can only be regained after it has been open and in compliance with state mandates for a year. Templeton residents would then be unable to use their library cards to borrow materials at any library in the state.

Both the town officials and residents were under the impression that should the override fail, the next step would be receivership. The selectmen and those in the audience expressed that many voters turned down the override with that understanding and hoped the vote would lead to state intervention.

Mr. Markel was able to provide more information on the conditions of receivership, should the town reject the budget cuts.

“The loan from the state would be a fiveyear loan and it would be for about $350,000,” Mr. Markel said. “The state is insisting that we cut $150,000 from existing budgets at the Special Town Meeting on May 17.”

The deficit legislation outlining the terms of the state’s intervention has already been prepared, and Mr. Markel said he has been in contact with the offices of both Senator Stephen Brewer, DBarre, and Representative Denise Andrews, DOrange, to keep them updated on the situation and that Sen. Brewer will introduce the bill immediately.

“They’re going to file the legislation if that’s the route we choose to go,” said Mr. Markel.

It will take several weeks for the bill to move through the legislature before it is finally signed by the governor — delaying the town’s work towards balancing the budget. The state’s loan would be paid back over a period of fiveyears in $80,000 installments, starting in Fiscal Year 2015.

The loan would still leave the town with a $505,000 budget shortfall for the coming fiscal year, as well as an additional $80,000 in cuts necessary to cover the loan payment.

“The loan from the state solves the problem for the next six weeks, not for the next year,” said Mr. Robinson. “It turns a sixweek problem into a fiveyear problem.”

The loan would come with substantial state control over the town’s finances, exercised by the state Department of Revenue.

There would be no financial control board or overseer, as has been done in the past, but all spending and significant activities would need to be cleared through Boston. While they would not have the authority to raise taxes above the amount dictated by Proposition 2 1⁄2 override, they would be able to institute their own cuts and spending measures.

The board decided to delay their decision until their scheduled meeting Thursday evening in the Kiva, when hopefully all members would be present. Any cuts voted on by the board would also be subject to a vote at the May 17 Town Meeting.