Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
| By Natasha Clark Reminder Assistant Editor LONGMEADOW On May 31, the Longmeadow Select Board hosted a special meeting to advise the public of measures being considered in the wake of the failed override on May 24. Town Manager Robin Crosbie told a room of residents and media that the town is "looking at possible funds we could access to relieve the brunt [of the impact] on schools." Crosbie said there is possibly up to $851,000 that could be used to help the schools. In the meantime, the schools will be going back and reviewing the budget and bringing a figure back to the Select Board. Town departments are currently working together to see what the town has available in free cash. Free cash holdings are currently estimated at $1.1 million. The town has had to set aside $600,000 for various issues including a settlement with the Department of Environmental Protection. So far they have identified nearly $531,000 that could be used. There is also $60,000 that may be available in revenue from such fees as excise tax. School Committee member Jim Nittoli who also serves as the chair of the Committee's finance sub-committee told the board he is "looking forward to working with everyone." Gerry Nolet of the Finance Committee told the Select Board, after the meeting was opened to public comments, that he was disappointed that the Select Board was was getting involved in what he said is a school issue. "The override fails and suddenly it becomes your issue," Nolet said. "Now [you're] going to raid $800,000 from the treasury after the majority of voters in Longmeadow said no." New Select Board Vice-Chair Kathleen Grady noted that the town is very "closely divided," since the level service budget failed by five votes. "If there was an overwhelming defeat, we wouldn't be here [having this meeting]," said Select Board Chair John Papale. "If we had no free cash, we wouldn't be here." At the 5 p.m. meeting, no one had filed any forms requesting an override ballot recount. "People are looking to the Select Board for help and leadership on this issue," Crosbie added. "We're trying to find a viable solution. "Our goal is to have all departments work together," said Select Board member Hal Haberman. |