Town Manager's FY 2016 Budget Proposal

Budget Questions For The School Committee

Ken O’Brien

On Wednesday, March 18, there will be a committee of the whole meeting of the Southbridge School Committee. This meeting will be held in Room M100 at 25 Cole Avenue. The purpose of the meeting, according to the agenda, is a budget work session addressing the current budget and the Superintendent’s proposed FY 2016 budget.

Yesterday I presented an analysis of the FY 2014 budget data based upon its comparison on an expenditure per pupil basis with other school districts across the State. 

Vecchia Pledge Calls For Reduction In Town Budget

Ken O’Brien

At Monday night’s Town Council Meeting Councilor Albert Vecchia read a pledge to reduce departmental budgets by 1%  from current levels during fiscal year 2016.

The pledge cited four specific reasons for its enactment:

     1.      The pressure on residents from increasing water and        sewer rates;

     2.      The imminent expiration of landfill revenues;

     3.      A stagnant commercial tax base;

     4.      Increased out of school placement.

The pledge was signed by Councilors Moriarty, Carrasco, Vandal, and Estrada as well as by Vecchia.