Southbridge’s FY 2013 non-education budget totals $21,641,836.
Of that total, $2,760,518 or 12.8% is projected to come from unrestricted
general government local
aid from the state. In FY 2012 state aid constituted the same dollar
amount, but represented only 12.4% of the town’s non-education budget.
Clearly any funding source that comprises 12% to 13%
of the town budget is a matter of serious concern. While it does not rise to
anywhere near the $17,650,872 in Chapter 70 funds that underwrite the town’s
education budget, 71% of the total, any threat to local aid funding could have dire
effects on the town.
