HOLDEN — Budget work “continues to occupy the bulk of our time,” Town Manager Peter Lukes said, as the town heads toward a spring town meeting to approve spending plans for town departments and the school district.
A significant possible shortfall has the town looking at cuts to capital spending, Lukes told the board Jan. 22.
If the school assessment is higher than the town’s recommended 2.3% increase, Lukes said, discussion will include a possible Proposition 2½ override.
Noting problems with equipment during recent storms, Lukes added that “If we shortchange our departments, we’re going to find ourselves in a position where we can’t plow.”
“I’ve never seen a greater likelihood than this year,” Lukes said of the concerns in past years of needing an override to fund town services.
“Every year I’ve been on this board, we’ve taken the school assessment and had to back in to the municipal budget,” Selectman Geri Herlihy said, noting spending that has been put off has now become a safety issue. “We have to have that conversation earlier (rather) than later.”
Holden is the last of the five Wachusett district towns to vote at its town meeting, Herlihy said, so the town has not had the option since the assessment has already been locked in once the other four district towns approve the school spending plan.
“We have to go with the idea the assessment is going to be passed,” she said.
Selectman Anthony Renzoni said, “We’re already $2 million in the hole to meet the budget,” so the town would be looking at cuts. Even maximizing the town tax capability, “We’re still talking $2 million to $3 million short.”
Lukes said new budget software is going to “provide more clarity” and provide online access for people to see the budget details.
“It will be more accessible to the public.”
In other business, the board discussed the possibility of an increase in the town’s trash fees.
“Costs have skyrocketed,” Lukes said of the trash and recycling fees and the need to revisit earlier discussions about adjusting fees.
“We are definitely going to have to look at an increase in the next month or so,” Lukes said, noting the costs to the town are based on those of vendors.
In 2025, the existing contract expires, so that’s something to look at, “a difficult discussion,” he said. He added that “the vendor has provided excellent service compared to others,” but like others, their costs have increased.
In addition, the town has closed on the purchase of a 113-acre Spring Ledge Farm parcel, protecting it from future development, Lukes told selectmen.
Held by the town through the Conservation Commission, it will be put into a conservation restriction that will ensure it is kept in perpetuity for recreation and protection of drinking water sources.
With access near the end of Chaffins Road, hikers can connect to substantial adjacent conservation property, including property recently restricted for conservation on the Holden-Worcester line.
The final piece is for the state to approve the restriction, Lukes said.
The purchase will cost the town $100,000, funds approved at the 2023 spring town meeting. That meeting had also approved $1,180,000 to cover the full cost but grants and contributions have covered that portion of the cost.
A federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant covered $640,000, and the Greater Worcester Land Trust added $280,000. The city of Worcester contributed $280,000 to help protect the watershed for its drinking water supply.
Signage at the parking area is planned, Lukes said.
