RUTLAND — Voters will tackle town business at the annual town meeting, set to start at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 11, in the Glenwood Elementary School gymnasium, 65 Glenwood Road. Among the business will be the budgets for the coming year.
The funding for municipal departments is set at $11,490,780.
Separate schools budgets would fund the Wachusett Regional School District assessment of $16,555,122 and the Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School assessment of $790,635.
The other major expenditure being sought is a new ladder firetruck, a borrowing of $1,850,000, contingent on the debt exclusion included on the town election ballot.
Another article that would affect property taxes is the proposed adoption of the Community Preservation Act, which provides for a property tax surcharge. Those funds, to be supplemented by the state, would be used to preserve open space and historic sites, create affordable housing, and fund outdoor recreation spaces. A question on the fall state election ballot would also have to pass to enact the provisions.
Various capital expenditures are planned, including purchase of a facilities van and school security system, as well as a water and sewer department van and modernization of the water treatment plant.
Public works garage repairs and Glenwwod Elementary playground ADA surface replacement would seek $120,000 from the capital stabilization fund.
Voters also have to approve other spending, including the operation of the Water and Sewer Department and the stormwater utility.
Several articles seek funding for equipment for the town clerk, including poll pads, tables, voting booths and other items.
Voters will be able to accept the gift of personal emergency escape ropes for the Fire Department, gifted by the Rutland Volunteer Fire Brigade.
Many articles on the warrant are routine items, such as allowing state roads funds to be used and authorizing regular revolving funds.
Articles would also add funds to accounts such as the Capital Stabilization Fund, OPEB Trust Fund and General Stabilization Fund.
A zoning bylaw change seeks to correct typographical errors.
Two citizen petitions would ask to rezone individual parcels.
