By Ken Cleveland Landmark Correspondent HOLDEN — As voters gathered May 20 to do their annual civic duty, they passed almost all the articles on the annual town meeting warrant. Among the items were the town budgets, which determine what the town can fund for the coming fiscal year. Other spending approvals included approving a $2 million debt exclusion borrowing to add funds to the Dawson recreation project as well as funding capital projects costing about $670,000 by raising the tax limit. The two articles also passed at the May 13 town election. Additional articles passed included using $250,000 from the General Stabilization Fund to complete windows work at the Damon Memorial and Gale Free Library and $250,000 from the General Stabilization Fund for designing and constructing improvements to the modular classroom units at Dawson Elementary School. The lone exception to the aye votes was a citizen petition to fund a $50,000 feasibility study for expansion, renovation or remodeling of the senior center. A total of 232 voters out of the 15,504 registered Holden voters turned out to make decisions at the annual town meeting, according to Town Clerk Jeanne Hudson.

By Ken Cleveland Landmark Correspondent RUTLAND — Voters spent part of their day on Saturday, May 11, taking care of business. Gathered at the Glenwood Elementary School for the annual town meeting, voters passed budgets and other spending articles. One major appropriation funded a new ladder truck for the Fire Department (which needed a two-thirds vote, passing 100-32), a borrowing of $1,850,000. That was passed contingent on the Proposition 2½ debt exclusion included on the May 13 town election ballot, where it passed by a vote of 615-442. Fire Chief Seth Knipe said the current truck, which is 25 years old, has been out of service for 147 days of the last 18 months, costing an average $30,000 a year in repairs and using 85% of the maintenance budget. The ladder truck scores fire rating points, Knipe said. “If it is not replaced, Rutland’s rating would go from 4 to 5, an average 7.5% increase in homeowners insurance.” The cost for the truck would cost the average homeowner approximately $55 annually and decrease going forward. If insurance goes up, it would be $75 or greater based on the value of each home, he said. The truck is expected to be delivered in about two years, Select Board member Harry Sechman said. Extensive discussion on the proposed Community Preservation Act resulted in a vote of 73-33, passing the tax surcharge, to be supplemented by a state contribution. That includes setting aside funds to preserve open space, historic sites, create affordable housing and fund outdoor recreation spaces. The CPA surcharge voted is 3%, with some exemptions including the first $100,000 of property value and for low-income residents. The surcharge would be effective July 1, 2020, contingent on passage at the Nov. 5, 2024, election. It would cost about $145 annually for average […]

Each of the Wachusett towns has scheduled events to mark Memorial Day. HOLDEN The annual Memorial Day Parade steps off at 11 a.m. Monday, May 27, from the Holden Recreation Department, 1420 Main St. The parade stops at the cemeteries…

By Ken Cleveland Landmark Correspondent HOLDEN — Anthony Renzoni was returned to the Board of Selectmen in the May 13 town election. Joining him on the five-member board is Linda Long-Bellil. Voters also approved spending questions and expressed a preference…

By American Legion Auxiliary INDIANAPOLIS — Begin your Memorial Day weekend by remembering the meaning behind the day, and supporting the needs of our veterans, military, and their families. The Friday before Memorial Day is National Poppy Day. You may…