At the Town Meeting on April 6, we will be asked to consider a budget override to fund town budgets, including the schools. I have watched recent meetings of the Finance Committee, Select Board, and School Committee, and am convinced that the full override is worth supporting.
Our town departments and committees have worked hard to keep budgets as lean as possible for years, but the fact is we had inflation last year that pushed our costs over the 2½% allowable increase, necessitating an override. The override tool exists for such circumstances, and this is the time to use it.
There are two options for consideration. The “level-service” option that will prevent some dire consequences, such as cutting classroom teachers. The slightly higher option most notably adds two key positions at the schools, including a special education position that will potentially save money by keeping more of these services in-district versus paying out-of-district tuition.
Please show up to the Town Meeting April 6 in support of the budget overrides proposed, and please vote for these overrides at the ballot on April 9.
Rachel Kopay
Littleton County Road
