Pepperell Finance Officials Warn of 5 Percent Budget Cut Without Override Vote

PEPPERELL — November 13, 2013 — Pepperell selectmen hear warning of looming 5 percent budget cuts unless voters approve an override. Finance Committee Chair Melissa Zennadakis and Town Administrator John Moak told the Board of Selectmen on November 13 that the town carries a structural deficit of more than $200,000 and faces a projected cumulative shortfall of approximately $2.2 million over five years, with combined free cash and stabilization reserves of roughly $1.6 million at risk of depletion within three years. The finance team presented three override scenarios — $600,000 for a three-year patch with no capital funding, $800,000 through approximately fiscal 2019 with modest capital capacity, and roughly $1 million through fiscal 2020 — with the $800,000 option costing the owner of a $300,000 home about $216 annually. Zennadakis framed the choice directly: "We can do nothing and end up moving forward with approximately a 5 percent cut, or we can move forward with an override." The board also unanimously appointed James D. Flanders as constable for a term through June 2016 and granted a special permit to Robert F. Bowling for small engine and light vehicle repair at 42 Nashua Road.