Pepperell selectmen open preliminary talks on $695,000 Proposition 2.5 override

PEPPERELL — March 4, 2013 — Pepperell selectmen hear preliminary case for a $695,000 Proposition 2.5 override to address a growing structural budget deficit. Finance Committee Chair Melissa told the board Monday that the town faces a $225,000 shortfall this fiscal year and a projected $497,000 deficit in FY15 if the state target-share school-assessment formula repeats, which officials said is likely. The school district's operating assessment on Pepperell is rising $428,000 this year, with transportation adding another $143,000 — a net new local-revenue obligation of $472,000. The $695,000 figure is designed to cover anticipated future assessment increases, fund a capital plan the town currently lacks, and restore a budget cushion for emergencies. "We cannot move forward band-aiding things and then expect to be able to function as a viable town," Melissa said. No vote was taken on the override; the board agreed to use free cash or reserves to balance FY14 while targeting a November 2013 ballot question. The board also unanimously reappointed Al Buckley to the Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical High School Committee for a third three-year term, appointed Ferdel Roberts as Council on Aging kitchen manager, reappointed Alan Leo as Pepperell Community Media director, and voted to forward two zoning petitions — one on medical marijuana treatment centers, one on 43 National Road — to the Planning Board.