Burlington Officials Planning To Delay Projects, Save Free Cash

BURLINGTON, MA — Burlington officials are looking for possible savings in capital projects planned for the June town meeting. Town finance officers hope to hold onto some extra free cash, as the economic effects of the coronavirus outbreak continue to be felt.

Burlington Public Schools Superintendent Eric Conti said at the Tuesday School Committee meeting that the town and schools are each identifying $500,000 worth of projects that can be delayed. Capital warrant projects are funded by free cash, of which the town has $8.85 million in reserves.

School Committee member Stephen Nelson suggested delaying asking for $500,000 to replace the turf at the varsity field. The Committee also discussed potential cost savings in the planned auditorium roof replacement project.

The Committee also passed the Fiscal Year 2021 school department budget, Tuesday. The school budget, over $55 million, conformed to a 3.75 percent increase budget guideline.

The schools were not asked to change the operating budget in response to the coronavirus, Conti said.

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Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.