Politics & Government
Budget Controversy Highlights Foxborough Town Meeting
Foxborough residents will decide an ongoing disagreement between the town manger and Budget Advisory Committee over the size of the budget.
FOXBOROUGH, MA — Disagreements between Town Manager William Keegan and the budget advisory committee are expected to be the highlight of Monday night's annual town meeting. Keegan and the Board of Selectmen have proposed a 79 million budget for fiscal year 2020, beginning July 1. But Foxborough's Budget Advisory Committee wants to shave almost $500,000 from the budget over concerns with the level of growth in town government.
The proposed budget is an increase of $3.5 million or 4.6 percent compared to the previous year. Keegan said the budget the selectmen proposed is balanced and because of Foxborough's strong bond rating, budget increases have never exceeded the town's revenue. Some things the budget covers include $36.6 million for education, $11 million to rebuild water mains and wells, and $85,000 for the Booth Playground.
The advisory committee is worried the budget doesn't provide enough insurance in case of an economic downturn and has proposed cuts that would eliminate some new positions in the water department and a second deputy fire chief, the Sun Chronicle reported. In a post from the advisory committee on Patch, the committee said it's worried the budget doesn't provide enough insurance in case of financial troubles.
Find out what's happening in Foxboroughfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"The Town will be voting to put $100,000 in our "rainy day" fund, while it is looking to spend over $79 Million," the committee wrote. "The advisory committee feels it is important to properly prepare for the economic future of the Town and believes more money should be placed in the Stabilization Fund."
Residents will settle the disagreement at 7:30 p.m., Monday night at Foxborough High School. Some of the other items residents will decide on include:
Find out what's happening in Foxboroughfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Allowing electronic signs along Route 1 and in certain areas of downtown Foxborough
- Banning the of zoning stores that's primary purpose is to sell tobacco and paraphernalia besides on Route 1.
- Officially accepting Shea Lane as a public road
The full warrant for town meeting can be found below:
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