Town To Face Tough Fiscal Year

Amid the $1.8 billion deficit the state is facing and worst economic downturn in decades, cuts to local aid is projected to hit towns hardest in fiscal 2012.

State Representative George Peterson, R-Grafton, addressed concerns about a 10% cut to Chapter 70 funding but did not want to go into specifics as the proposed numbers are due to change.  No federal incentive funding in fiscal 2012, new census numbers and snow and ice costs were also factors.

“It’s difficult to discuss at length because the number is not solid,” Peterson said. “The good news is that revenue is up.”

“A 10% cut would be catastrophic,” Selectman Mary Ann Cotton said.  She cited a new report from a Boston advocacy group that said cities and towns in Central Massachusetts have lost $66.3 million in state funding over the past three years.

‘We will address this further and make appropriate adjustments as the numbers come in,” Chairman Brook A. Padgett said.

The House is expected to release its proposed budget at the end of the month, and the Senate will release its budget in May. Peterson said the Legislature should pass a balanced fiscal 2012 budget by mid-June.

In other business, selectmen signed a 30-year lease with Apple Tree Arts for the Grafton Town House. The lease states that the town will charge the non-profit arts organization $1 per year. Apple Tree Arts has committed to raising and obtaining money to refurbish the Civil War-era building. 

Paul Scarlett, president of the Board of Directors for Apple Tree Arts said the cost of refurbishing the building is about $2.8 million.  

Roughly $800,000 has been raised through community conservation funds and grants, and Mr. Scarlett hopes to secure more funds now that the lease has been signed. 

“Thank you very much for making a leap of faith and standing with us,” Mr. Scarlett said. 

Selectmen hope the revitalized building will attract residents and tourists to the Common to attend music and theater events held at the building.