Wrentham Debate Debt Exclusion to Curb Deficit

The Wrentham Board of Selectmen continued to debate the merits of using debt exclusion to bring down the town's projected $1.7 million deficit.

Town Finance Director Karen Jelloe laid out several debt-exclusion options, varying by the amount of debt considered.

"If the board chooses, and the town votes, to exclude all the town's debt, it would increase the average tax bill by $395 a year," she said, adding that such a solution would exclude $1.2 million worth of debt.

She said, if the town simply excludes the public safety building and town hall debts, the average increase would be $218.

Jerry McGovern, the chairman of the Finance Committee, said he believed the board should wait before making any decision.

"I'm a little concerned that picking a number tonight would be premature," he said. "My preference would be to go through the process of meeting with the two school committees. It's only at that point that we can come up with an appropriate number."

Board members Joseph Botaish and Robert Leclair said they agreed with McGovern's point of view.

Town Administrator William Ketcham said that the town approving a debt exclusion doesn't mean the board has to use it.

"Though it does broaden the amount you can raise, it's not required," he said. "Should the town vote to exclude debt, you don't have to levy that high a tax."

Board Chairman Stephen Langley suggested the board discuss the matter at its April 19 meeting. The selectmen agreed to postpone a decision.