Selectmen cut budget
By Caitlyn Kelleher JOURNAL REPORTER

Selectmen and Advisory Board members spent the meting on Wednesday, March 27, trying to reduce extra financial request from town boards and departments to lower the potential tax impact.

One of the major things the groups discussed was a $25,000 request from the Board of Health to hire a consulting engineering firm to help develop the pros and cons of common septic systems. These septic systems, which serve more than one residence are currently prohibited by a moratorium.

After a lengthy debate, the Selectmen removed the issue from the warrant and asked the Board of Health to come back to them in the fall with more details about other communities.

The groups also had a long discussion about whether to lower the amount of money being appropriated by the Highway Department for road repairs.

O'Toole advocate funding the entire million request because it will allow the road repairs to move forward instead of remaining a patch and fix program.

The Selectmen also removed or reduced a number of other money request for the town meeting. They and the Advisory Board suggested the fall might be a better time for these purchases.

In other Busines:

• Selectmen appointed Catherine Fisher to the Historical Commission to fill one of the four vacancies.

• Members of the Wachusett Medical Reserve Corps approached Selectmen to determine if they were interested in having the group with the town during natural, man-made or public health emergencies.

Selectmen said they would like to met with the group, the Fire Chief (who is in charge of the Emergency Response team) and the Board of Health after budget season to discuss the role of Corps. Fairbanks also suggested the group meet with either the fire chief and the Board of Health before that meeting.