Turley Publications Photo By Ruth M. Lyon

East Brookfield Board of Selectmen Chairman Leo Fayard jangles the keys of the town’s new purchase – the Verizon property, which will become the home of the highway and water departments.

East Brookfield voters approve
feasibility study for David Prouty

By Ruth M. Lyon

Turley Publications Reporter

EAST BROOKFIELD - In less than an hour, this town’s voters breezed through a 23 article annual town meeting agenda, with little or no discussion on most articles.

With scarcely a quorum present, 23 voters approved a fiscal 2011 budget of $3,781,378.

There was little discussion regarding the feasibility study, a proposal by the David Prouty Junior-Senior High School District Committee to authorize a debt to finance the study. The feasibility study would be a first step in determining whether to rebuild, repair and add on to the present school building, or what alternate measures should be undertaken. The total cost of the study would be $630,000, with the state reimbursing 58 percent of that figure. East Brookfield’s share of the remaining 42 percent is $47,000. The selectmen and finance committee members, who have in the past expressed skepticism for proposals put forth in regard to rebuilding the school, approved of the feasibility study, as the state requires such a study in order for the district to receive reimbursement for any construction project.

However, at the town meeting, moderator Harland Smith cautioned voters to pay close attention to the wording of the article, which asks if the voters “will vote to disapprove the debt authorization.” Thus, he warned “if you are in favor of authorizing the debt for the feasibility study, you must vote NO” This caveat was repeated until voters appeared to be comfortable with the wording. The authorization was approved, with 17 not in favor, 6 in favor of disapproving the debt authorization.

Also provoking a question was the final article, seeking the town’s approval of accepting a senior tax abatement program, which would allow property owners over age 60 to work toward abatement of a portion of their real estate taxes. That article passed, 22 to one, with select chair Leo Fayard explaining that workers could perform part time clerical, cleaning, maintenance or other jobs as needed on a part time basis. “We have to study the plan a little more, but we’re in favor if it. It will be good for the town and for the people who utilize it,” he said.

Once the meeting was adjourned, he noted that “there’s one announcement I’m pleased to make.” Jangling a set of keys in the air, he announced that the board had closed on the Verizon property that afternoon. “The simple route is never simple,” he said, “but with the work of the finance committee, town treasurer Rae Anne Barnes, and others, the purchase has been accomplished. We’re pleased that the town has had the foresight to make this happen.”

He expressed his board’s appreciation that local banks had expressed interest in loaning the funds. “Once word was out that we’d decided to obtain a five year loan, North Brookfield Savings contacted us, for which we are grateful. We finally reached an agreement with Spencer Savings, but it was North Brookfield Savings Bank which brought us to consider local financing, and we appreciate it.”

He went to say that “this year is a little better” fiscally. All preliminary figures suggest that we may be $35,000 or less from a balanced budget. Some of that will depend upon local receipts.” He expressed the board’s appreciation for all in the community who have worked to keep costs down during the current times.

In a conversation following the meeting, finance committee chairman John Rossi said his committee felt optimistic. “We may even manage to balance the budget,” he said, “though that’s the optimistic outlook.”

Finance committee seeking more members

He asked that the Quaboag Current mention that the Finance Committee would like more members. “We’re supposed to have a nine member board, and we’re currently operating with six. If there are people in town who are interested in working with us, we’d love to hear from them,” he concluded.