Town Meeting approved a $9,913,327 budget for the Department of Public Works (DPW) under Article 30, following several significant last-minute adjustments. The final figure reflects a $12,720 reduction used to fund the Council on Aging outreach worker and a $15,720 cut to the Water line intended to help lower local rates.

Selectman James McCarthy explained that the cuts were part of a policy decision to eliminate non-productive part-time office help within the department. The move to reduce the Water line was specifically designed to provide relief to ratepayers. However, the complexity of the shifting figures drew criticism from the floor. Member Mary Fitzgerald described the session as the most confusing Town Meeting I have ever been to, suggesting that budget changes of such magnitude should be provided to members in writing before the vote.

In response to questions about equipment, Member Glenn Pavlochek clarified that funds from traded-in equipment are typically retained within the department to fund replacement items rather than returning to the general fund. Despite the procedural frustrations, the adjusted budget passed by a majority voice vote.

Motion: To appropriate $9,913,327 for the Department of Public Works general and enterprise accounts.

Vote: Passed by Voice Vote