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Updates to Acton Voters Group Members
MEMBER UPDATE November 26, 2008
School superintendent confirms that next year's school budget increases can be held to 4%, as proposed by the Acton Voters Group at the October 2nd Special Town Meeting, without any lay-offs.
Contrary to the statements made before the October 2nd Special Town Meeting, Bill Ryan, the school superintendent, informed the school committee at their meeting last Thursday that the school budget increase for the next fiscal year can be held to 4.0 / 4.5 % without any staff lay-offs.
This is a remarkable change in the superintendent’s assessment of the school department budget needs, as documented by a new video which is now on the Acton Voters Group website (read the transcript here).
This is good news for Acton taxpayers because it shows that future budgets can be made more realistic, can maintain current staff levels without the use of reserves. Acton Voters Group applauds the school administration for their efforts. We will continue to work with the town boards to implement more of our recommendations for better management of Acton finances and for giving Acton voters better budget choices at the next Annual Town Meeting in April.
I have been invited by the Acton Finance Committee to discuss our plans and recommendations at their next meeting Tuesday, December 2nd, at Town Hall. Come and join the discussion.
We invite you to help us by writing to our elected officials to express your support of the Acton Voters Group efforts, by adding your name to our email list at www.actonvotersgroup.com and by sending us your suggestions and ideas. If you are interested in attending our meetings, please let me know.
Your friends may like to know about this good news. You can forward Acton Voters Group updates to anyone you wish.
Clint Seward, Chair
Acton Voters Group
MEMBER UPDATE November, 2008
Clint made a presentation to the Board of Selectmen on Monday, Nov. 3, to outline some of the concerns of the Acton Voters Group and to give some guidance to the Board of Selectmen on various issues that will be coming before them in the coming months. Please review Clint's Powerpoint presentation HERE. Please watch Clint's presentation HERE.
MEMBER UPDATE October 29, 2008
Available Property Tax Relief Programs
The Acton Board of Assessors has published a brochure that lists various property tax relief programs which are available to Acton residents. It is on the town website - Direct Link.
Although the title says "for Seniors", the brochure also lists programs for veterans, blind people, surviving spouses of police officers and firefighters, and "hardship exemptions".
Acton Voters Group thanks the Board of Assessors and the assessors office for making it easier for those who may qualify for tax relief to evaluate their options and understand the requirements.
Charlie
for the Acton Voters Group
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