Town Meetings May Go Into Extra Innings

Traditionally, by mid-March, most towns pass their budgets and get to work. This year, two big changes could throw that timing way off. First, there is the federal stimulus package. What it means for towns is unclear, but they might need special voter approval to apply for funds to build a big ticket item like a water treatment plant.

Then there’s the state budget. It could cut as much as 200 million dollars that it typically sends to municipalities. David Caron, Londonderry’s town manager, says the fat lady won’t sing until well past the March meetings.

CARON: It’s going to be an interesting winter, spring and probably early summer until July when this whole state budget is sorted out.”

Lawmakers seem ready to pass a bill that would let towns hold special town meetings with a minimum of red tape. Think of it as optional extra innings which would fit if town meeting season and the baseball season overlap for the first time ever.

With this town meeting minute, I’m Jon Greenberg.