by Janet Stoica

Webster’s May 13 town meeting warrant has been completed and is under review by town counsel. The next step is a review by the town’s Select Board. Among items on the warrant will be approval for a new fire engine to replace a 30-year old model with costs within the town’s levy limits. The school budget is also part of the warrant with a 3.2 percent increase from the previous fiscal year. 

“Our additional Chapter 70 aid will decrease dramatically for fiscal year 2024-2025,” said Town Administrator, Richard LaFond, “This current year we received $2.4 million in additional state aid and for 2024-2025, Webster will only receive an additional $900,000, a substantial drop in funding. Last year we had an inflation increase. The funds are based on town incomes and larger urban communities are receiving larger amounts. The state aid formula accommodates income levels and Webster is not alone, it’s a statewide situation.”  Every student coming into all school systems must be educated per an unfunded state mandate. 

Water and Sewer Department funding is also included in the town meeting articles. Last year, $33 million was allocated for the PFAS treatment plant and this year requires an additional $10 million. It is a nationwide mandate. The public is invited to attend the Water and Sewer Commission’s public hearing that includes an update on the Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS6) including construction costs. A Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Representative will be present to answer questions. Hearing date is Thursday, May 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Selectmen’s Meeting Room, 350 Main Street, Webster. Please consult the Town website for further information.

“The town has a new Conservation Agent, Joseph Wigglesworth,” said Mr. LaFond, “Mr. Wigglesworth formerly served as Chairman of Webster’s Conservation Commission. Duties include accepting applications for determination of building regulations, property inspections in compliance with State regulations, issuing orders to comply with State statutes, and overall to be an advisor and enforcer for the Conservation Commission. Training commission members is also part of his position. His new position began on April 2.”

On Monday, April 8, groundbreaking for the Bartlett High School renovation project will begin. “Renovations include new design and utilization of the existing high school. It will involve using the ‘shell’ of the high school for a complete renewal,” said Administrator LaFond, “this will take approximately three years for completion of the $101 million project. After Webster was awarded the initial Mass. School Building Association funding, we were fortunate to receive another appropriation after COVID so Webster received additional state aid.”