Finance Committee opposes library EV charging article in 7-2 vote

SUDBURY -- April 29, 2024, Sudbury FinCom votes 7-2 against $80,000 Goodnow Library EV charger article. The Finance Committee opposed Article 28 even though most members support the project itself, arguing the $5,000-$6,000 town share, down from $80,000 after grants fell through, should come from the roughly $1 million Solar Revolving Fund rather than free cash. Co-Chair Michael Joachim said allowing elected boards to bypass the town manager's capital budget undermines "fiscal discipline," and questioned whether the article was properly added after the January 31 warrant closing. Member Ryan Lynch, an EV owner of five years, called short-stay library chargers "kind of a waste." Co-Chair Eric D. Poch and Member Michael Ferrari were the two yes votes. The project will proceed regardless through the revolving fund.