Finance Committee votes 6-1 against $232,000 Chapter 70 transfer to schools

SUDBURY — October 19, 2023 — Sudbury Finance Committee rejects $232,000 mid-year school budget increase 6-1. The committee voted Thursday against recommending Article 12, which would direct unexpected Chapter 70 state aid into the FY24 Sudbury Public Schools operating budget rather than reducing the tax levy that funded the spring override. Finance Director Dennis Keohane confirmed the article would add roughly $35 to the average home's tax bill, about one-third of the original override-driven increase. Member Susan argued the override "would cover these additional costs and meet the needs of the students" as adopted, and that surplus state aid should "decrease the amount of the taxpayer's burden, as it has in the past, not increase budgets after the fact." Member Mara cast the lone yes vote, citing the unprecedented size of the Chapter 70 increase. The committee also rejected related Article 13 by the same 6-1 margin, recommended Article 11 ($248,000 for Nixon roof design) 8-0, and recommended Article 8 (approximately $475,000 in firefighter retro pay) 7-0-1.