During a recent government meeting, officials expressed concerns over the financial implications of a proposed new school project, highlighting the potential strain on the town's budget. The discussion centered around the need for a two-thirds majority vote at the upcoming town meeting, followed by a ballot vote, to approve the necessary funding.

Officials noted that the town's finances are already under pressure, and the introduction of this new project could complicate matters further. There is an expectation that an override of existing tax limits will be necessary, which could lead to an increase in taxes for residents. The complexity of presenting the funding breakdown to the public was also a point of concern, with suggestions that voters should clearly understand how their contributions would be allocated between the school and other community services, such as the library.

A significant point raised was the potential impact of the proposed debt on the town's financial standing. It was indicated that the level of debt incurred could place the town among the highest debt ratios in Massachusetts, potentially resulting in a downgrade of the town's bond rating by two to three grades. This downgrade could significantly affect the town's financial health, leading to a higher tax rate that would rank in the top five across the state.

As the town prepares for these critical votes, officials are tasked with ensuring that residents are well-informed about the implications of the proposed school project and the associated financial burdens.