Hubbardston Town Meeting approves $11.6M operating budget and Monte Tech assessment

Hubbardston's Annual Town Meeting is gearing up for a significant budget discussion, with Article 8 taking center stage as the town's operating budget is set at $11.6 million. This budget, which covers essential services like public safety, human services, and culture, is crucial for maintaining town operations throughout the year. Notably, all departments, including the police and library, are either level funded or receiving increases, a positive sign amid financial challenges faced by many communities.

The town's budget relies heavily on taxpayer funding, local receipts, and state aid. This year, Hubbardston is supplementing its budget with $66,000 from previously approved project funds, thanks to successful grant applications. Residents can access detailed budget information on the town's website, ensuring transparency in how taxpayer dollars are allocated.

In addition to the operating budget, Article 9 addresses the Monte Tech assessment, which has increased by $90,000 to $396,826 due to three additional students enrolling in the vocational technical high school. This fluctuation highlights the variable nature of educational funding.

Articles 10 and 11 focus on the Quabbin Regional School District assessment, which constitutes about 60% of the town's budget at approximately $6.7 million. Despite a slight decrease in student enrollment, the assessment remains a significant financial commitment for Hubbardston, underscoring the town's dedication to education.

Lastly, Article 12 requests $6,130 from the Board of Health for costs associated with the capped landfill, emphasizing the town's ongoing responsibilities in environmental management. As the meeting approaches, residents are encouraged to stay informed and engaged with the budget discussions that will shape Hubbardston's financial future.