The Southborough Trails Committee is navigating a complex funding situation as it seeks clarity on the use of $47,000 allocated for trail signage. During a recent meeting, committee members discussed the possibility of applying these funds to the second phase of their trail project if they are not fully utilized for signage in the first phase. However, they are struggling to find written confirmation of this flexibility.
One committee member expressed concern about the lack of documentation regarding the use of these funds, stating, “I was hoping that we could have a little bit of that money for the other project if we needed it.” The committee plans to attend an upcoming Community Preservation Committee (CPC) meeting to seek answers about the budget and the potential for reallocating funds.
The discussion highlighted the importance of understanding how the town voted on the funding at previous meetings, as this will determine whether the funds can be repurposed. The committee is also exploring whether any unused funds from the first phase could be carried over to support the second phase, but initial indications suggest that the funds must be used as specified.
As the committee prepares for the CPC meeting, they aim to clarify the rules surrounding the funding and ensure that the trail project remains on track. The outcome of this inquiry could significantly impact the project's budget and timeline, making it a critical point of focus for the Trails Committee moving forward.