Committee discusses state budget-warning letter, eyes outreach to legislators

The advisory committee discussed a recent letter from State Senator Peter Durant warning about possible state budget cuts and agreed to monitor state actions and engage its legislative delegation. Liz said she checked and found Templeton was not affected by the specific cuts described in Durant's letter this year, but she said the statewide activity underscored the need to be ready for future reductions. "If the state sneezes, we get a cold," one committee member said, urging fiscal prudence. Why it matters: Committee members said uncertainty at the state and federal level can affect the town's revenue streams and that proactive engagement with state representatives is warranted. Jacqueline noted that Governor Healey had announced emergency funding to larger cities; however, the committee said some of those funds are limited to municipalities with populations above specified thresholds. Next steps: Members said they would consider inviting Representative Vlodnick to appear before the advisory committee and continue sending letters to state officials about local funding needs. No formal vote was taken on the item.