Blackstone Parks & Recreation votes to submit $203,640 budget request

The Town of Blackstone Parks & Recreation Committee voted Jan. 13 to submit a budget request of $203,640 for the coming fiscal year, a roughly $30,023 increase from the prior year.

Committee members said the primary new item in the ask is funding for a part‑time staff position for about nine months. Committee member Kim moved to submit the request; Bob seconded. "I will put in a motion for you to hit the submit button," Kim said before the motion. The motion passed after a voice vote of "Aye" with no dissent recorded.

The committee discussed the percentage increase and placed the request in the context of the town’s overall budget. A member told the group the Parks & Recreation request represents a small fraction of the town budget even though it increases the department’s line by about $30,000. Committee members also noted the increase would be scaled back if outside funding or grants are not secured.

Committee members clarified that the proposed part‑time position would not duplicate a separate senior‑worker arrangement: Roger, a senior worker who helps the department in spring and with ad hoc tasks, was discussed separately, and committee members said Roger’s hours and compensation are handled through the town’s senior worker program rather than the Parks & Rec payroll.

The committee recorded no roll‑call vote in the minutes; the meeting audio shows the motion was made by Kim, seconded by Bob, and carried on an oral "Aye" vote. The committee chair said she would submit the budget packet after the meeting.

The committee asked members to review grant opportunities and other funding sources that could reduce the net local impact of the request and to bring updates to the next meeting.