Appropriations Committee asks staff for White Cliffs lease/TIF details before offering advice

Members of the Town of Northborough Appropriations Committee told staff on March 10 they need more detail on the White Cliffs lease, lease‑to‑own terms and any TIF structure before offering a formal opinion. The committee said those items were omitted from the Financial Planning Committee’s report and should be provided in a form they can review.

“Can you talk with Steph about that?” asked Chair Scott Rogers, requesting staff to obtain whatever documentation is available. Finance Director Jason Little replied, “I’ll talk to Steph about that,” and said he was not sure how much of the agreement is public following the select board’s executive‑session handling of the matter.

Committee members noted the town is owed an opinion on the lease and any TIF because those instruments have financial implications distinct from standard capital expenditures. Terry Halloran observed that the committee should not be in a position where one board approves terms and another is insufficiently informed; members asked for either the agreement or a memo characterizing the key terms and any nondisclosure constraints.

Jason Little confirmed the Financial Planning Committee’s materials did not include White Cliffs language and said staff would follow up with the select board’s office and with 'Steph' to obtain either the agreement or a summary memo suitable for public review and committee consideration.

The committee did not take a formal vote on the matter at the March 10 meeting; members requested the material as part of forthcoming packets so they can prepare an advisory opinion if appropriate.