Advisory committee approves reserve‑fund transfer for condemned van, backs school tech bond and several warrant items

The Town of Southborough Advisory Committee on March 16 approved multiple formal actions and listed other warrant recommendations ahead of town meeting.

Reserve fund transfer for facilities van: The advisory approved a reserve fund transfer of $75,000 to replace a condemned facilities utility van. The request from the town administrator documented that the 2018 van was structurally unsafe and condemned by mechanics; members agreed replacing the van now would save rental costs and allow work to continue. The motion to approve the transfer passed unanimously on roll call.

School technology bond: The committee debated a $365,000 capital bond for school technology, infrastructure and equipment. Howard and others argued classroom technology belongs in the school operating budget and should be funded as an ongoing refresh, while supporters said the item does not change the bottom line and is needed. The advisory voted to support the $365,000 bond; roll call recorded three votes in favor and two opposed.

Other formal votes: The advisory unanimously moved to recommend the FY27 budget (see separate report). It also voted unanimously to support Article 26, which would change the town clerk from an elected to an appointed contract position after the legislature’s action, and to support Article 29, which creates authority for tax installment plans for taxpayers in arrears. The committee placed planning and several citizen petition items (including zoning changes and petitions) on hold for further review and recommended staff or petitioners present details at upcoming meetings.

What passed and next steps: The reserve fund transfer was signed and will be processed so the facilities department can order a replacement van. The advisory’s support for the school technology bond and other articles will be reflected in the committee’s formal letter to town meeting; items held for further discussion were identified (notably planning/zoning articles and certain citizen petitions) and will be revisited at follow‑up meetings or hearing schedules.

Votes summary (roll‑call outcomes as recorded by advisory): - Reserve fund transfer (facilities van, $75,000): unanimous approval (5–0). - School technology bond ($365,000): approved (3–2), Howard and Marcy recorded as opposed. - FY27 budget recommendation ($73,455,973, Atwood excluded): unanimous approval (5–0). - Article 26 (town clerk appointment model): approved (5–0). - Article 29 (tax payment plan authority): approved (5–0).