Committee approves plant-sale fundraiser to raise modest funds, requires no town spending

The Town of Hubbardston advisory committee voted to proceed with a plant-sale fundraiser, to be run at no expense to the town, and asked organizers to report back on progress at the next meeting.

The decision followed a discussion of fundraising options tied to upcoming local events. Members said food sales and raffles raise permitting and insurance issues for a municipal entity. One member, noting the timing pressure for a Mother's Day–related sale, said, “I make a motion that we do this thing and move on,” and clarified the motion: “Zero cost to the town. Plant sale only.” The motion was seconded and advanced to a vote; one member abstained. The transcript does not record a roll-call tally.

Why it matters: committee members prioritized a low‑regulation, time‑sensitive event so the group could deliver a tangible fundraising outcome without incurring permitting, insurance or bookkeeping delays. Members estimated high foot traffic at seasonal fairs and said a plant sale would avoid the complications associated with raffle permit rules for municipalities.

Committee directions and follow-up: members asked staff to prepare deposit slips and an account form so proceeds would be earmarked for the committee’s account. A volunteer agreed to compile the account number and create preprinted deposit forms so fundraisers can deposit proceeds directly into the designated account.

Context and constraints: members cited prior guidance from a former town clerk that raffles for municipal entities typically must be run through or in partnership with a nonprofit (501(c)(3)). Several members emphasized liability and food‑safety concerns and suggested postponing any food-related fundraising until responsibilities and permitting were clarified. The committee asked organizers to continue work on the plant sale and to report developments at the next meeting, scheduled in the transcript for April 21 at 6:30 p.m.