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Groveland urges more state aid, flags school‑assessment pressures for FY27
Summary
Town leaders told the Select Board they will press state lawmakers to increase unrestricted government aid and Chapter 70 education funding as Groveland faces a projected school assessment increase; staff also listed local capital priorities such as Valley Screw, 46 Washington Street and the Salem Street Dam.
Town staff and board members discussed Groveland’s proposed FY27 legislative priorities and expressed frustration with state funding formulas they say leave towns underfunded.
The town administrator asked the board to prioritize increasing unrestricted government aid and restoring Chapter 70 education funding; staff said Groveland currently receives about $938,000 in that unrestricted aid line and that the governor’s latest proposal would raise it only modestly. The Pawtucket Regional School budget initially proposed a 6.3% increase that would have translated to roughly a 7% operational assessment; staff said regional conversations and an $825,000 reduction in the proposed assessment would lower the impact, and the town is asking the regional district to consider an additional $250,000 cut to bring Groveland’s projected increase closer to 4%.
The administrator said the town is preparing data and context to share with state delegates; board members recommended including trends in new growth and enrollment to support the request. Board members also asked that the town push for full funding of regional transportation and funding for vocational schools. Local capital priorities noted for state outreach include the Valley Screw/old factory site, 46 Washington Street feasibility work, the Salem Street Dam repairs or removal, and a future water‑treatment plant investment.
Board members discussed the political difficulty of seeking more state dollars and noted the trade‑offs of relying on one‑time grant funds. The town will finalize legislative priorities and forward them to Representative Adrian Ramos and Senator Bruce Tarr for consideration ahead of the legislative session and will monitor the regional school committee meeting schedule for further action.
