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Acton Select Board approves larger share for Mousam Dam Coalition over objections
Summary
The Select Board voted 3–2 to raise Acton’s proportional share of the Mousam Dam Coalition budget to $9,254.51, adding a part‑time assistant gatekeeper; dissenting members cited reporting and budget clarity concerns.
The Acton Select Board on Jan. 28 approved an increase to the town’s portion of the Mousam Dam Coalition budget, voting 3–2 to raise the amount to $9,254.51.
The motion, made by Select Board Chair Daniel Norwood and seconded by Tom McGurty, followed discussion about a plan to hire a part‑time assistant gatekeeper who will be trained to take over responsibilities at Square Pond Dam and serve as backup to the existing gatekeeper. Lee Robator told the board the assistant position is meant to smooth an upcoming transition and handle duties the current gatekeeper prefers not to perform.
The increase—$2,748 above the amount shown in earlier budget materials—also prompted requests for clearer accounting. Robator asked the Select Board for a reconciliation of the coalition’s capital reserve account and a financial statement comparing last year’s budget and actual expenditures. McGurty said prior reports showed consistent unspent balances that needed formal reconciliation.
Norwood said the adjustment reflects the coalition’s staffing needs and the board approved the change despite objections from two members. The motion carried with Winchell and Denekamp voting no.
The board did not set additional implementation steps at the meeting; Robator requested that coalition reporting and account reconciliation be provided to Acton officials so the town can track how reserve and operating funds were used.
The Select Board adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
