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Board deadlocks on $100,000 Meals on Wheels reserve transfer; motion fails 3-3
Summary
A motion April 9 to transfer $100,000 from the Meals on Wheels reserve fund to cover two years of projected costs drew debate over timing and fundraising; the roll-call ended in a 3-3 tie and the motion did not pass.
The Board of Finance on April 9 considered a motion to appropriate $100,000 from the Meals on Wheels reserve fund, an action the Board of Selectmen had approved April 7, 2026. After several members said they supported the program but questioned the timing and preferred private fundraising or spreading costs over two years, the board held a roll-call vote that resulted in a tie; the motion did not pass.
One committee member objected to using a special appropriation for the transfer and said they would vote no, adding concerns about how the change would affect public perception of the towns published budget. Another member urged continued private fundraising and said the reserve was intended as contingency rather than immediate spending. Stacy, representing staff, clarified the mechanics: "It's a reserve fund," she said, explaining the money would remain segregated and that removal would require returning to the board.
Transcript discussion noted that projected two-year program costs are about $85,538 and that the requested $100,000 would cover that projection; board members said they remained committed to the program but differed on the timing and use of a reserve transfer. The board conducted a roll-call; the transcript records a 3-3 tie and states the motion did not carry.
Because the motion failed, no funds were transferred and the reserve remains intact; board members said staff and the selectmen may continue fundraising and could return with requests for appropriation if needed.
