The coming local aid cuts (both for this fiscal year and FY2010) are drastic, especially for the bigger cities and towns. Worcester stands to lose about an estimated $3,850,000 in 2010 BEYOND the 9% cuts in 2009; Shrewsbury will face a proposed $258,000 cut. Other towns will face no better—and the state is very clear on exactly how the cuts in local budgets may be made.
Selected proposed cuts:
Auburn: $158,621
Fitchburg: $790,408
Grafton: $144,819
Holden: $5,446
Leicester: $160,816
Millbury: $164,012
Paxton: $1,486
Rule wise, the state has laid out guidelines for cities and towns to deal with the immediate 9c cuts, specifying exactly what kind of budget adjustments will be allowed:
- Reduce 2009 operating budget appropriations in any department
- Reduce special project appropriations
- Use cash reserves to close the gap
- Increase local fees and charges.
A full copy of the memo from the state to municipalities is available here.
