This story is still evolving, but apparently sometime last week the Southborough selectmen removed the article to fund a new aerial ladder truck from the April warrant.
The news comes just one week after the successful Southborough Fire Ball, which raised nearly $100K toward the purchase of a new ladder truck. At the Fire Ball, Selectmen Bill Boland announced that St. Mark’s pledged an additional $100K toward the purchase. A new ladder truck is estimated to cost $950K.
Removing the article from the warrant means Town Meeting voters will not get to have their say in April. Aerial Ladder Study Group member and Fire Ball organizer Rebecca Waterfall is concerned the move will hurt the effort to purchase a new truck. “It’s in the forefront of everyone’s mind right now. Why don’t (the selectmen) want to strike while the iron is hot?”
She also said support for the ladder truck has been widespread. “Support has been from every corner of our town: parents, grandparents, schools, companies.”
I haven’t talked with the selectmen, so I don’t know the reason behind their move, but Town Administrator Jean Kitchen said they will discuss the issue at their meeting on Tuesday night. I’ll let you know if I get any more details before that time.
