To the editor:
There are a couple of takeaways from the Cabot Select Board (SB) meeting Monday night, October 6.
One: The SB chair is acting independently from the rest of the board by going to the town lawyer on his own without the knowledge or vote of the rest of the board, which according to statute is illegal. This was upsetting to many, including two members of the SB whose names were on said petition.
Second: A duly signed and filed petition was up for discussion, Chair Michael Hogan (again without board support) brought the town lawyer in so it could be effectively squashed. This denies the request to have the voters have a say in how our tax dollars are being spent. Remember the $20,000 rule? Hiding behind, “The SB has authority over all town buildings erected or planned” does not authorize the expenditure of millions of dollars without voter consent.
Third: The other SB board members have not seen any of the paperwork involving FEMA or USDA grant information. Why is that? They should have access to all that.
Fourth: FEMA has “not paid a cent” (Mike Hogan) towards the temporary fire station building. Some was from insurance money from the old station, but the balance is covered by loans. They have appealed to FEMA, but with the current government shutdown and changes in how funds are distributed, who knows where that will end up? When asked what the plan B was if that falls through, there wasn’t much of an answer.
Fifth: The USDA grant is $5.2 million, but the estimated cost of a new public safety building is much more. There is no explanation on how to raise money for the balance of a new fire safety building.
Chief Deasy stated a new building can be constructed in 14 months. Discussion about not having money in hand for said construction.
Sixth: The temporary fire department building would need extensive upgrades to be a permanent building, but the deed covenants need to be further investigated.
There was more, including suggestions by Karen Larsen that we should have a town manager with the retirement of our current town clerk coming up in March. (I leave that to your own interpretation.)
It would be good to listen to the whole recording, available on the Town of Cabot website and form your own opinions.
Stay informed and be involved in your town government.
Ruth Goodrich
Cabot
