Analysis of Culture & Recreation
Recreation: I am proposing a new line item for recreation services this year. While not a lot of money ($6000), it will provide the Town Administrator with some resources to provide recreation programs to the town this year, as part of the Town Goals for 2010.
Library: I am proposing increasing this line item from $272,200 to $289,536. Once again, this is short of what they need to avoid a waiver for accreditation by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. However, we shall once again seek a waiver for accreditation. It does set aside $9900 for Municipal Building Maintenance, consistent with the Municipal Building Fund legislation, which was recently signed into law by Governor Patrick.
Historical Commission: I am proposing continuing to provide no funding for the Historical Commission.
Celebrations: This line item was formally called Memorial Day Expenses. At this point, I am proposing to continue to fund this line item at $0. This line item had been used to fund expenses for Memorial Day services and to purchase brass markers and flags as needed. Thanks to private donations last year and a modification of the celebrations revolving fund, these expenses were removed from the budget entirely. As the Town Administrator, I would like to once again thank those who have helped to raise funds to continue our support for those who have served admirably.
Arts Council: One of the greatest regrets I had last year was the total elimination of the Arts Council funding. I shall seek to correct that this year with an appropriation of $350. The Arts Council provides for the arts within the community through a grant process. While we are still working with reduced budgets throughout the Town, I felt it was important to return funds to this effort.
Total Culture & Recreation expenditures:
I am proposing funding this section of government at $295,886, an increase of 8.7% primarily due to the addition of recreation funds, a modest increase at the library and with the municipal building maintenance.
History of Culture & Recreation Expenditures
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
$301,429 |
$309,300 |
$328,192 |
$315,850 |
$315,850 |
$272,200 |
$295,886 |
| 
