By JULIE CUNNINGHAM
(Erving, MA) Education funding, capital improvement projects, and new electric charging stations dominated the conversation at the Erving Town Meeting held this past July 11. All 29 articles of the Town Warrant were passed, but there was some discussion around education funding. Town Administrator Bryan Smith said the conversation centered around reopening procedures during COVID-19. Smith said Erving has some CARES Act funding that can be used if need be, but depending on what occurs budget adjustments may need to be assed later in the year.
The Culture and Recreation budget was increased by $19,000 due to a calculating error, and the salaries for the Library Trustees was increased by $612 to $1,000 a person or $3,000 total. A new proposal for electrical charging stations in Erving created heated discussion around the role of government in private sectors, but Article 20 passed. Smith said the cost of the charging centers will be covered by a rate charge and a potential grant that will cover the cost of installation.
An issue with the quorum was resolved with a new bylaw allowing the meeting to continue even if people leave mid way through. Smith said it is common for people to attend the meeting for one or two issues, and once those issues have passed leave the meeting. With this new law, Smith said, the meeting can continue even if the quorum has been lost by people leaving the meeting. To read the Town Warrant for the meeting click here.