Medway town meeting to focus on new funding

MEDWAY – Residents will consider an additional $12,700 in funding for three town accounts during a special town meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15, at the DAV Hall.

Administrative Assistant Kathy Lee said taxpayers would not be asked to raise additional taxes to fund the proposals, which if approved will be paid from the town’s surplus funds.

One article asks for $3,200 from surplus for the church account. The town had proposed $2,000 during the annual town meeting, but voters increased the funding to $18,000 so the building, which the town plans to restore, could be painted. Lee said the money raised was enough to paint the church, but did not include funds for regular maintenance such as lights and insurance.

Another article asks voters to approve $7,000 from surplus for assessing costs. Lee said costs for the personal property revaluation were not available earlier when the annual town meeting was held. She said this money would pay for the revaluation.

Officials also are asking for $2,500 in surplus funds for the recreation department. Lee said the bulk of the money, about $2,000, would be used to pay a fine to the Department of Environmental Protection. She said the town was fined for adding sand to the public beach area.

Also, residents will consider authorizing selectmen to expend $9,400 to make the second year payment for a new 1-ton truck for the highway department.

Lee said the money for the payment was included in the current budget, but officials needed authorization to make the payment.

Lee said residents also would consider an amendment to the town’s cemetery ordinance, which would prohibit residents from using white decorative rocks around headstones.