Big storms mean big snow budget deficit for Upton

That darn groundhog apparently knew what he was talking about. The long-range forecast is showing snow in our future through March 19 – ugh!

As of yesterday morning the town of Upton’s snow removal account was already about $30,000 in deficit according to town manager Blythe Robinson.

State law allows Upton to deficit spend this account as long as there is concurrence on Robinson’s recommendation to do so by the Finance Committee which they did give on February 10.

How will Upton balance the account? Robinson said, “The funds either have to come from some account this year, or added to next year’s budget.  We have some free cash that we can dedicate to this, as well as some accounts that are under spent at this point in the year.  Either way, a transfer at the Annual Town Meeting from one of these sources will be necessary.  Generally we try to cover the shortfall in the current year so as not to burden next year’s budget further.”

Robinson advised the selectmen on February 18  some residents had expressed concerns about the possibility of a salt shortage. According to Robinson Upton has been continuing to get deliveries and at this point “we are in good shape.”