Upton approves budget at continued town meeting – school budget passes third hurdle

At the continued annual town meeting held in Upton tonight, June 4, Upton residents unanimously approved an $18 million budget.

The annual town meeting began on May 7, but all financial articles on the warrant were deferred until tonight. The town was waiting on the outcome of the $1.4 million proposition 2 1/2 override ballot vote which passed on May 18.

The school budget brought out a large crowd. An affirmative vote for the Regional School District’s overall budget was needed as the final step for Upton to appropriate the requested school funding. The Town unanimously passed the school budget line items tonight. Mendon will vote on the re certified school budget on June 30.

Two line items were held for discussion.

Glen Fowler requested the town assessors salary line item be returned to $19,425. The motion failed and the amount remained at $1,750.

Donnamarie Floyd questioned why there was a 185% increase in the EMS training line item. Town Manager Blythe Robinson said the majority of the increase was to bring EMT up to paramedic level. Floyd asked if the town already had two on staff why would additional training be needed.  Robinson said to provide better service 24/7 they would like to add another paramedic. The $18,500 in EMS training was approved.

Other  articles passed tonight include $210,000 for self-contained breathing apparatuses for the fire department, $16,000 for two CPR machines for town ambulances, $15,000 to explore a joint library and Council on Aging facility, $7,500 to upgrade the town’s website, $39,500 to purchase a 3/4 ton pick up truck, and $21,500 for turnout gear for the fire department.