Sewer Commission Chairman Elaine Fiore is still seething over the money grab that occurred at Town Meeting. Selectmen Mark Beaton may have won the battle, but could very well lose the war. In an effort to balance the budget “on the backs of 1,500 sewer users” according to Fiore, Beaton played a recording of eight or so years back showing then FinCom Chairman Melanie Meeker “hoping” that the money advanced the Sewer Commission at that time be paid back. That money was what seeded the Sewer account in order for the new department to establish itself with a budget.

There was never any stipulation that the money be paid back, especially considering that it’s our money to begin with. The Commission needs the money to maintain operational expenses and to meet its sewer commitments for the 40-R project. Whatever amount comes from the Sewer account must be made back with higher assessments to the users. That burden is completely improper and the Commission is willing to take actions to restore the $200,000 it was stripped of. Because the Warrant Article was done seeking support from the Legislature, it means that there must be a hearing. Fiore is already gathering names for a petition that would urge the Legislature to deny approval of the Article. Fiore believes the action was not founded on the principles of law, was passed by the slimmest of margins and is not in the best interests of the Town.

A hearing will be held on the matter at the State House and Fiore hopes to be able to fill a bus with people who believe as she does. Informed political pundits have stated that the item will not be approved by the Legislature, especially because of the fact that it is a matter going on a decade old. One of the petitions will be available in the Observer offices for those who wish to sign.