PLAINVILLE - Placing a Proposition 2 1/2 override question on the ballot will be one of a number of important items the Plainville board of selectmen will tackle when they hold a virtual meeting Monday night (May 18).
The board had originally planned to host multiple information sessions about the need for an override, but had to cancel them after Gov. Charlie Baker issued a stay at home advisory in March due to COVID-19.
Plainville was already dealing with budget issues for the new fiscal year before the governor's order forced the closure of all non-essential businesses resulting in a dramatic reduction in state revenue generated through sales taxes.
North Attleboro, for example, is budgeting a reduction of at least 10 percent from the amount the town received from the state for the current fiscal year.
An override question would most likely be on the ballot when voters go to the polls for the town election scheduled for Monday, June 29.
Officials had planned to hold the election from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 5 to 8 p.m. Cleaning of booths and the markers used for the ballots were to take place between the two sessions. The Secretary of State's offices notified the town that the plan was unacceptable.
Town Administrator Jennifer Thompson has prepared two budgets to present at the town meeting. The first would be based on current funding and the second if an override were to pass.
Selectmen will also consider pushing that meeting back one day from Monday, June 22 to Tuesday, June 23 and moving the meeting from the Wood School to the King Philip Regional High School. The high school would allow the space needed for proper social distancing.
Monday's selectmen meeting will be cablecast live on North TV's Plainville Channel: Comcast channel 8.
Click here to stream a portion of North TV's interview with Selectmen Chair Jeff Johnson and Town Administrator Jen Thompson:
