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Town Votes In Favor of Town of Belchertown's 250th Anniversary
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Tuesday,
December 7, 2010
Belchertown’s 250th Anniversary Committee secured themselves some seed money for the town’s milestone in 2011. Despite recommendations from the Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee not to vote in favor of the $5,000 request, citizens voted in favor of the request.
Introduced as an Amendment to the second Article on the Warrant, the $5,000 was transferred from free cash. Most of the opposition from town officials was on procedural grounds. Selectman James Barry said that it wouldn't be fair to other town departments. Finance Committee Chairman Paul Silva said that his committee didn't have a chance to review it.
Belchertown Selectman, Town Clerk, and Chairman of the 250th Anniversary Committee William Barnett was the only member of the Board in favor of this Warrant Article. He said that the money was needed to pay for costs associated anniversary events like police and entertainment. Barnett also explained that members of the committee were paying for things out of their own pocket.
The Town of Belchertown also voted in favor of granting the committee permission to raise funds for the celebration received from the sale of commemorative items or from admission charges to 250th ceremonies or events. In order for a duly appointed town committee to raise funds legally, this Warrant Article was necessary as it is illegal for town committee’s to raise funds otherwise. A special Two Hundredth Anniversary Fund was also established.
Members of the 250th Anniversary Committee indicated that left over funds from the anniversary will be put back into the Town’s free cash account.
More information about Belchertown’s 250th Anniversary and the commemorative items that they are now authorized to sell to raise money can be found at: Belchertown250.blogspot.com or visit the Town Clerks' office on the 2nd floor of Town Hall.
Video of debate for this Warrant Article
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