The Hudson Budget Committee came together on March 5 for a short meeting to give a few updates on long-term budgetary matters.
“I thought I’d just give a quick update on the Target Logistics Center exactions,” said Clerk Kevin Walsh. “There are three exactions that have been received by the town. We all know the Fire Department’s platform truck was received last fiscal year for the public safety exaction.”
That exaction was also being used by the Hudson Police Department to upgrade its drone capabilities, along with a $100,000 exaction in-house for goals related to the townwide master plan. The Logistics Center was still moving forward, although Target still needed to complete several key steps, including their building permit.
“The building permit for the main building has not been pulled up at this point that we know of. We do know that an inspection contract has been signed. They are on-site to do the inspections needed to move that part of the project along,” said Walsh.
While he did not go into much detail, Committee member Shawn Jasper made it clear he continued to oppose the nature of Target’s exaction payments, the legality of which was previously questioned by several members of the Budget Committee.
Jasper thanked other members for their work over the past year, with praise for how many recommendations made it to the ballot.
“There have been those in the past who have said ‘what’s the point in us making recommendations that are just going to get overruled on the floor of the deliberative session?’ That did not happen. Obviously we were in pretty good agreement with the Board of Selectmen. We did some pretty significant work on the school budget. Those numbers held. I think it shows that when you go at things methodically and you have reason behind what you’re doing and you’re reasonable about it, there can be success,” said Jasper. “I look forward to another good year.”
New members expressed a hope their experience would help them learn more about Hudson’s budget process moving forward if possible.
“I’ve appreciated my first budget cycle with you all. It was a lot to learn about,” said Committee member Donna Boucher. “I hope to be back for the next meeting after the election.”
Walsh agreed, saying they would continue to work towards putting forward “reasonable and prudent” budget recommendations with an eye on trying to limit growing costs. Higher property tax rates have been a central issue for many Hudson voters over the past few years.
“I just want to thank all of you, everyone who was on the Budget Committee this year. It was my first year on this committee,” said Selectman Heidi Jakoby. “It’s been an honor to serve with you. I don’t know what my liaison position will be in the coming year.”
The Budget Committee is set to meet on Wednesday, April 2, at 7 p.m. in the Buxton Room of Town Hall. It will be their first meeting following Hudson’s March election.
