By Patrick Anderson
Staff writer
May 06, 2008 05:35 am ESSEX — Town Meeting last night approved $13.6 million in spending for fiscal 2009, including $5.7 million to fund the Manchester Essex Regional School District and a $5 million general operating budget that trims spending on the Essex Youth Commission. Voters also authorized the search for a planner to draw lot lines on Conomo Point south of Robbins Island Road for future sale. The meeting was adjourned shortly after the Conomo Point vote and this paper's deadline. Still pending are decisions on the creation of an agricultural residential zoning district for John Wise Avenue (Route 133) and a new bylaw governing the installation of wind turbines. The meeting will continue tonight at 7:30 at Essex Elementary School. Last night, sticking with the recommendation of the Finance Committee, voters approved spending $10,000 to fund the salary of the Essex Youth Commission director, down from $26,000 spent on the position in the fiscal 2008 budget. The Finance Committee argued that the volume of programs offered by the Youth Commission outside the summer did not warrant a year-round position with benefits. Opponents of trimming the Youth Commission's spending said without full funding, the town would likely have to hire a seasonal worker to run the summer program, which is supported by fees, and greatly reduce what is offered the rest of the year. Two amendments that would have funded a full-time youth director's position were rejected. The fiscal 2009 budget does not include spending for any new facilities improvements or equipment purchases. Patrick Anderson may be contacted at panderson@gloucestertimes.com.
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