POLAND – The school system will not spend $39,000 on a high school generator switch this year, ending a monthlong controversy over voters’ right to save and the School Committee’s right to spend.
During the April 30 town meeting, residents discussed the switch, which allows workers to hook up and run an electrical generator in a building. Residents voted against the $39,000 purchase to keep taxes down.
Four days later, the School Committee voted to buy the switch anyway. Members decided to pay for it with surplus from this year’s school budget.
The decision angered some taxpayers and at least one member of the Board of Selectmen, who didn’t like seeing the School Committee going against voters’ wishes. Recently, committee members agreed to rescind their earlier decision.
Instead of buying the switch, the Building Committee will research newer, more efficient technology that will allow the school to hook up a generator but spend less money.
If they decide on a piece of technology, they will propose a new purchase at next year’s town meeting.
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