Committee moves to draft warrant language for capital stabilization fund amid concern over town authority

The Blackstone-Millville Regional School Committee voted on Feb. 9 to prepare warrant-language for several town-meeting articles, including a proposed capital stabilization fund, school committee stipends and related capital items. The committee authorized staff to draft language for review prior to submission to Blackstone and Millville.

Kerry outlined next steps for MSBA feasibility work and community outreach, then described a recent conversation with Lynn Welch of UniBank, recalling that "most of the Regionals that she is working with ... have already done this" and that a bank representative would attend the Feb. 13 joint meeting to explain how such a fund could work and how it might support a building project.

The proposal prompted substantive pushback and detailed questions about the legal mechanics and where funds would originate. Dan Keefe and others pressed whether a stabilization fund would require town approval, how contributions would be allocated between Blackstone and Millville, and if the fund is capped by statute (committee discussion cited a five-percent limit on E&D/stabilization accounts). Dan asked for a legal opinion and additional clarification before any money is transferred; the superintendent agreed to consult counsel.

Committee members emphasized the distinction between creating a fund and depositing money into it: "today's vote is not really about where the money comes from," one member said, describing the motion as authorization to draft warrant language and to continue outreach. Several members noted prior capital projects—particularly asbestos mitigation—had been handled as capital assessments in prior years and raised concerns about presentation to town voters and the need for clear warrant language.

After extended discussion, Dan moved to draft and pursue warrant language for the items discussed; Tammy seconded the motion, and the committee approved it unanimously. The district will bring refined warrant language, financial details and any requested legal opinions to a future meeting and to the joint town meeting forum.

Next steps: staff will draft warrant text, seek legal counsel on statutory caps and reporting obligations, and host the UniBank representative at the Feb. 13 joint meeting to present options and answer town-level fiscal questions.