Town approves $200,000 transfer to settle Hampshire Regional central‑office invoices

Southampton voters on June 20 approved transferring $200,000 from the operation stabilization fund to the bills-of-prior-years account to pay outstanding invoices from the Hampshire Regional School District central office covering administrative services for Southampton Norris Elementary.

Town Administrator Scott Ziemba said the central office failed to fully bill the five member towns during FY23 and FY24 following a personnel transition; once discovered, the district agreed to spread the outstanding invoices over three years. Last year Southampton paid $150,000 under that agreement; this $200,000 is the second payment and the final installment is estimated at approximately $104,563.23 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.

Resident Nilda Cohen questioned why the payment source shifted from free cash to stabilization; officials explained certified free cash is not available until next year, so the funding is drawn from stabilization now. The motion required a two‑thirds vote because it paid a contract obligation; counters reported six nays and a large majority in favor, and the moderator declared the motion passed meeting the two‑thirds requirement.

The transfer settles a portion of the district’s previously unbilled amounts as agreed by the towns and allows the town to meet its contract obligation without waiting for certified free cash.