Historic boost may come for Saugus stabilization fund

SAUGUS – Town Meeting members could make history if they vote to approve that $1 million be added to the town?s stabilization fund, the highest ever for Saugus.The “rainy-day fund” will earn Saugus a higher bond rating that will amount to savings when the town is looking to borrow, Town Manager Scott Crabtree explained to selectmen last week. Crabtree submitted that article and four other finance-related articles for the warrant, which the board swiftly granted with no discussion. The Special Town Meeting is set for Monday, Jan. 27.Crabtree said he was sure the board shared in the delight of new Town Moderator Steve Doherty and Finance Committee members that the stabilization fund could grow by its highest amount ever if Town Meeting members approve Article 2.?They only way I would explain is, is they are very excited to deposit that article into the rainy day fund ? as I?m sure Town Meeting will be,” said Crabtree.Keeping the theme of stabilizing the town?s finances, Crabtree asked that Town Meeting members vote to raise, appropriate or transfer $37,000 for a contract with the University of Massachusetts Collins Center to create a “full-scale, from-scratch” five-year capital improvement plan.?This is something that is not only necessary but recommended,” said Crabtree.Crabtree also announced that Town Clerk Joanne Rappa would be retiring as he explained his request for $25,000 for the training and hiring of a new town clerk. Voters will also be asked to approve $5,000 to $10,000 to pay for the upcoming Special State Primary.Finally, approval of Article 6 would allow the town to replenish the funds that were used to update the Ballard School?s facilities for the disabled, including an elevator and a ramp. According to Crabtree, the cost is about $30,000 to $40,000.The remaining articles were added to the warrant a few months ago. Articles 7 and 8 were submitted by Cemetery Commission Director Dennis Gould – one to ask voters to transfer the care of control of the Curley property to the commission for a future cemetery and the other to pay for a $120,000 backhoe.Article 9 will be to amend the town?s zoning bylaws to include the Historic Mills Mixed Use Overlay District, which the Planning Board will hold a public hearing to discuss at its meeting Thursday at 7 p.m.