Maynard Finance Committee Flags Gaps in Draft Town Meeting Articles, Seeks More Information

MAYNARD -- February 24, 2025, Maynard's Finance Committee raised questions across a broad range of draft Annual Town Meeting warrant articles at its February 24 meeting, deferring action on all of them pending additional information. Chair Jillian Prendergast said the committee had not yet received written materials needed to consider a Maynard Public Schools reserve fund transfer request and removed the item from the agenda. Members challenged the Retirement Board's proposal to create a monthly stipend for its volunteer members, with Peter Campbell noting the board already employs at least two paid staff and saying that fact made him "less likely to approve this." A second Retirement Board article would raise the pension cost-of-living adjustment base from $15,000 to $18,000 at an estimated total annual cost of $9,000. The committee also flagged incomplete sponsor comments on Board of Assessors articles and called for Planning Board representatives to appear at a future meeting to explain nearly 10 zoning bylaw proposals, including one striking height and setback limits for yard ornaments. The committee voted 7-0 to add a meeting on March 17 and to confirm Assabet Valley Regional School District officials for the March 10 session, with Annual Town Meeting's public hearing set for May 12.