Doing less with less in Holliston

HOLLISTON

Building Inspector Peter Tartakoff said he would be unable to pay someone to cover the office when the department's secretary is on vacation.

Youth and Family Services Director Margaret Fitzpatrick said her department may have
to institute a fee for the department's court diversion program, which allows some first-time
juvenile offenders to avoid the court system by performing community service and attending counseling sessions.

Highway Superintendent Tom Smith said his department would have to cut back on
roadwork.

Those would be the effects, the three department heads told selectmen last week, of a 4.5 percent budget cut on their departments. The Finance Committee, however, has said the cuts are necessary to help the town make ends meet for the 2009 fiscal year, which begins July 1.

Expect the debate to continue.

-- Calvin Hennick