Public forums set in Saugus

Saugus officials will get a read on how residents feel about a $5.2 million Proposition 2 1/2 override -- and an average $400 property tax hike -- at a public forum scheduled Thursday.

Residents for Higher Standards, a group started last year by public school parents, is sponsoring the forum at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.

At another meeting at 2 p.m. Friday, also at Town Hall, residents can learn more about a $130 trash fee also being considered. The new fee, which must be approved at the annual Town Meeting in May, is estimated to generate anywhere from $800,000 to $2 million in annual revenue, according to town officials.

The town vote on the override is scheduled for April 24.

-- Kathy McCabe