CANTON — The Budget Committee continued work on the 2015-16 municipal spending plan Wednesday night, approving $2,500 for social services after angst about wanting to do right by elderly residents.
Members also worried about spending more than last year’s $1,548 for social services.
Concerned about elderly residents getting food prompted a reduction from $250 for the River Valley Growth Council to $100. The $150 was moved into the Rural Community Action Ministry line item, increasing its total to $1,500.
When asked what the Growth Council requested, committee secretary Sherri Vaughan said $500. Last year, town meeting voters didn’t give the economic development organization any funds.
“I’d like to see us give them something,” Norris Conant said. He was a former longtime representative of Canton serving on the council. “If they’re asking for $500, I’d say give them $250.”
Conant said the Growth Council leverages money it receives from towns to get grants.
“I’d rather cut anywhere but social services, because our people need that,” Donna Hebert said. “If you cut it, you’re cutting your nose off to save your face. Cut from the RVGC because they’re not really a social service. I’d rather put the money into a social service we need.”
Hebert said RCAM provides “a valuable service for our town.”
Afterward, committee Chairman Faith Campbell said it “was very hard” to decide where to allocate funding for social services.
“I think everyone deserves money, especially social services,” she said.
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