GREENFIELD — School Superintendent Jordana Harper is expected to ask that a $101,000 mistake in the city budget benefit Greenfield schools.
Mayor William Martin submitted an amendment to City Council this week, after it was found that he asked for $101,000 more than needed for two school resource officers. Martin previously said this was due to a clerical error. Harper, though, said during Wednesday’s City Council meeting that she wants to discuss using the financial miscue to fix security issues in Greenfield schools.
Harper said she plans to ask the School Committee to consider petitioning Martin to use the money for purposes including swipe cards for school entry and fence repairs.
Harper also said improving mental health services and extracurricular activities in schools should be considered.
Martin requested an amendment to remove the money from the budget during City Council’s Ways and Means Committee Tuesday.
According to Finance Director Elizabeth Braccia, accepting the amendment is up to the Council.
“They may keep the money. They don’t have to agree to the amendment,” she said.
Based on Massachusetts General Law and the Greenfield charter, the Council can move funds from other departments to the school budget.
A vote is not expected to take place until City Council’s May budget hearing.
At-Large Councilor Brickett Allis asked for legal opinion on the amendment during the Ways and Means Committee meeting, including if the entire budget would have to be re-submitted by Martin if the amendment is OK’d. Martin agreed to getting the opinion.
The amendment would change a $215,000 request for two school resource officers currently in the police department budget. The total should have been $114,000, Martin said previously.
The amount would reduce the proposed public safety budget increase to $325,816. It would also reduce the expected increase to the entire city budget from 1.34 percent to 1.13 percent, and Martin noted that it would reduce the tax total expected for residents.
You can reach
Dan Desrochers at:
ddesrochers@recorder.com
413-772-0261, ext. 257