Meetings are being held in person. Go to eastham-ma.gov/calendar-by-event-type/16 and click on the meeting you are interested in to learn about meeting locations and any remote options that may be offered.
Monday, August 23
- Visitor’s Tourism and Promotion Services Board, 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, August 24
- Conservation Commission, 6 p.m.
Thursday, August 26
- Board of Health, 3 p.m.
Conversation Starters
Assessing an Assessment
Town meeting approval may be needed to pay a bill of about $40,000 for the 2020 retirement assessment for the defunct Tri-Town Septage Treatment Plant.
Finance Director Rich Bienvenue told the Aug. 11 finance committee meeting the town recently received the bill for the 2020 and 2021 assessments. The town had budgeted for the one for 2021, but not 2020’s.
“The 2021 piece we’re fine with because I’ve encumbered that money,” said Bienvenue.
But the 2020 assessment was not included in the fiscal 2020 budget, he explained. “I’ve got to contemplate how to handle that one.”
Finance committee member Steve Cole pointed out payment of a prior year bill would likely require 90-percent approval to pass at town meeting.
“It’s for fiscal year ’20, but is it really a bill until they bill you?” Bienvenue mused out loud. “Is an assessment an assessment if you’re not assessed?”
Committee chair Jerry Cerasale suggested asking the town’s attorney. “We can ask them on that one and see how it goes,” said Cerasale. —Linda Culhane