Rehoboth Selectmen Impose Spending Restrictions

In anticipation of a $5 billion shortfall in the state budget, the Rehoboth Board of Selectmen are instructing all town departments to restrict their spending. Selectmen voted Monday to postpone the annual town meeting until after July 1, which is the beginning of the new fiscal year. The board will be working on a budget for July only. “I know it not to be a line by line budget so we’re not going to go through the budget process again,” said Chairman Gerry Schwall. “We have to come up with what it’s going to take to keep the wheels on the bus for July.”

The board also discussed the reopening of businesses and other venues throughout the state. The Council on Aging will not be reopening right away due to the health risks to the senior population, which is most vulnerable to COVID-19. “People like to use this building for social events,” explained selectman Jim Muri. “We have to stick this out a little bit longer until it’s safe.”

The Blanding Library will only be open for curbside pickup until Phase 2 of Governor Charlie Baker’s reopening plan goes into effect, Schwall said, adding the COA “will be part of a larger reopening of our town’s municipal services.”