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• Winchendon 5-19-25

  

  Winchendon Town Meeting Held – Voters Approve Budget

  The Fiscal 2026 Town Budget was approved at the Winchendon Town Meeting held on May 19, 2025. Included in the nearly $19.3 million approved is the $1.9 million override previously approved at the May 5^th town election. At that time, the override was approved by a margin of just 12 votes. 8 articles involving FREE CASH spending were pushed to the fall Town meeting by which time the State of Massachusetts is expected to have certified the FREE CASH amount. In addition, the just over $18 million school budget was also approved. COMPLETE TOWN MEETING WARRANT, click here.

  As a result of the Town Meeting vote, services will continue at the library, senior center, and other areas which would have been impacted had the $1.9 million override not been approved. A motion had been made during the meeting to remove the $1.9 million override. Discussion arose because that motion would not apportion the override properly among the municipal and school budgets. Town counsel advised that voters would need to review each item line by line if the budget were not approved in its entirety. Discussion continued on both sides of the issue. After nearly 2 hours 22 minutes in to the Town Meeting, article 11 came to a vote and the budget with the $1.9 million override passed 61% to 39%, a much larger margin than the 12 votes at the Town election about 2 weeks earlier.

  The town meeting had a large turnout, nearly filling the gym in which it was held. Community Connector provided free transportation to the Town Meeting and Murdock High School students had offered free babysitting to allow families to attend. At the meeting, a display showed text of what the speakers were saying, in real time.

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• Winchendon ATM 5-19-25

  

  Winchendon Holding Town Meeting on May 19, 2025

  The Town of Winchendon voters narrowly approved an override of $1.9 million at the annual town election. Article 11 funds the Town operating budget with just under $19.3 million for fiscal year 2026 and includes the previously approved override. View complete Meeting warrant here.

  Date/Time: May 19, 2025 7pm Location: Murdock Middle High School, 3 Memorial Drive, Winchendon.

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• Winchendon Election 5-5-25

  

  Results of Winchendon Election – $1.9 million override narrowly passes

  Winchendon Residents cast their ballots. Question 1: $1.9 million override passed with 896 YES votes and 884 NO votes. Question 2: $2.9 million override failed with 645 YES votes and 1105 NO votes. Further action on the budget will be taken at the upcoming May 19th town meeting.

  Other votes: Moderator: Glenn LaRochelle 926, Rick Ward 379. —- Board of Selectmen 3 YR. (Top 2 win) Audrey LaBrie 716, Tiffany Frances Newton 625, Yvonne Senecal 590, and Christine Haslam – Giovannucci 521. —- School Committee 1YR (Vote for 1) Tara N Teixeia 983, Michael Gaynor 101 —Board of Health 3 YR Glenn LaRochelle 1108, Barbara Zisk 49 — COMPLETE UNOFFICIAL RESULTS CLICK HERE

  Next step: Annual Town Meeting is May 19, 2025

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• Winchendon 4-30-25

  

  Complete information about the Winchendon budget and the proposed override is available on the Town of Winchendon website, CLICK HERE.

  Interview with Town Manager Bill McKinney on the Winchendon Budget challenges and the override. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  Open Letter from Winchendon Library Director, CLICK for article

  Publisher Werner Poegel commentary on the Winchendon Override. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  Complete Override Editorial Article, CLICK HERE.

  Important April Winchendon Meetings

  Gardner Magazine is providing the AUDIO to several important April meetings in Winchendon Massachusetts. The School Committee of April 17^th, the Candidates Night at Beal’s Memorial Library, the Select Board Meeting of April 28^th, and the Joint Select Board – Finance Meeting of April 29^th. Winchendon citizens will vote on May 5^th regarding the proposed override, so more information on any of the local issues is helpful to voters.

  Editorial Endorsement of Override

  Gardner Magazine has endorsed the $2.9million override because of a very simple truth: Inflation over the past few years has made expenses rise much faster than revenue. With Prop 2 ½ artificially limiting taxes even in times of urgent need, the override is what is needed to keep Winchendon on a positive track. Cost to taxpayers is an estimated additional $65 per month for the average home. Cost to taxpayers of not approving the override is possible loss of $50,000 in value to average home in the next 5 years due to diminished geographic desirability risks, (more than 10 times the proposed investment). Some would say the $50k loss is overestimated, others might say it might be more.

  Listen to any of the meetings on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  

  Real World Financial Implications of Override

  The $1.9 million override would result in a $24 per month increase in a $200k home to a $109 per month increase on a $900k home. The $2.9 million override would result in a $37 per month increase on a $200k home to a $167 increase on a $900k home. CLICK IMAGE for larger view.

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• McKinney 4-28-25

  

  Bill McKinney on Running Winchendon Lean – Prop 2/12 Not Keeping Up with Inflation

  Winchendon’s Town Manager has taken a sharp pencil to Winchendon’s budget and informed the community last year that the upcoming budget would need an override. Coming up in Winchendon this year is a vote at the ballot box on May 5^th in which voters can choose a $1.9 million or $2.9 million override figure. The larger figure represents about a $65 per month increase to the average property owner. If either item is approved, a subsequent Town Meeting vote will still be held on which budget to approve for Fiscal year 2026. To clear up any misconceptions and to emphasize that this is an actual need, not a want, we spoke with Bill McKinney on April 28, 2025. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  McKinney urged voters to ignore the misinformation that’s out there and get the facts.

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• Winchendon Library

  

  Winchendon Library Director Documents Efficiency in Operation of Beal’s in Open Letter

  The Beal’s Memorial Library Board of Trustees released an “Open Letter to Winchendon voters from the Town Librarian”. Gardner Magazine is publishing the entire text.

  There is an override vote coming up in the town of Winchendon, and because of this there has been a lot of interest from the taxpayers about how the various town departments are spending their money and whether it’s being spent wisely.

  At the Beals Memorial Library we have a total FY2025 budget of $268,000. Voters may be surprise to learn that that is about $380,000 less, on average, than other libraries of our population size in North Central Massachusetts.

  Of the $268,000 in the Beals Library budget, $199,540 goes to wages for five library staff members and one custodian. As Library Director I earn $72,040 annually, which is about $12,500 less than other directors in North Central Mass towns of around Winchendon’s size.

  Also on the personnel side of the budget is $4,300 set aside for wages when staff covers for vacation and sick time. In addition, there is a total of $3,885 to cover the union negotiated longevity payments, paid annually to employees for their years of service to the town.

  The other portion of the Library’s budget of $62,075 covers the operational expenses to maintain our 112 year-old building and to acquire new library materials (books, DVDs, etc.). This includes the costs of electricity, fuel oil, water & sewer, building repair, computer maintenance, copier expenses, contractual services (our network fees), office & janitorial supplies, acquisitions, subscriptions, and book processing.

  It is important to note that I watch these expenses carefully to make sure we do not go over budget on any of these line items, and in the almost nine years that I have been Library Director I am proud to say that we have never had to go back to the town to ask for more money to cover our expenses.

  It’s also important to know that the Library does not have a line item for programming. Every year we bring dozens of cultural and education learning experiences to community members of all ages. The money for these programs is generously provided by the Friends of the Library, who volunteer many hours to raise money for a Library they love. The Winchendon Cultural Council also provides grant funding for many of our programs. Mass Cultural Council funds are distributed to cities and towns by the state, and come from the money you spend locally on lottery tickets, and not from your taxes.

  Beyond the budget appropriated each year at Town Meeting, the Library also goes after grants to further supplement the funds we get from the town. Last year we received over $25,000, money that helped to grow our collection, programs, services, and to make our physical space more comfortable and welcoming. Funders included the Winchendon Cultural Council to provide cultural and educational programs, and the American Library Association to continue our nationally recognized See Beyond the Spectrum Autism Inclusion Initiative which supports autistic, neuro-divergent, and special needs individuals and their families. It also included funds from the Robinson-Broadhurst Foundation who, along with monies raised by the Friends of the Library, paid for our new, ADA compliant circulation desk.

  Because the Beals is certified by the Mass Board of Library Commissioners, we receive a little over $37,000 in State Aid to Public Libraries, money that is critical to the overall operation of the library. It pays primarily for library materials like books, DVDs, etc., but also for programs, equipment and services that the Library would not be able to afford otherwise.

  For every dollar invested in the library, the town receives much more in return. To put it all in perspective, it’s important to know that the entire library operating budget represents less than three quarters of one percent of the total town budget, and that for the average taxpayer, funding the library for one year amounts to about the same price of one new book if purchased at a retail book store.

  It’s been said that “No one goes to the library anymore”, but nothing could be further from the truth. In 2024 the Beals had 21,864 patron visits, 2,682 people attended our programs, we circulated 23,268 items, 8,889 e-books and/or audiobooks were checked out through the online app Libby, and 33% of Winchendon residents held a Beals library card.

  Libraries are more relevant than ever, and are a critical part of a healthy and thriving community. They offer so much, including innovative programs, social support, and a civic space where members of the community can meet to discuss the issues important to their lives.

  On top of all that, the Beals Memorial Library is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is an architectural gem that we all should be proud of and work to protect.

  Please remember when you head to the polls to vote on Monday, May 5th, that the value the Library holds as a resource to the taxpayers of Winchendon is enormous, and I am proud to say that the Beals Memorial Library costs Winchendon residents significantly less to operate than other North Central Mass towns of similar population size.

  Manuel King Library Director Beals Memorial Library

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• Winchendon 4-22-25

  

  This Editorial in Commentary form. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  Listen to the full song “Winchendon Common Sense Override” on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  An Editorial Letter to the People of Winchendon on the Proposed $2.9 million Override

  With so many barbs being thrown about with regard to a Prop 2 ½ override, I thought I’d approach the issue with my own brand of common sense and also keep it simple without any political mumbo jumbo. My article contains an actual song I wrote on what I’m calling the “Common Sense Override” Bottom Line: Yes, Winchendon has had some problems over the years and has some big fiscal challenges Bottom Line: Yes, having to do an override sucks. But let’s look at reality. Things are so much more expensive than they were a few years back and the normal tax levy just won’t cover the bills. Even Duxbury which hasn’t had an override in almost 4 decades is seeking one this year. (Vote failed last month -2,174 no votes and 1,981 yes votes) Winchendon is not alone. But it is the only town in the United States named Winchendon. It is a truly special community. And it needs the support of its community of people to continue its progress. The $2.9 million override if approved would result in continuing a positive trajectory. It would be a win for the town. It would be a win for you.

  The average single family Winchendon home is valued at just under $341 grand with a current tax bill of $4,006. Without the override, the bill goes up to $4,187 an increase of $181 or 15 bucks a month. With the $2.9 million override, the bill goes up to $4948, an additional increase of $761 or just under $64 bucks a month. You know what I would do in my household? I’d vote for the override because the value of the services maintained is worth it. After all, it’s part of why you live in such a wonderful town. If my budget was tight, I’d say, Hmm, I’d get rid of some of my expensive cable tv services instead, you know you could easily save about 80 bucks a month getting the same channels through a streaming service. And by the way, the FREE library can get you a lot of media for zilch, nothing. And do you really want to be the person who doesn’t support the senior citizens in Winchendon. Do you really want to cut badly needed supplies for Parks, Recreation, Fire, and public works. Do you really want to cut athletics, staffing, and programs at the schools? What is the monthly value of all that? It’s worth the 2 bucks a day extra you’d be spending. Keep what is needed to maintain a great town. Set up Winchendon for a better fiscal future. I know for some the thought is this: You’re tired of everyone picking your pocket. And you’re right. It pisses me off too. Every time we turn around, something goes up. Things you don’t have control over. So the tendency with an override that you have control over would be to start with a NO. However, funding your town is about as close to home as it gets and the consequences are very impactful. Please consider spending an average of an extra $64 per month to give Winchendon, your town, the full support it deserves. And then, after you say YES, I’d like you to do this. Stay involved locally. Make sure today’s leaders are followed tomorrow by fiscally responsible leaders. Let them know you are willing to invest in Winchendon. You’re willing to invest in Winchendon’s Future. You’re willing to invest in your kids future. You want people to be attracted to Winchendon so in case you ever want to sell your house, you can get what it’s worth, not tens of thousands less because you decided not to invest in your town. And remember this: You’re the boss. You employ the town’s leaders. You employ the administrators in the schools. And you have every right to demand competence and excellence. not one penny of your tax money should be wasted.

  Vote for the $2.9 million override because it’s in your best long-term interest. But before you vote YES at town meeting, let the town leaders know that it’s your money and you will expect and demand that it be spent wisely, this year and years down the road.

  Werner Poegel, Publisher Gardner Magazine.

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• GALA Lawsuit

  

  GALA Wins Lawsuit – WCHC Responsible for Damages

  The graphic is a screenshot of a Facebook post made by the Gardner Area League of Artists after a jury verdict in their favor. Jury found that the Winchendon Cultural History Center had breached a contract under which GALA was leasing space in Winchendon. A subsequent proceeding will be held in the next few weeks to determine the amount of damages to be awarded. GALA had made improvements to the area it was using as its gallery at the Winchendon Cultural History building. The lawsuit was filed almost 3 years ago after GALA’s tenancy was terminated with a 30 day notice from the WCHC.

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• Hotline 3-22-25

  

  Projects – Events – Veterans – Budgets – Pets Focus of WGAW Hotline Radio Show

  The WGAW Hotline Radio Show of March 22, 2025 was filled with great interviews. Listen to the entire show on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  1^st Hour: Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson on projects in Gardner including the Rome Building at Willow and Main, Gardner Spray Park, the Mayor speaks about a large number of events in Gardner. — Jim Benton, Vietnam Veterans of America about various programs and events such as annual Memorial Ride — Abbott and Costello with famous baseball routine “Who’s on First”

  2^nd Hour: Big budget problems Winchendon and Templeton. —- Templeton: interview with Matthew Rivard who is resigning from the Templeton Board of Selectmen. Rivard speaks on his reasons for resigning and concerns about the Templeton budget. Rivard criticizes the mentality of the people of Templeton with respect to funding the town and “their inability to be forward looking”. Winchendon: Deep Dive with Jack and Jill: Winchendon School Budget —- Werner Poegel Commentary on People and Pets in the Chair City.

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• Election Countdown

  

  One Week Countdown for Winchendon Nomination Papers

  Nomination Papers are available in Winchendon Town Clerk’s office for Annual Town Election to be held on May 5, 2025, BUT, they must be obtained and turned in on or before Monday, March 17, 2025 at 5pm.

  Available Terms: ONE-3-year term for Moderator, TWO – 3-year terms for the Board of Selectmen, ONE – 3-year terms for the School Committee, ONE – 1-year unexpired term for School Committee, and ONE – 3-year term for the Board of Health

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