The funds were approved prior to the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 31 snowstorm.
LUDLOW - Prior to the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 31 snowstorm which left some people without electricity for more than a week, residents approved an appropriation of $90,000 from the town’s stabilization account to provide for upgrades to town generators, for more mobile stop signs and to improve emergency communication systems in the town.
“A year later, this will help the town to be better prepared” in the event of a similar emergency, Selectman Aaron Saunders said.
Town Moderator Jason Thompson said the transfer of funds by voters at the Oct. 1 Town Meeting would require a two thirds vote for approval.
The vote was approved by a show of hands.
Also at Town Meeting, voters approved the transfer of $161,000 from the town’s stabilization account for a fund for selectmen to authorize building repairs from damage caused by storms or weather conditions.
Selectmen said that if there is an emergency such as roof damage from heavy snow, they want to be able to repair the problem so a minor repair left untended does not require a future, more expensive repair.
“Which departments are these funds for?” Town Meeting member Joseph Santos asked. “And who can authorize the spending? I think we need more explanation.”
Selectman Aaron Saunders said the funds will be available for repairs of all town buildings, including school buildings.
He said selectmen will have authority over expenditure of the funds.
In 2010, school buildings experienced damage to roofs due to extremely heavy snowfall.
Saunders said selectmen will authorize expenditure of the funds on the advice of department heads and the town’s building inspector.