Lincoln selectmen clear three Lincoln-Sudbury budget votes ahead of June 1 state deadline

LINCOLN — May 11, 2020 — Lincoln selectmen unanimously back Lincoln-Sudbury budget workarounds and set a June 13 outdoor town meeting. The Board of Selectmen affirmed the regional agreement's alternative assessment method, allowing the state education commissioner to release one-twelfth of fiscal 2020 funding monthly until both member towns adopt a fiscal 2021 budget. Selectmen also took no action — the technical posture — on up to $500,000 and $337,500 draws from the district's $1.13 million excess-and-deficiency fund, for COVID-19 contingencies and the Lincoln-Sudbury stadium field, respectively. Superintendent Bella Wong told the board out-of-district placements jumped from 12 to 17, pushing projected fiscal 2021 tuition $600,000 over budget. Chair Jennifer Glass, James Craig and Jonathan Dwyer voted aye on all three motions. Public Health Nurse Trish McGeehan reported a sixth Lincoln COVID-19 death, at The Commons, and warned residents that positive antibody tests now trigger 10-day household isolation. Craig closed the meeting announcing a $25,000 Codman Trust grant for COVID-19 response.