Barrington taxpayers approved a $246,000 cut to the school budget during Wednesday night's financial town meeting.

According to meeting officials, 401 residents voted in favor of the funding cut, while 262 residents opposed the change. 

The $246,000 figure is closely tied to the district's planned school start time changes — that amount of money has been dedicated to a change in busing which would coincide with the later start time for middle and high school students. 

Barrington resident Thomas Rimoshytus filed the amendment to eliminate the $246,000 from the school budget. During Wednesday night's meeting, Mr. Rimoshytus read his amendment out loud and then added a brief statement. He said that he knew the school budget was a bottom line budget and he did not mention any specific areas to cut.  

In addition to reading his amendment, Mr. Rimoshytus also requested that a paper ballot vote be held. A majority of people supported that measure, and after an hour of voting, Town Moderator Julia Califano shared the results. She said 401 residents voted in favor of the cut, while only 262 opposed it.

"The motion passes," Mrs. Califano said, as a loud cheer filled the auditorium.

Following the meeting, Barrington Superintendent of Schools Michael Messore said he planned to meet with the school committee in the near future to discuss the loss of funding. 

Open space acquisition

Also at Wednesday night's FTM, Barrington voters approved a resolution to appropriate $1,125,000 to purchase six acres of open space on George Street. Lot 3A is currently owned by developer Ron Chofay, but town officials have been negotiating with Mr. Chofay on the potential sale of the land. 

On Wednesday night, Barrington Town Council President Michael Carroll announced that the council had just signed a purchase and sale agreement with Mr. Chofay for the property.

The purchase and sales agreement included a price of $1.1 million for the land, which is more than $600,000 higher than the current assessment. Mr. Carroll said the property has, however, been appraised at about $800,000.

Some residents appeared to question the amount of the purchase and sale agreement, but others like Amy O'Donnell said the property was very important and well worth the investment. 

Voters appeared to agree with Ms. O'Donnell, voting heavily in favor of buying the land. Town officials plan to apply for grants to off-set the cost of the property.