Select Board Votes to Fund Youth Services Coordinator Within Existing Budget Limits

ANDOVER — April 16, 2014 — Andover Select Board approves new youth services coordinator while preserving $200,000 budget savings target. The board voted 3-1 at its April 16 meeting to direct Town Manager Andrew Flanagan to find room within the existing spending plan for a community support program coordinator in the Youth Services department — a position Director Bill Fahey said he has sought for 13 years. The role, estimated at roughly $54,000 to $65,000 with associated costs, would focus on youth development, family outreach, and bridging gaps between schools, police, and town services. Public commenters cited CDC survey data showing 14 percent of Andover middle schoolers reported suicidal thoughts in 2011 and described heroin available on the street for as little as eight dollars. The board also reviewed a compromise placing approximately $103,000 in unexpected laptop software costs on the School Committee's operating budget, a decision that drew pointed questions from member Mary O'Donoghue about accountability for purchases made after town meeting approval.