In July 1981, Norwood faced mounting financial pressures as state aid formulas, school lunch subsidies, and municipal infrastructure demands collided with Proposition 2½ cutbacks.
Norwood’s School Committee grappled with rising food service costs and the challenge of keeping lunch programs self‑supporting. Meanwhile, public safety concerns—from malfunctioning traffic lights to the need for upgraded fire and burglar alarms—highlighted the strain on municipal resources.
Norwood School Lunch Price Increases
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The Norwood School Committee voted to raise lunch prices to 85 cents for elementary students and 95 cents for junior high and high school students. Member William F. Egan warned that higher prices could reduce revenue and force layoffs. Rudith Berkowitz urged serving more appealing foods like french fries and pizza. Food Services Director Mary Nagle proposed a one‑month “soup and sandwich” trial program.
School Rentals & Insurance Contracts
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The committee approved Newbury Junior College renting classrooms at Junior High School South twice weekly. The Morrill Insurance Agency of Norwood won the student accident and sports insurance contract, charging $3.25 for school‑hour coverage and $18 for 24‑hour coverage.
Traffic Light Malfunction & Accident
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A malfunctioning traffic signal at Dean Street [Dean Street Map] and Pleasant Street [Pleasant Street Map] contributed to a collision involving Allen Bishop and Linda Shea. Patrolman Nick Destito reported the accident occurred during heavy rain, and the lights were repaired later that day.
Norwood Police Chief Appointment Delay
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Town Manager John J. Carroll stated that Arthur V. Deutcsh, a New York Police Captain, likely would not begin his role as Norwood’s police chief on schedule due to difficulties securing housing. He was appointed to succeed James F. Curran, who retired.
Municipal Alarm Installation Project
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The Permanent Building Construction Committee, chaired by William A. Ward, awarded a $137,027 contract to American Service Co. Inc. to install fire and burglar alarms in municipal buildings. The Finance Commission (FinCom) approved a reserve fund transfer to cover remaining costs. Priority installations included Norwood Senior High School, the former Aaron Guild School, and both junior high schools.
Asbestos Removal at Oldham School
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The Finance Commission approved an additional $3,600 for asbestos removal at the Oldham School [Oldham School Map]. The G.S. Maloney Co. received the contract after bids exceeded the original appropriation.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More Town Government Stories
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Senate budget gives towns $2.4M in aid-June 23, 1981
A bipartisan legislative front forms to secure critical financial relief for regional town treasuries facing immediate cutbacks.
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Referendum Drive Seen Well Underway-June 23, 1981
A rapid grassroots signature campaign aims to stall a major town development project through a public ballot referendum.
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Police Overtime Pay Causes Flap-June 17, 1981
Selectmen Spar Over Fat Paychecks Following Around-The-Clock Housebreak Investigation One policeman got $536 in overtime pay last week. Another got $337. And two selectmen say that’s too much. “It’s not right for one man to work 35 hours overtime,” Selectman Walter J Dempsey said last night, adding, “536 bucks for my money is too much…
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Civic Center Future Up For Vote-June 15, 1981
A high-stakes special town meeting agenda features a multi-million dollar Civic Center relocation choice and the $325,250 sale of Winslow School.
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Housing Authority Candidate Screening Halted-June 16, 1978
League Watchdogs and District Attorney Block Closed Maintenance Interviews A sweeping attempt to accelerate administrative appointments inside the local municipal infrastructure collapsed under legal scrutiny last night. The Norwood Housing Authority was forced to completely abort a scheduled slate of 20 confidential candidate interviews for its vacant maintenance supervisor role after legal monitors formally warned…
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Selectmen Outraged by FinCom Veto of Youth Summer Job Program Funding-June 26, 1974
Runaway teenage unemployment sparks a fierce municipal funding war as watchdogs lock horns over emergency summer public works spending.
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Norwood FinCom’s Elias Refuses To Resign Amid Recall Threats-June 22, 1974
| A political standoff gridlocks the Finance Commission as a newly elected official breaks rank and drops out of municipal sessions
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Dog Officer Row Unsettled-June 19, 1974
A breakdown in communication and transport leaves Norwood’s animal control duties in limbo during a fierce political standoff.
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Delayed Computer Billing Receipts Spark Optimistic Tax Forecasts-June 18, 1974
Selectmen and assessors leverage delayed electric receipts and cherry sheet funds to keep tax rates at 39.
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Meeting Ignores School Pleas, Cuts Budget By $126,558-June 15, 1971
A fierce debate over encumbered funds and municipal parity dominates a marathon Norwood Town Meeting session over the town budget.
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