The towns that support the Nauset school system (Brewster, Orleans, Eastham and Wellfleet) told the schools its budget wouldn't fly. So last night the Nauset School Committee cut its proposed budget $500,000 for fiscal 2010.

Selectmen Ed Lewis of Brewster made it clear

"there is no appetite for an override now because people are hurting."

"A lot of retired people on the Cape have seen their nest eggs dwindle "and they are scared," Lewis added. "And it's going to get worse next year."

The Nauset system expects to cut at least 16 staff jobs.

In Chatham, in an attempt to avoid personnel layoffs and increased property taxes, the Selectmen asked the unions and other employees to accept an across-the-board compensation freeze (all town departments including schools) that would save an estimated $700,000. The $700,000 represents salary increases ranging up to 7% in some cases. These raises represent 70% of the $1 million that would be raised by increases in the property tax rate. The Finance Committee and the Selectmen are seeking savings that would eliminate the remaining $300,000 increase in the fiscal 2010 operating budget over fiscal 2009. The School Committee has been asked to join in that effort.

The response from Chatham's unions and other employees is expected to be announced at the Selectmen's meeting on Tuesday, February 24th.