Officials Gather in Haverhill Over State Funding for Overtime, Train Noise, Schools

On Friday, city and state representatives met at three sites around Haverhill to discuss recent state funding tied to local needs. A WHAV post said officials praised $400,000 for disaster-related pay, reducing train noise and supporting school athletics.

Legislators, however, say they secured $500,000 drawn from the current state budget and monies linked to the voter-approved Fair Share Amendment, which is often called the "millionaire’s tax." According to those legislators, the funds are intended to help cover emergency overtime costs, address idling-train noise in Bradford and strengthen physical education in the school system.

The accounts differ on the amount and on some details; readers should note that one report highlights $400,000 while lawmakers describe $500,000 tied to the budget and the Fair Share Amendment. The discussions involve public-safety staffing, neighborhood noise from trains and school programs, issues that affect residents across Haverhill.