Halifax's main governing board. Sets town policy, approves major contracts, and makes key appointments.
196 items across 22 meetings.
June 23, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Board enters closed session to discuss bargaining strategy with the Fire Union; open discussion could harm the town's negotiating position.
📋 Proposed
Board meets in closed session to discuss and set the town's position on Fire Chief Witham's proposed employment contract.
📋 Proposed
Board meets in closed session to discuss proposed employment agreement for Deputy Police Chief Benner.
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of town financial warrants and commitments.
📋 Proposed
Approval of prior Select Board meeting minutes.
📋 Proposed
Board to vote on a side agreement with the Fire Department, likely tied to the union collective bargaining discussions.
📋 Proposed
Board votes on Fire Chief Michael Witham's employment contract following executive session.
📋 Proposed
Board votes on Deputy Police Chief Theodore Benner's employment contract following executive session.
📋 Proposed
Board to approve $135,463.23 in ambulance billing abatements (bill reductions/write-offs) for May 2026.
💰 $135,463.23 in abatements
📋 Proposed
Board may vote to open a Special Town Meeting (STM) warrant and set a tentative STM schedule per M.G.L. c. 39, §10, following a citizens petition.
📋 Proposed
Board to reappoint members to Agricultural Commission, Beautification Committee, Conservation Commission, ZBA, Town Counsel, and many other boards and positions.
📋 Proposed
Board discusses plans for filling an interim Primary Appraiser/Assessor role, which directly affects property valuations and tax bills.
📋 Proposed
Public disclosure of Scott Materna serving as Assistant Wiring Inspector in an unpaid capacity.
📋 Proposed
Board approves vacation time carryovers for multiple department employees including Highway, COA, IT, Fire Chief, and Selectmen office staff.
📋 Proposed
Board to discuss an advisory on 3 a.m. last-call rules and public alcohol consumption areas — likely related to licensing policy.
📋 Proposed
Request to approve live entertainment and use of the Town Green for the Halifax Fireworks event.
📍 Town Green, Halifax
📋 Proposed
Board to approve a Chapter 90 (state road-funding) contract, which funds local road repair and infrastructure projects.
📋 Proposed
Board considers a memorial tree planting in honor of John Sullivan, requested by the Beautification Committee.
📋 Proposed
Request to use the Town Green for a Boy Scout Troop 39 bottle drive fundraiser.
📍 Town Green, Halifax
📋 Proposed
Acknowledgment or presentation related to Dylan Cullinan and the Halifax flag — details not specified in agenda.
📋 Proposed
Board to appoint Steve Solbo as the town's Whistleblower Liaison, required for employee protections under state law.
📋 Proposed
Board to approve internal budget line-item transfers within the Selectmen's budget.
📋 Proposed
Board discusses current and ongoing issues at Halifax Beach — details not specified but may include access, safety, or maintenance concerns.
📍 Halifax Beach
📋 Proposed
Routine update from the Town Administrator.
📋 Proposed
Meeting adjournment.
June 9, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Routine financial authorization items for board sign-off.
📋 Proposed
Board votes to approve prior meeting minutes from March 9 and March 24, 2026.
📋 Proposed
Conservation Commission is proposing higher fees; board to review and likely vote.
💰 Fee increase amount not specified
📋 Proposed
Board to execute a deed for the town property at 15 Ocean Avenue.
📍 15 Ocean Avenue, Halifax
📋 Proposed
Board to approve a contract with engineering firm Tighe & Bond related to Hemlock Landfill work.
💰 Contract amount not specified
📍 Hemlock Landfill, Halifax
📋 Proposed
Application for a live entertainment permit from Raun Jerome; board to approve or deny.
📋 Proposed
Select Board reviews a Planning Board request to establish a job description for a new Planner hire.
📋 Proposed
Discussion on setting or adjusting the pay scale for the Principal Assessor position.
💰 Salary amount not specified
📋 Proposed
Board to reappoint Edward Bryan, Rodney Hemingway, and Michael Rugnetta to the Finance Committee.
📋 Proposed
Board considers publicly releasing dozens of executive session minutes from 2021 and 2022, which have previously been withheld.
📋 Proposed
Board requests submission of Talent Bank forms from residents interested in serving on the Halifax Elementary School Committee.
📋 Proposed
Meeting formally closed.
May 26, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Routine affirmation of standard financial warrants and bills.
📋 Proposed
Permits for street excavations at 22 Holmes Street and 267 Holmes Street.
📍 22 Holmes Street; 267 Holmes Street
💬 Discussed
Board discusses upcoming Town Meeting warrant or related business.
📋 Proposed
Board considers restructuring its internal roles or assignments.
📋 Proposed
Annual assignment of board members as liaisons to town committees for the coming year.
💬 Discussed
Status update on signage at the town pickleball court.
📋 Proposed
Water Department employee Keith Badore requests approval to carry over unused vacation time.
📋 Proposed
Board to consider extending the town's trash collection contract with All State Waste.
📋 Proposed
Board to approve $107,885.88 in ambulance billing abatements for March 2026.
💰 $107,885.88 in abatements
📋 Proposed
Board may rescind prior April abatement vote, reducing the abatement amount from $124,031.77 to $106,906.05.
💰 Reduction from $124,031.77 to $106,906.05
💬 Discussed
A Halifax Elementary School student submitted a flag design for the Town of Halifax for the board's consideration.
💬 Discussed
Updated town by-laws are now posted on the official town website.
💬 Discussed
Routine update from the Town Administrator.
• Status unclear
Meeting adjourned.
May 11, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of financial warrants and commitments.
📋 Proposed
Board reviews preparations for the Annual Town Meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. the same evening.
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of prior meeting minutes.
📋 Proposed
Permits to open the road at 370 and 596 Monponsett Street are up for approval.
📍 370 Monponsett Street; 596 Monponsett Street
📋 Proposed
Board considers a vehicle use policy covering Building Commissioner/ZEO, Building Maintenance Director, Highway Surveyor, and Water Superintendent.
📋 Proposed
Michael Brogan, a public employee, is proposed for appointment as Town Planner in an uncompensated role.
📋 Proposed
Board to approve $124,031.77 in ambulance billing abatements for April 2026.
💰 $124,031.77 in abatements
📋 Proposed
At 6:30 p.m. the Select Board adjourns to attend the Annual Town Meeting.
📍 Halifax Elementary School
April 28, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Board enters executive session to discuss strategy or conduct contract negotiations with a non-union employee.
📍 Town Administrator's Office, 499 Plymouth Street
📋 Proposed
Approval of closed-session minutes from February 26, 2026.
📋 Proposed
Routine affirmation of financial warrants and abatements.
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of prior meeting minutes.
📋 Proposed
Discussion of a plant sale event at Town Hall involving the Historic Commission and Halifax Historical Society.
📍 Halifax Town Hall, 499 Plymouth Street
📋 Proposed
Live entertainment permit request for Halifax Pride event on June 13, 2026, rain date June 14.
📋 Proposed
Board to vote on accepting a BAN (Bond Anticipation Note), short-term borrowing instrument used to fund capital projects ahead of long-term financing.
📋 Proposed
Board discusses an open meeting law complaint filed by Amy Troup regarding action taken at the April 14, 2026 Select Board meeting.
📋 Proposed
Board to authorize the Town Administrator to execute a natural gas supply contract on the town's behalf.
📋 Proposed
Board discusses the Pickleball Committee and likely its work on facilities or programming.
📋 Proposed
Board considers purchasing back a cemetery plot from Robert Doherty.
📋 Proposed
Board considers appointing John Laskey to the Council on Aging.
📋 Proposed
Board reviews a policy memo on conduct standards for town boards and committees.
📋 Proposed
Board reviews warrant article motions, likely in preparation for an upcoming Town Meeting.
📋 Proposed
Town Administrator presents updates to the Board.
📋 Proposed
Meeting adjourned.
April 14, 2026 · minutes
• Status unclear
Routine opening pledge recited by all present.
💬 Discussed
Chair announced the board would not enter executive session.
✅ Approved
Vendor Warrant #96 for $251,876.53 approved unanimously.
💰 $251,876.53
✅ Approved
Live entertainment permit approved for Kimberly Campbell at The Farm at Raven Brook for 13 weekend dates in September and October 2026.
📍 The Farm at Raven Brook
✅ Approved
Brogan approved 2-0 (Pratt abstaining) to take an unpaid ~3 hr/week planning role, streamlining development permitting and helping attract businesses to vacant downtown storefronts; board debated long-term precedent if Brogan leaves.
💰 Unpaid position; board noted a future dedicated Town Planner could cost a six-figure salary
💬 Discussed
Five public forums scheduled so residents can see the exact property-tax impact of a potential override vote; sessions will be posted online for those who can't attend.
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 6:47 p.m.
April 14, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Board enters closed session to conduct and discuss strategy for police union contract negotiations.
📍 Town Administrator's Office, 499 Plymouth Street
📋 Proposed
Routine affirmation of previously approved financial documents.
📋 Proposed
Board votes to approve current batch of financial abatements, bills, and warrants.
📋 Proposed
Disclosure filing for a public employee taking an uncompensated position, as required by ethics law.
📋 Proposed
Permit request for live entertainment at The Farm at Raven Brook.
📍 The Farm at Raven Brook, Halifax
April 8, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Routine opening.
✅ Approved
Board affirmed payment of Payroll Warrant #92 ($453,176.43), Vendor Warrant #93 ($79,590.40), Withholding Warrant #94 ($152,547.87), and Mobile Home Park Fee #4 ($5,160.00).
💰 $690,474.70 total across four warrants
✅ Approved
Board approved School Warrant #95 for $372,911.15.
💰 $372,911.15
✅ Approved
Prior meeting minutes approved.
✅ Approved
Board unanimously recommended all 22 articles on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant for voter approval; specific article content not detailed in these minutes.
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 6:32 p.m.
March 31, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Board approved Vendor Warrant #91 ($583.33 and $281,438.62) and Ambulance Commitments ($13,244.80) for 3/16/26–3/22/26.
💰 $295,266.75 total
💬 Discussed
Town Administrator Solbo presented a budget with significant cuts to multiple departments; a 0% COLA is recommended, and a $1.5M override would restore all services and add $199,159 to reserves.
💰 $1.5M override; $199,159 to reserves if override passes
💬 Discussed
Cuts include the school resource officer, junior officer position, animal control officer (ACO), clerical wages, and overtime — some nights may have only two officers on duty.
💬 Discussed
Part-time wage cuts would drop shifts from 3 to 2 personnel, making it impossible to simultaneously deploy an ambulance and fire truck, forcing reliance on mutual aid and longer response times; ISO rating may drop, potentially raising homeowners' insurance costs.
💰 ISO rating decrease could raise homeowners' insurance premiums
💬 Discussed
COA cuts total $161,000, including cutting the Director's salary by 50%; Director Regan noted 25–30% of members are aged 70–80 and rely heavily on medical transportation and assistance services.
💰 $161,000 in cuts
💬 Discussed
Cuts to Youth and Recreation would increase program costs to participants; OPEB (post-employment benefits) trust funding also reduced.
💬 Discussed
Part-time clerk position eliminated entirely, leaving only the Assessor and one clerk; public walk-in window hours will be reduced.
💬 Discussed
Assistant Town Accountant cut to part-time (LockBox software to help); IT licensing reduced; open Building/Zoning position left unfilled; Assistant Treasurer/Collector role absorbed internally with a union MOU required.
💬 Discussed
The $1.5M override requires a Town Meeting vote to place it on the ballot, then a ballot vote to approve; if defeated, the cuts remain in effect for 365 days; average household impact is $44/month.
💰 $44/month average per household if override passes
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned unanimously at 8:54 p.m.
March 24, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Affirmed Vendor Warrant #87 ($268,230.62) and ambulance commitments ($49,099.70) for 3/2–3/8/26.
💰 $268,230.62; $49,099.70
✅ Approved
Approved Payroll Warrant #88 ($453,980.20), Vendor Warrant #89 ($55,762.32), and Withholding Warrant #90 ($152,763.88).
💰 $662,506.40 combined
✅ Approved
Board unanimously approved a Wine and Malt retail package store license for Vishveshwara Corp. (Ankitkumar Patel, manager) at 355 Plymouth Street; traffic on Rte. 106 raised by neighbors, sign options to be investigated.
📍 355 Plymouth Street, Halifax, MA
✅ Approved
Halifax Christmas tree farm owner appointed to the Agricultural Commission, term through June 30, 2029.
💬 Discussed
Board reviewed all articles; several need revisions and Town Counsel review before Finance Committee presentation on March 30.
✅ Approved
Veterans Agent authorized to display a Field of Flags on Town Hall's front green from the weekend before Memorial Day through the weekend after.
📍 Town Hall front green
✅ Approved
Approved $124,031.77 in ambulance bill abatements for February 2026.
💰 $124,031.77
✅ Approved
David Fryer unanimously appointed to the ZBA, term through June 30, 2029.
✅ Approved
Board authorized hiring a Health Agent; Town Administrator plans to promote current Shared Services Coordinator into the role and then backfill that position.
💬 Discussed
Building Commissioner Michael Brogan offered to serve simultaneously as an uncompensated Town Planner; board raised conflict-of-interest concerns and asked Brogan to appear at a future meeting before any decision.
💬 Discussed
Board asked Executive Assistant to consult the town's insurance carrier on whether volunteers at town-sponsored events should continue signing liability waivers.
💬 Discussed
Highlights: $400K FEMA request for storm repairs, $50K special-ed earmark expected, trash contract RFP being posted soon, and early capital planning underway; Marilyn's Landing water/environmental conditions being monitored.
💰 $400,000 FEMA storm repair request; $50,000 special-ed earmark
💬 Discussed
Balanced budget requires severe cuts: an $800K school reduction would eliminate 12 teachers and push class sizes to 40; pension costs rose 7.1%, health insurance 14.2%, Chapter 90 road funds dropped from $707K to $433K, and $400K in grants were lost due to MBTA noncompliance — a Prop 2½ override was raised as the way to maintain services.
💰 $800,000 school cut scenario; Chapter 90 down from $707,000 to $433,000; pension +7.1%; health insurance +14.2%; $400,000 grants lost
March 24, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Routine affirmation of previously approved financial warrants and commitments.
📋 Proposed
New beer & wine license application from Halifax Beer Wine & Smoke up for board approval.
📋 Proposed
Board will review the draft warrant listing articles voters will decide at the upcoming Town Meeting.
📋 Proposed
Board to discuss a joint session with the Finance Committee scheduled for March 31.
📋 Proposed
Request to place a Field of Flags display on the Town Green under board consideration.
📍 Town Green
📋 Proposed
Board to approve $124,031.77 in ambulance billing abatements for February 2026.
💰 $124,031.77 in abatements
📋 Proposed
Board to appoint David Fryer to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
📋 Proposed
Board to consider appointing Matthew Campbell to the Agricultural Commission based on his talent bank application.
📋 Proposed
Permit for a road opening on Lydon Lane (District 2) up for approval.
📍 Lydon Lane
📋 Proposed
Board to authorize recruiting a new Health Agent for the town.
📋 Proposed
Routine disclosure filing for Michael Brogan serving in an uncompensated public position.
📋 Proposed
Board to discuss liability waivers for volunteers participating in town-sponsored events.
📋 Proposed
Routine update from the Town Administrator.
📋 Proposed
Meeting adjournment.
March 10, 2026 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Board observed a moment of silence for the unexpected passing of Water Department employee John Sullivan.
✅ Approved
Board unanimously declared April Motorcycle Awareness Month and approved placing a sign on the Town Hall lawn.
📍 Town Hall lawn
❌ Denied
Resident Peter Hogan sought town reimbursement for an Urgent Care bill after his health insurance was terminated in error; board denied the request, saying taxpayer funds cannot cover the invoice while the insurer processes the claim.
✅ Approved
Board affirmed payment of Payroll Warrant #82 ($929.47) and Vendor Warrant #83 ($437,196.59).
💰 $437,196.59 vendor; $929.47 payroll
✅ Approved
Board approved Payroll Warrant #82 ($441,530.16), School Warrant #84 ($259,014.67), Vendor Warrant #85 ($2,420,164.33), Withholding Warrant #86 ($147,946.10), and Mobile Home Park Fee #3 ($5,160.00).
💰 $3,273,815.26 total across all warrants
✅ Approved
Minutes from the February 10 and February 26 meetings were approved.
✅ Approved
Voters will be asked on the upcoming ballot whether to convert the Town Clerk position from elected to appointed.
✅ Approved
Voters will be asked whether to convert the Treasurer/Collector position from elected to appointed.
✅ Approved
Voters will be asked whether to convert the Highway Surveyor position from elected to appointed.
✅ Approved
Voters will decide on a Proposition 2½ override allowing Halifax to levy an additional $1,500,000 in taxes for general government and schools; if passed, the increased levy takes effect in FY28.
💰 $1,500,000 additional annual tax levy
✅ Approved
Beautification Committee granted use of the Town Green on May 2 (8:45 a.m.–4:00 p.m.) and May 3 (12:45–4:00 p.m.), 2026 for its Spring Cleanup Day.
📍 Town Green
✅ Approved
Board unanimously closed the 2026 Annual and Special Town Meeting Warrant; two citizen petitions received are under Town Administrator and legal review.
💬 Discussed
Snow removal from the elementary school roof cost $55,000 against a $40,000 quote; Town Administrator is pursuing FEMA/MEMA reimbursement through State Rep. Kathy LaNatra.
💰 $55,000 spent; $40,000 originally quoted; reimbursement sought
📍 Halifax Elementary School
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
March 10, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Routine financial approvals including abatements and warrants.
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of minutes from the two most recent meetings.
📋 Proposed
Board will formally close the warrant, locking in the list of articles Halifax voters will decide at Annual and Special Town Meeting.
📋 Proposed
Presentation or proclamation recognizing April as Motorcycle Awareness Month.
📋 Proposed
Discussion of an unspecified health insurance issue — details not provided in the agenda.
📋 Proposed
Request to use the Town Green for a community cleanup/beautification day.
📍 Town Green, Halifax
📋 Proposed
Board will review draft ballot questions ahead of a town election or Town Meeting vote.
📋 Proposed
Routine update from the Town Administrator on current municipal matters.
📋 Proposed
Meeting adjournment.
March 9, 2026 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Solbo presented a balanced budget requiring deep cuts; Chapter 90 road funding dropped from $707K to $433K, pension costs rose 7.1%, and health insurance rose 14.2%, with 67% of revenue from property taxes.
💰 Chapter 90 cut from $707,000 to $433,000; pension up 7.1%; health insurance up 14.2%
💬 Discussed
An $800,000 school budget cut would eliminate 12 teachers, pushing class sizes to 26–40 students; sixth grade could hit 40 per room, which the school deems unsafe.
💰 $800,000 potential cut; $75,000 textbook increase (80% over prior year)
💬 Discussed
Halifax lost $400,000 in grants due to MBTA noncompliance, and the school lacks access to grants available to compliant towns.
💰 -$400,000 in grants
💬 Discussed
A regionalization study with the Collins Center is underway and could produce cost savings by combining services with neighboring districts.
💬 Discussed
Chief Chaves outlined $143,000 in proposed cuts: $3K clerical overtime, $25K animal control contract, $75K one full-time officer, and $40K part-time middle-school SRO.
💰 ~$143,000 in proposed cuts
💬 Discussed
$140,000 in cuts would force the department to run only one vehicle (fire truck or ambulance, not both), increasing reliance on mutual aid from Pembroke, Plympton, and Carver and slowing response times.
💰 ~$140,000 in proposed cuts
💬 Discussed
Cutting hours for an outreach position at the Council on Aging would delay resident assistance with benefit applications and reduce response times to seniors.
💬 Discussed
Boards debated splitting the override into separate school and municipal/public-safety questions; concern raised that pitting departments against each other could sink both, while a single question risks all-or-nothing failure.
💰 Override would preserve ~$500,000 for capital items; levy limit adjustment of ~$200K–$300K also discussed
💬 Discussed
Charging fees for full-day kindergarten and buses was floated as a revenue option but flagged as legally complex and financially burdensome for families already facing an override.
💬 Discussed
Brief discussion on whether town-run trash collection could generate revenue; Saturday chipping overtime flagged as a potential cut.
✅ Approved
Finance Committee voted 7-0 to adjourn at 9:00 p.m.
✅ Approved
Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 9:05 p.m.; final override vote scheduled for March 10, 2026.
February 26, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Routine affirmation of financial warrants and commitments.
📋 Proposed
New Beer & Wine license application for Halifax Beer Wine & Smoke.
📋 Proposed
Boy Scouts requesting permission to use Town Green for a bottle drive fundraiser.
📍 Town Green
📋 Proposed
Proposed rescheduling of the Halifax Pride Event; new date not specified in agenda.
📋 Proposed
Board to approve $141,212.61 in ambulance billing abatements for February 2026.
💰 $141,212.61 in abatements
💬 Discussed
Update and review of potential Town Meeting warrant articles from a Government Study Committee.
📋 Proposed
Approval of a road opening permit at 59 Oak Street.
📍 59 Oak Street, Halifax
📋 Proposed
Board to approve membership in the Massachusetts Municipal Management Association (MMMA).
📋 Proposed
Board to consider an intermunicipal agreement (shared-services deal) to provide a clinician — likely mental health — across towns.
📋 Proposed
Reappointment of Linda Redding to the Halifax Cultural Council.
📋 Proposed
Board to consider releasing a series of executive session minutes dating from August 2024 through August 2025.
💬 Discussed
Routine update from the Town Administrator.
📋 Proposed
Closed-door session to discuss litigation strategy on the MBTA zoning mandate; open meeting could harm the town's legal position.
📋 Proposed
Closed-door session to discuss litigation strategy in the Morse Brothers, Inc. lawsuit against Halifax.
📋 Proposed
Approval of executive session minutes from June 24 through December 31, 2025.