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The Warrant Committee will review and discuss the articles coming before Town Meeting, which typically include budget appropriations, capital spending, and bylaw changes that can affect property taxes and town services. Residents who want to understand what will be voted on at Town Meeting should consider attending this session on May 4 at 6:00 PM. Specific warrant articles are not listed in this agenda.

Warrant Committee Chair Steve Callahan will present an overview of the FY2027 town budget and the proposed override (a ballot measure that would allow the town to raise more money than the standard Proposition 2½ tax levy cap permits). This is coming up for presentation on April 29, 2026 at 7:00 PM at the Medfield High School Library Media Center. Residents can attend in person or via Zoom.

Residents and officials will have an opportunity to ask questions specifically about Articles 13, 14, and 15 of the 2026 Town Meeting Warrant, which relate to the FY2027 operating budget and the proposed override. These articles are coming up for public discussion on April 29, 2026. The specifics of each article are not detailed in this agenda document.

The forum will also open the floor for questions about all other warrant articles not covered under Articles 13–15. The specific articles are not listed in this document but can be found on the 2026 Town Meeting website at https://town.medfield.net/2483/2026-Annual-Town-Meeting. This is coming up for discussion on April 29, 2026.

The committee will discuss the articles scheduled for Town Meeting and may vote on its draft reports recommending whether residents should approve or reject each article. These recommendations directly influence how residents and Town Meeting members vote on town business, which can include spending, zoning, and policy changes. The specific articles are not listed in this agenda.

The committee will receive an update on the town's current financial position. This may include revenue and spending projections relevant to the upcoming Town Meeting budget. No specific figures are provided in the agenda.

The committee will discuss logistics or planning related to the upcoming Annual or Special Town Meeting. Details such as the date and agenda of Town Meeting are not specified in this document.

A representative from the Capital Budget Committee will provide an update on capital spending plans, which typically cover large one-time expenditures like building repairs, equipment purchases, or infrastructure projects. Specific projects are not listed in this agenda.

A representative from the School Building Committee will provide an update on school facility planning or construction efforts. No specific projects or dollar amounts are listed in this agenda.

The committee will hear a presentation on the proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2027 (July 2026–June 2027) and a potential override — a ballot measure that would allow the town to raise property taxes above the standard Proposition 2½ limit. Residents can offer public comment during the Warrant Hearing portion starting at 7:00 PM.

The committee will review the articles proposed for Town Meeting and take public comment. This is an opportunity for residents to weigh in before the committee issues its formal recommendations. The specific articles are not listed in this agenda.

After the public hearing, the committee will discuss individual warrant articles and may vote to adopt its written reports recommending for or against each article. These recommendations inform how residents vote at Town Meeting.

A representative from the School Building Committee will provide an update. This may relate to ongoing planning or construction activity for Medfield school facilities. No specific details are listed in this agenda.

The Committee will hold an additional meeting on April 6, 2026, after a public hearing on March 31. All votes on warrant articles must be completed by April 6 to allow enough time for the warrant to be printed and mailed before Town Meeting.

The Committee unanimously voted to dismiss a citizen's petition that would have directed a feasibility study for an intergenerational community center. The Chair said the petition bypassed the Town's formal capital planning process and that Parks and Recreation had not submitted a required formal request. Concerns were also raised about debt limits, survey data showing residents' limited willingness to pay for a large facility, and overall timing given other major capital projects.

Parks and Recreation Director presented results of roughly 700 survey responses showing residents prioritize indoor gym and turf space; about one-quarter preferred the PFAFF site, and more than 60% supported public funding. A separate proposal was presented for a prefabricated building at the Hinkley site, estimated at roughly $1 million for construction and $570,000 for site work. The Committee asked Parks and Recreation to return with a more developed plan; no vote was taken.

The Medfield Energy Committee presented a proposed opt-in stretch energy code that would apply primarily to new construction, requiring electrification and higher energy efficiency. Adoption could qualify Medfield for up to $1.15 million in state grant funding and a 'Climate Leader Community' designation, but grants are competitive and project-based. The Committee Chair raised concerns about limiting flexibility for other boards, especially regarding the Dale Street School project; no vote was taken.

A proposed mixed-use overlay district was presented that would allow property owners in designated areas to optionally combine residential and commercial uses in the same development. Existing zoning rules would still apply as a baseline, and any mixed-use project would require a special permit reviewed by the Planning Board. The goal is to encourage economic development and downtown vibrancy while protecting historic character. No vote was taken.

The Committee discussed a Proposition 2½ override (a vote to permanently raise the property tax levy above the normal limit) using a compromise that maintains the Town's longstanding 75/25 budget split between schools and general town departments. The proposed override amount would be under $2 million, with a tax impact below $884 per year for a typical household. Most members supported the compromise; Ms. McCabe dissented, citing concerns that the methodology disproportionately burdened the school budget and differed from the Committee's prior approach.

The committee will discuss a warrant article requesting additional town funding to pay for a prefabricated building at Hinkley (likely Hinkley Field or a related town facility). No dollar amount is specified in the agenda. This would be voted on at Town Meeting.

A citizens petition asks the town to fund a feasibility study to explore building an intergenerational community center. The committee will review and discuss this article ahead of Town Meeting. No cost is listed in the agenda.

The committee will discuss a warrant article to opt into a specialized energy code, which would set stricter energy-efficiency building standards for new construction in Medfield. This is a state program towns can choose to adopt.

Two zoning changes are on the agenda: one would update the town's sign bylaw (rules about signs on buildings and properties), and another would create a mixed-use overlay district (a zoning tool that allows a combination of residential and commercial uses in a designated area). Both would require Town Meeting approval.

The committee will discuss redirecting leftover bond/borrowing funds from the completed Water Treatment Plant project. This is a housekeeping article to ensure unused borrowed money is properly accounted for or reassigned under town financial rules.

The committee will review a warrant article to fund legal and engineering services related to closing the town landfill. Landfill closures typically require ongoing regulatory compliance work. No dollar figure is listed in the agenda.

This article would lower the number of residents required to be present for Town Meeting to conduct official business (the quorum). Supporters typically argue a lower quorum prevents meetings from being unable to proceed; opponents may argue it reduces democratic participation requirements.

The committee will discuss a warrant article that would change the date of Medfield's local elections. No details about the proposed new date are given in the agenda. Changes to election dates can affect voter turnout and ballot timing relative to state elections.

The committee will continue discussing a potential Proposition 2½ override — a ballot question that would allow the town to raise property taxes beyond the standard annual cap. This is an ongoing discussion and a critical item for homeowners, as approval would mean higher property tax bills.

Representatives from the School Building Committee and Capital Budget Committee will provide updates to the Warrant Committee. These updates may include information on school facility projects or upcoming capital spending plans that could affect taxes.

Resident Pete Saladino presented a citizen petition seeking a formal feasibility study for a community center, arguing the Town has no long-term plan for the structurally condemned Pfaff center site and that the School Building Committee's Dale Street School design could absorb that land. He argued the study should run through the Permanent Planning and Building Committee rather than Parks & Recreation, while officials noted prior funding was authorized but never completed and a 2021 capital plan estimated $15 million for a new Parks & Rec building. No vote was taken; Parks & Recreation will address the Committee on March 24.

Representatives of the Castle Hill Sewer Association asked the Town to accept ownership of a private sewer system serving 24 homes in the Farm Street/West Street area, including Deerfield Drive and North Street. The 24 homeowners would pay an estimated $250,000 (about $200,000-$250,000) to bring the aging pump station and force main up to code first, and the Town would only take over once the Board of Water and Sewerage confirms the system is in good condition at no acquisition cost to the Town. The Committee discussed it favorably but did not vote; the Board of Water and Sewerage is sponsoring the article.

The Conservation Commission indicated it will likely withdraw its $50,000 dam safety and tree-removal article (pending a March 19 vote) after engineering work showed roughly 36 trees are involved—about 15 on private abutters' land—and that the dam may need a long-term decision between repair or removal. The Commission plans to use roughly $30,000-$40,000 in remaining prior appropriations to study alternatives, including draining the pond and removing the dam, before asking Town Meeting for more money. A separate $5,000 Conservation Trust Fund request would fund required dam inspections in fall 2026 and spring 2027.

The Committee reviewed six override growth scenarios plus a no-override baseline for the FY2027 budget, using an average single-family home assessed at about $1.028 million. A full level-service budget would require an override over $3 million and raise the average tax bill by nearly $1,200 a year, while even the no-override case would still raise it about $400 due to Proposition 2½. The Committee narrowed its focus to two scenarios—3.9% school/2.8% town and 3.5% school/2.6% town (the latter totaling roughly $1.6 million in override)—and plans to bring them to a March 17 working group and aim for a final recommendation by March 24, alongside a proposed joint commitment statement to cap FY2028 budget growth and try to avoid a second override.

The School Building Committee recently interviewed three finalists for the Owner's Project Manager (the person who oversees the project for the Town) on the Dale Street School project, with selection expected by mid-April pending MSBA approval, followed by architect selection. The OPM should be known by the April 6 meeting if the MSBA approves the choice.

A citizen-filed petition to study the feasibility of building an intergenerational community center is coming up for discussion on March 10. If approved at Town Meeting, this could lead to spending on a planning/design study. No dollar amount is specified in the agenda.

The committee will discuss a warrant article related to the Castle Hill sewer system, coming up ahead of Town Meeting. Details on cost or scope are not included in the agenda, but sewer projects typically involve capital appropriations that may affect rates or assessments.

The committee will discuss a warrant article seeking additional funding for the Danielson Pond Dam project, suggesting costs have grown beyond earlier appropriations. No specific dollar figure is stated in the agenda.

This article would redirect (reappropriate) leftover borrowed funds from the now-completed Water Treatment Plant project. This is a housekeeping financial step to properly close out the borrowing authorization. No specific dollar figure is stated in the agenda.

The committee will discuss funding for legal and engineering services related to closing the town landfill. Landfill closures typically require regulatory compliance work, which can be costly. No dollar amount is listed in the agenda.

This warrant article would lower the number of residents required to be present for Town Meeting to conduct official business (a quorum). Changes to quorum rules affect how decisions binding all taxpayers are made.

The Warrant Committee will continue reviewing financial models for a Proposition 2½ override (a ballot measure that would let the town raise property taxes above the state-imposed annual cap). This is a key discussion ahead of a potential override vote at Town Meeting. Details on the dollar amounts modeled are not included in the agenda.

The committee will plan how it will deliberate on and make a recommendation about the override warrant article before Town Meeting. This procedural discussion shapes how the committee will advise voters on the tax override question.

Representatives who serve as liaisons to the School Building Committee and Capital Budget Committee will provide updates on those bodies' work. School building projects and capital plans can have significant tax and budget implications.

The School Committee's level-service budget started at 5.02% growth and was revised to 4.59% after tuition adjustments, against the Superintendent's 3.99% recommendation. Roughly 80-85% of the ~$44 million operating budget is personnel; the full cost to run the district is ~$49 million, with ~$4.4 million from grants, tuition, and revolving funds. Closing an estimated $1.2 million gap under Proposition 2½ could push elementary class sizes into the mid-20s and reduce electives.

The Committee reviewed accounts that run separately from the operating budget, including food service (projected ~$1.6M balance), kindergarten tuition (raised to $3,500 per student), athletics (fees of $450 hockey/$300 facility sports/$250 other), preschool (131-student waitlist, tuition rising), and student parking (~$179,000). The special education circuit breaker reimbursement account is projected to fall to about $145,000, which members called too low given volatile out-of-district placement costs.

The district wants a one-time $221,000 purchase of classroom book sets, teacher manuals, and training for a new K-5 literacy program that received unanimous elementary teacher support after two years of piloting. The article would use free cash for the one-time cost while keeping ongoing costs in the operating budget. The item moves to the Select Board for inclusion on the Town Meeting warrant.

The Committee studied a two-year override package with one Town Meeting vote that would fund FY27 operations and deposit money into a stabilization fund for FY28 to avoid a second override vote. Depending on the scenario, the total FY27 tax increase for an average single-family home (assessed ~$1,028,000) would range from about $566 to $1,183, including a baseline ~$401 Proposition 2½ increase. Smaller overrides require deeper cuts (up to ~$1.6 million with no override); no scenario except full level-service avoids cuts entirely. No vote was taken; a recommendation is expected after the warrant hearing.

The Committee scheduled several articles for March 10, including Danielson Pond (Conservation Commission), the Opt-In Specialized Energy Code, Castle Hill, the Baxter Park property transfer, Town Meeting quorum reduction, local election changes, and the state hospital stabilization/mitigation article. The Private Well and Conservation Trust Fund articles are likely to be withdrawn.

The committee will review and discuss the town's projected investment income as part of the Proposition 2½ budget process for fiscal year 2027. This revenue line can affect how much of the budget gap must be covered by property taxes.

The committee will review and discuss the School Department's Proposition 2½ budget request for FY 2027. The school budget is typically the largest single line item in the town budget and directly affects property taxes.

The committee will discuss whether to include a warrant article (a formal item for Town Meeting vote) related to the Bookworms K-5 literacy program used in Medfield schools. No details on cost or scope are provided in the agenda.

The committee will discuss financial modeling scenarios showing how different levels of department spending growth in FY 2027 and FY 2028 would affect residents' property tax bills. This is a key step in shaping the town's overall budget recommendation to Town Meeting.

Liaisons to the School Building Committee and the Capital Budget Committee will provide updates on the work of those bodies. The School Building Committee oversees any school construction or renovation projects; the Capital Budget Committee reviews large one-time town expenditures.

The committee will review the town's projected investment income as part of the Proposition 2½ budget process for fiscal year 2027. Proposition 2½ limits how much the town can raise through property taxes each year.

The committee will review the Facilities Department's proposed FY2027 budget. This department oversees maintenance of town buildings and infrastructure.

The committee will review the School Department's proposed FY2027 budget under Proposition 2½ limits. No specific dollar figures are listed in the agenda, but school budgets are typically the largest portion of the town budget.

The committee will discuss whether to bring a Town Meeting warrant article (a formal proposal for a vote at Town Meeting) related to the Bookworms K-5 literacy program in Medfield schools. No cost figures are provided in the agenda.

The committee will discuss financial modeling scenarios for multiple town departments. This likely involves projecting different spending levels and their budget impacts, though no specific details are provided.

The committee will discuss how fast various department budgets are growing for FY2027 and FY2028, and what effect that growth will have on residents' property taxes. This is a key item for understanding future tax bills.

A Warrant Committee liaison will provide an update from the School Building Committee. This committee oversees school construction or renovation projects in Medfield.

A Warrant Committee liaison will provide an update from the Capital Budget Committee, which plans large, multi-year town purchases and infrastructure investments.

The committee confirmed upcoming meetings: School Department and Facilities on February 24, warrant article review on March 10 and 24, Warrant Hearing on March 31, and a possible April 6 session. Residents interested in the school budget or warrant articles should note these dates.

Fire Chief DeKing presented the department's FY2027 budget, which reflects a roughly 4.97% total increase driven by contractual pay raises and stipends, plus higher equipment repair and maintenance costs. The department has 16 full-time firefighters, 8 call members, and a Deputy Chief, with new hires planned to fill existing vacancies.

A federal SAFER grant currently funds four firefighter positions, but expires in November 2028. Chief DeKing warned that losing those positions would reduce fire and EMS response capability, including second-ambulance coverage. The committee discussed the operational and financial risks of this approaching funding cliff.

Chief DeKing requested authorization to purchase a 2003 ladder truck from the Town of Westwood for $15,000 because Medfield's 2008 engine has frame issues. The total authorization, covering purchase and related costs, was up to $25,000. The purchase is contingent on whether an insurance trust fund covers it first, and is intended to delay a roughly $2 million apparatus replacement.

Town Clerk Bonoldi reviewed election-related expenses. State elections are reimbursed by the state, but local or special elections cost the town approximately $15,000 each. If a special election is required for a school building project, additional unbudgeted funding may be needed. The timing depends on the School Building Project schedule.

COA Director Hanifan reported that garage construction is underway. A proposed $16,000 budget reduction would eliminate Saturday programming, which currently serves an average of 36 participants per session. The COA serves over 1,400 Medfield residents annually; Saturday staffing is primarily payroll costs.

Parks & Recreation reported salary reductions from new hires coming in below the salary maximum, offset by rising grounds and utility costs. Water costs exceeded budget due to drought and irrigation problems. Hinkley Pond operations are running at an approximately $61,000 deficit. The department is reviewing field rental rates and expanding summer programs to grow revolving fund revenue.

Chief Guerette reported the police budget is 90% salary-driven with modest operating increases from software contracts. A proposed $29,000 overtime reduction (about 0.9%) could limit coverage at town events. The department is also considering eliminating 24/7 on-call animal control officer coverage in favor of limited-hour coverage based on low after-hours call volume. Road striping costs have also increased significantly.

Town Administrator Trierweiler presented a Select Board-ranked list of approximately $334,000 in town-side budget cuts under current guidance. Under a revised 1.8% spending growth guideline, limited restorations are possible, including Town Meeting wages, highway materials, culvert and dam maintenance, and a half-time HR position. Remaining items were ranked but not formally voted on by the Select Board.

The School Department submitted a ranked list of budget cuts from least to most critical. Some Memorial School positions were restored after a revolving fund adjustment. The committee requested clarification on staff numbers and how the list aligns with two different budget scenarios (3.9% and 5% increase options). School leadership will present at the February 24 meeting; members were asked to submit questions in advance.

Mr. Callahan introduced a proposal to create an Operating Budget Stabilization Fund under Massachusetts law (MGL c.40 §5B) to address projected budget shortfalls in both FY2027 and FY2028. The fund would require a slightly larger initial override now but is intended to prevent the need for a second override in the following year. Similar funds have been used in Milton, Braintree, and Hingham. The committee generally supported exploring the concept; modeling scenarios will be developed.

The committee discussed Medfield's structural budget deficit, which predates COVID-19 but was temporarily masked by federal pandemic relief funds. Health insurance inflation has accelerated the timeline to address it. No short-term revenue fix is available; hospital redevelopment may help in the longer term. Pension funding relief is anticipated later. Members stressed the need for a long-term revenue and fixed-cost strategy.

The override will appear on the Town Meeting warrant as a contingent budget article — meaning the higher budget only takes effect if voters approve the override. Any stabilization fund article would require Select Board action to add to the warrant and could be withdrawn later if no longer needed.

A draft FAQ about the proposed Proposition 2½ override will be posted publicly online, with a mechanism for residents to submit questions. Committee members may submit edits to the draft before it is finalized.

The committee will review and discuss the proposed FY2027 budgets for Fire, Town Clerk, IT, Outreach, Library, Veterans, Public Health, Council on Aging, Parks and Recreation, and Police departments. These budgets are constrained by Proposition 2½, which limits annual property tax levy increases. The outcomes will directly affect town services and potentially property taxes.

The committee will discuss updates to both municipal and school department budgets and identify priorities for restoring any previously proposed budget cuts. This may affect school and town services residents rely on.

The committee will discuss a possible Town Meeting warrant article to establish or fund an Operating Budget Stabilization Fund — essentially a financial reserve to cushion future budget shortfalls. Updates on other existing warrant articles will also be reviewed.

The committee will examine various scenarios for how departmental budget growth could affect the overall tax burden on residents. This analysis informs decisions about the tax levy and any potential override request.

The committee will review a draft 'Frequently Asked Questions' document about a potential Proposition 2½ override article. A Prop 2½ override is a ballot measure that would allow the town to permanently raise the property tax levy above the standard limit.

The committee will discuss and may vote on transferring money from the town's reserve fund to cover costs related to a fire ladder truck. This could be for purchase, repair, or replacement — the agenda does not specify the exact purpose or dollar amount.

Liaisons to the School Building Committee and Capital Budget Committee will provide updates to the Warrant Committee. These updates may include progress on school construction or capital spending plans.

The committee reviewed its work plan: municipal department budget reviews began January 27 and continue February 10; the School Department presents its FY2027 budget on February 24. The Warrant Committee public hearing is March 31, with an additional meeting likely April 6. Town Meeting is confirmed for May 4, 2026.

DPW Director Maurice Goulet presented proposed cuts that exceed the department's cost increases, meaning the FY2027 DPW budget would be lower than FY2026. Proposed reductions include approximately $24,750 in vehicle and equipment repair, $2,500 in tree service, deferral of sidewalk maintenance funding (with a note that the town received a $500,000 Complete Streets grant for certain sidewalk work), $5,000 in grounds maintenance, and elimination of pet waste services at the Medfield State Hospital site. Mr. Goulet described these as short-term measures and ranked restoration priorities if funding becomes available later.

Chair Steve Callahan presented an overview of how Moody's and S&P rate municipalities, emphasizing that strong reserves, structural balance, and financial discipline can improve a town's credit rating. Medfield's current rating is AA1, issued in connection with the Water Treatment Facility bond. Analysis presented showed that a one-step improvement in rating on a $75 million, 30-year bond could save approximately $5.8–$6.7 million in interest costs. Town Administrator Trierweiler noted that prior rating agency concerns from 2019 about free cash reliance and reserve levels have been addressed.

Town Administrator Trierweiler presented updated budget assumptions that improved the fiscal picture modestly. Key factors include: state aid came in as estimated; $100,000 released from the FY2026 overlay account (with $75,000 offsetting snow and ice deficits); workers' compensation and liability insurance estimates were reduced; a decision not to cover GLP-1 weight-loss drugs under health insurance reduced the projected health insurance increase to 10.5%, saving approximately $240,000 in shared costs; and Norfolk County retirement assessments were adjusted for a prepayment discount. As a result, FY2027 departmental spending guidance was raised from approximately 1.3% to 1.8% growth, representing about $80,000 more for municipal budgets and $239,000 more for the School Department. The committee approved the revised guidance unanimously.

Warrant Committee members expressed concern about comments made at the January 15 School Committee meeting that suggested the Warrant Committee was detached from school impacts. Members said those characterizations were inaccurate and noted that many committee members have children in Medfield schools. The committee discussed the need for better communication and relationship-building with the School Committee to support a shared understanding of the town's fiscal constraints.

The committee will review proposed FY2027 operating budgets for a wide range of town departments, including Public Works, Town Administrator, Selectboard, IT, HR, Town Counsel, Town Accountant, Land Use/Zoning, Conservation, Inspections, Assessor, and Treasurer/Collector. These budgets are constrained by Proposition 2½, which limits how much the town can raise in property taxes each year. The outcome of these reviews will shape next year's property tax bills.

The committee will discuss how credit rating agencies (like Moody's or S&P) assess the town's financial health. A town's credit rating can affect borrowing costs for large capital projects, which can in turn affect property taxes and fees. The specific implications for Medfield will be discussed.

The committee will discuss updated figures for employee health insurance costs and state aid to the town, both of which are key inputs to the overall budget. If revised department budget guidance is available, it will also be reviewed. Changes in state aid or health insurance costs can shift how much the town needs to raise from property taxes.

The committee will discuss the recent January 15, 2026 School Committee meeting, likely including updates on the school budget and any other significant decisions. The Warrant Committee reviews school spending as part of its oversight of the overall town budget.

Members of the Warrant Committee will be assigned to specific articles on the upcoming Town Meeting warrant. Each member typically researches and presents their assigned articles to Town Meeting voters. This is a preparatory step before Town Meeting, where residents vote on spending and policy matters.

Liaisons to the School Building Committee and Capital Budget Committee will provide updates on the status of those bodies' work. The School Building Committee oversees any school construction or renovation projects, and the Capital Budget Committee reviews large one-time expenditures that may be funded through borrowing or reserves.

The Committee discussed the upcoming budget schedule, noting department budget meetings will begin shortly and a school budget meeting is planned for January 29 at 6:00 PM. The Town Administrator confirmed she would share department-level budget figures after notifying department heads, with 1.3% growth as the guidance cap. FY2028 outlook details may develop more slowly.

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School Superintendent Karen McGuire and Business Administrator Dan Haynes presented estimated FY2027 assessments. Medfield's estimated total assessment is $439,051, roughly a $230,000 increase from the prior year, driven by higher enrollment and ongoing debt payments from the school's $140 million building bond (issued at 3.99%). A credit of $1,315,475 from the district's Excess & Deficiency reserve will be distributed proportionally among all 11 member towns, partially offsetting assessments; Tri-County's School Committee must vote to confirm this credit.

The new Tri-County school building is on schedule to open in September 2027, followed by demolition of the old building and site work expected to complete around 2029. The district has borrowed $140 million and anticipates two additional borrowings: approximately $28 million in late winter/spring 2027 and a final tranche potentially as low as $15 million, for an estimated total of about $186 million. MSBA reimbursements are coming in on schedule.

Medfield is entitled to roughly 9% of Tri-County's 1,000 seats, equating to about 23 incoming Grade 9 seats per year. Enrollment can swing significantly year to year due to small numbers (e.g., 16 students this year vs. 8 last year). Admissions are transitioning to a lottery-based system starting with this incoming Grade 9 class.

Town Administrator Trierweiler presented the FY2027 budget under a 1.3% growth cap ($186,686 max increase). The true level-service cost is about 3%, leaving a gap driven by software contracts, higher natural gas costs, and union wage adjustments for Fire and Police. Under the constrained budget, the following items would NOT be funded: expanded DPW grounds staffing, Baxter Park takeover, a Fire Department day captain/deputy role, summer intern stipends, OpenGov permitting software, and a COA receptionist. Proposed reductions include eliminating an HR generalist position, not filling a Land Use admin role, closing COA Saturday programming, closing the Library on Sundays, reducing DPW vehicle maintenance and highway materials, eliminating animal control on-call coverage nights and weekends (weekday coverage retained), eliminating free police details at community events like the Holiday Stroll and parades, reducing Assessors admin staffing, eliminating dog waste pickup at Medfield State Hospital, and ending off-site record storage at Montrose.

The Select Board has placed an operating override placeholder on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant. The Warrant Committee discussed modeled scenarios at 2.5%, 3.0%, and 3.5% department growth rates and reviewed estimated average single-family tax impacts for each. Members generally supported presenting an override option to voters but could not agree on a specific dollar amount yet, pending the School Department budget presentation on January 29. One member (Mr. Nelson) stated he could support 2.5% growth but was unlikely to support more without strong justification. An override would require a two-thirds vote at Town Meeting and a majority vote at a subsequent ballot election.

A warrant article would establish a stabilization account (a restricted savings fund) for a $1,000,000 school-related payment. Funds placed into stabilization require a two-thirds Town Meeting vote to appropriate out and cannot be spent directly.

A warrant article would reappropriate remaining funds from a prior water treatment borrowing to pay for inflow and infiltration (I/I) work on Harding Street. I/I work addresses stormwater or groundwater entering the sewer system, which can drive up treatment costs.

A Parks & Recreation warrant article would request an additional appropriation for a prefabricated or modular building at Hinkley Pond. A separate feasibility article was withdrawn because existing funds cover that step.

Warrant articles include funding for landfill closure and funding for engineering work to study potential uses of a roughly 12-acre parcel near the Medfield State Hospital site. Officials have identified the landfill and State Hospital redevelopment as near-term opportunities for commercial revenue, including potential solar development.

The Select Board is sponsoring two governance articles: one to reduce the required quorum number to hold Town Meeting (specific number to be determined), and one to move local elections to after Town Meeting rather than before it, which could also save money by reducing the need for special elections.

A warrant article would accept the Castle Hill neighborhood pump station into the town's public sewer system after the homeowners association (HOA) upgrades it to town standards. The article is structured to avoid immediate town costs; residents in that area support the change because it relieves them of ongoing private maintenance responsibility.

A Conservation Commission warrant article would create authority to enforce water use restrictions on properties served by private wells, not just town water. Details and enforcement mechanism were not specified in the minutes.

The Planning Board is bringing two zoning articles: an update to the sign bylaw (rules governing commercial signage) and a mixed-use overlay district (a zoning tool allowing a combination of residential and commercial uses in designated areas). A citizens' petition on sign surface area may be incorporated into the Planning Board sign bylaw update.

The Medfield School Building Committee has been accepted into Module 2 of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) process, which is the next step toward state funding support for a new school building project. The committee is beginning the selection process for an Owner's Project Manager (OPM), with selection expected by early April 2026.

The Capital Budget Committee representative warned that any operating override planning must account for upcoming capital pressures, including potential school building costs, extraordinary maintenance needs (roof issues cited), and the town's historical reliance on Free Cash to fund capital projects. An after-action meeting focused on long-term issues is being planned.

Representatives from Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School will present and discuss what Medfield will be assessed (billed) for its share of the school's costs in fiscal year 2027. This assessment is part of the town budget and affects property taxes.

The Town Administrator will formally present the proposed town budget for fiscal year 2027 to the Warrant Committee, which is the body responsible for reviewing and recommending the budget to Town Meeting. This is a key step in setting spending levels and ultimately the tax rate.

The committee will discuss how it uses 'free cash' (unspent surplus funds certified by the state) to pay for one-time costs rather than ongoing expenses. This policy discussion shapes how the town handles budget surpluses and whether those funds offset taxes or fund projects.

The committee will discuss a potential Proposition 2½ override article — a ballot question that would allow the town to raise property taxes beyond the standard annual limit to fund operating expenses. If approved at Town Meeting and then by voters, it would increase tax bills.

The committee will discuss articles being considered for inclusion on the upcoming Town Meeting warrant (the official list of items residents vote on). The specific articles are not detailed in the agenda.

Liaisons assigned to the School Building Committee and Capital Budget Committee will provide brief updates on those bodies' recent activities. These could include updates on school construction planning or upcoming capital expenditures.