Reviews the town's entire budget and makes recommendations on how your tax dollars are spent.
304 items across 18 meetings.
April 6, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Routine opening.
📋 Proposed
Update on the Collins Center (UMass municipal consulting group) report — specific findings not detailed in the agenda.
📋 Proposed
Review and approval of minutes from two prior Finance Committee meetings.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing and committee vote on a sewer main capital project on Washington Street for the May 4 Annual Town Meeting.
📍 Washington Street
📋 Proposed
Public hearing and committee vote on sewer department capital spending for the May 4 Annual Town Meeting.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing and committee vote on water department capital spending for the May 4 Annual Town Meeting.
📋 Proposed
Committee reviews a deposit to the Water Capital Stabilization Fund for the May 4 Special Town Meeting.
📋 Proposed
Committee reviews a deposit to the Sewer Capital Stabilization Fund for the May 4 Special Town Meeting.
📋 Proposed
Committee reviews a deposit to the town's General Stabilization Account (rainy-day reserve) for the May 4 Special Town Meeting.
📋 Proposed
Committee reviews a deposit to the Building Stabilization Account for the May 4 Special Town Meeting.
📋 Proposed
Committee reviews a deposit to the Fire Apparatus Stabilization Account for the May 4 Special Town Meeting.
📋 Proposed
Committee reviews a deposit to the Capital Project Stabilization Account for the May 4 Special Town Meeting.
📋 Proposed
Committee reviews a deposit to the Special Education Stabilization Fund for the May 4 Special Town Meeting.
📋 Proposed
Additional sewer department capital spending article via the May 4 Special Town Meeting up for committee review.
📋 Proposed
Police department capital spending article for the May 4 Special Town Meeting up for public hearing and committee vote.
📋 Proposed
Feasibility study for a new or renovated police station comes before the Finance Committee for the May 4 Special Town Meeting.
📋 Proposed
Finance Committee deliberates and takes formal votes recommending or opposing each Town Meeting article.
📋 Proposed
Meeting adjourns.
March 25, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine opening of meeting.
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of prior Finance Committee meeting minutes.
💬 Discussed
Update on the Collins Center (municipal management consulting) report — scope unclear from agenda.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on the Stoughton School Department's operating budget for fiscal year 2027, a key driver of the town's tax levy.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on capital spending for the School Department for FY2027.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on renovations to Denison Athletic Fields using Community Preservation Act funds.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on appropriating money into a dedicated stabilization fund for special-education costs.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on a Special Town Meeting school capital article — details not specified in agenda.
📋 Proposed
Finance Committee plans to continue the FY2027 operating budget hearing on Monday, March 30, 2026.
📋 Proposed
Hearings on creating and funding Water Capital and Sewer Capital Stabilization Accounts deferred to April 6 — these reserve funds support future utility infrastructure.
📋 Proposed
Hearings on depositing funds into four stabilization accounts — General, Building, Fire Apparatus, and Capital — continued to April 6.
📋 Proposed
Sewer Department capital spending article hearing continued to April 6.
📋 Proposed
Police Department capital spending article hearing continued to April 6.
📋 Proposed
Feasibility study for a new or renovated Police Station — hearing continued to April 6.
📋 Proposed
Accepting contract and federal/state funds for town road improvements, subject to time-permitting discussion.
📋 Proposed
Vote on disposing of (selling or transferring) town-owned property — specific parcel not identified in agenda.
📋 Proposed
Vote on the Cedar Hill golf course enterprise fund operating budget for FY2027.
📋 Proposed
Vote on the Sewer Department enterprise fund budget — sets the basis for sewer rates residents pay.
📋 Proposed
Vote on the Water Department enterprise fund budget — sets the basis for water rates.
📋 Proposed
Reauthorizing town revolving funds (self-funded departmental accounts) for another year — routine annual action.
📋 Proposed
Vote on the SPAEA (School Paraprofessionals & Aides) collective bargaining agreement — labor contract with financial implications for the school budget.
📋 Proposed
Technical articles to close out a sunset clause and accept state statutes on property tax billing (c.59§57A) and delinquency (c.44§57).
📋 Proposed
Accepting state law allowing broader investment options for town trust funds — technical change.
📋 Proposed
Capital project for a sewer main on Washington Street — specific scope and cost not stated in agenda.
📋 Proposed
Capital spending articles for sewer and water system infrastructure improvements.
📋 Proposed
Vote on Fire Department capital equipment or facilities spending.
📋 Proposed
Vote on the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) annual budget, funded by a property-tax surcharge.
📋 Proposed
CPC-funded appropriation to preserve town historical records.
📋 Proposed
CPC project for Cedar Hill Green #1 — likely open space or recreation preservation; details not specified.
📋 Proposed
CPC-funded appropriation for new low-income housing through Stoughton Housing Authority.
📋 Proposed
CPC appropriations for Denison Field renovation, restoration of a historic Hand Pump fire truck, and Kolz Soccer Field rehabilitation.
📋 Proposed
CPC supplemental funding for Hebrew Senior Life senior-housing or services project.
📋 Proposed
CPC appropriation for historic preservation of the Stoughton Bank Lofts building.
📋 Proposed
Routine closeout of previously approved but unused CPC appropriations.
• Status unclear
Routine adjournment.
March 19, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine opening of meeting.
• Status unclear
Pledge of Allegiance.
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of prior Finance Committee meeting minutes.
💬 Discussed
Update on the Collins Center report (likely a municipal management/organizational study).
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on FY2027 department operating budgets for Library, Council on Aging, Recreation, and Community Events.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) overall budget and annual report.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on CPC funding to preserve town records.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on CPC funding for Cedar Hill project (details not specified in agenda).
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on CPC funding for low-income housing.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on CPC funding to renovate Denison Athletic Field.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on CPC funding to restore a historic fire pumper truck.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on CPC funding for renovations to Kolz Soccer Field.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on supplemental CPC funding for Hebrew Senior Life.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on CPC funding for historic preservation of Stoughton Bank Lofts.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on closing out previously authorized CPC spending.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on a petitioned article to place a land acknowledgement sign on town property.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on funding a walkway and seating area project at Halloran Park.
📋 Proposed
Remaining public hearings will be continued to Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
📋 Proposed
Committee to close hearing and vote on authorizing funds for town road improvements.
📋 Proposed
Committee to close hearing and vote on accepting federal and state grants or aid.
📋 Proposed
Committee to close hearing and vote on authorizing disposal of town-owned property.
📋 Proposed
Committee to close hearing and vote on reauthorizing departmental revolving funds (fee-supported accounts).
📋 Proposed
Committee to close hearing and vote on a sunset clause article (details not specified).
📋 Proposed
Committee to close hearing and vote on accepting a state law related to property tax billing (MGL Ch. 59 §57A).
📋 Proposed
Committee to close hearing and vote on accepting MGL Ch. 40 §57, which allows towns to withhold permits from tax delinquents.
📋 Proposed
Committee to close hearing and vote on accepting a state law governing investment of municipal funds.
• Status unclear
Routine adjournment.
March 19, 2026 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Meeting called to order at 7:07 PM; upcoming meeting schedule changed to March 30 and April 6.
📍 10 Pearl Street, Town Hall
✅ Approved
Minutes from the 3/12/26 meeting approved as submitted.
💬 Discussed
Library FY27 budget reviewed; outreach coordinator position upgraded to professional, raising salary from ~$45K to $61,521, with funding rolled from HR budget.
💰 Salary increase to $61,521 (previously covered in HR budget)
💬 Discussed
COA FY27 budget reflects a 2.98% increase, converting one outreach position from part-time to full-time and including a $7,000 state formula grant.
💰 2.98% budget increase; $7,000 state grant
💬 Discussed
Recreation budget rose 21.8% largely for summer programs (220 kids/week peak), HIPAA compliance, and grounds maintenance; July 4 fireworks planned for July 1 with a rain date.
💰 21.8% budget increase for Recreation
📍 West School athletic field; Halloran Park; Wilkins
💬 Discussed
$650,000 from Community Preservation Committee (CPC) to replace dugouts, benches, and backstops and improve safety at fields 3 and 4; project goes to bid this fall.
💰 $650,000 CPC funds
📍 Denison Athletic Fields 3 & 4
💬 Discussed
$827,275 from CPC undesignated funds to remediate drainage and elevate fields 2 and 3 at Kolz, which sit on a former landfill and are frequently unplayable; $50,000 offset by registration fees.
💰 $827,275 CPC funds; $50,000 registration fee offset
📍 Kolz Soccer Fields
💬 Discussed
CPC annual budget reviewed: $71,500 salary line, $143,000 per category, $925,500 plus debt service; roughly $3.3M in account less $985,000 already approved.
💰 CPC budget ~$925,500 plus debt service; fund balance ~$3.3M
💬 Discussed
$20,000 for phase 2 of digitizing town records (births, deaths, etc.) dating to the 1800s; records available free online.
💰 $20,000 CPC funds
💬 Discussed
$250,000 CPC funds to expand green #1 from 1,700 to 5,000 sq. ft., improving player flow and reducing chemical use; work planned fall 2026, ready for spring 2027.
💰 $250,000 CPC funds
📍 Cedar Hill Golf Course
💬 Discussed
Stoughton Housing Authority seeks $800,000 CPC funds to build 8 prefab duplex two-bedroom units on Drake Ave, replacing scattered housing sold at market rate to help fund construction; veterans given preference.
💰 $800,000 CPC funds; existing units sold at market rate
📍 Drake Ave
💬 Discussed
$150,000 CPC funds for patina restoration of an antique fire truck purchased with private funds in 2023; to be stored at Station 1, Prospect Street.
💰 $150,000 CPC funds
📍 Station 1, Prospect Street
💬 Discussed
$500,000 CPC supplemental funding sought for a 96-unit all-affordable senior housing development (age 62+, income 0–$70K) at Canton and Simpson Streets; total project cost $62,000,000, with state/federal funding; construction must begin June–July 2026.
💰 $500,000 CPC funds; total project $62,000,000
📍 Canton Street & Simpson Street
💬 Discussed
$190,000 CPC funds (cost-split with owner) to restore the exterior of 810 Washington Street, converting the historic building into 1 commercial space and 9 market-rate residential units.
💰 $190,000 CPC funds (owner splits cost)
📍 810 Washington Street
💬 Discussed
Three completed CPC projects to be formally closed out and remaining funds returned to CPC account.
💬 Discussed
$5,000 petitioned article for a sign at Glen Echo Park recognizing indigenous heritage, timed to the town's 300th celebration; sign designed by a Massachusetts Tribe member, funded partly by a cultural council grant.
💰 $5,000 (partial grant from cultural council)
📍 Glen Echo Park
💬 Discussed
Project to add a half-moon bench seating area near the large boulder at Halloran Park, funded by free cash.
💰 Funded by free cash (amount not specified)
📍 Halloran Park
✅ Approved
All public hearings for Annual and Special Town Meeting (May 4) continued to March 25, 2026 at 7:00 PM; votes on Articles 3, 4, 5, 10, 13, 14, 15, and 16 deferred to a future agenda.
March 18, 2026 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Meeting called to order at 7:10 PM with quorum present; four members absent.
📍 10 Pearl Street, Town Hall, Great Hall
✅ Approved
All five sets of prior minutes approved with minor attribution and spelling corrections; Ms. Rosenblatt read a statement asserting her free-speech rights regarding a prior committee dispute.
🔄 Postponed
Update on the Collins Center report postponed to a future agenda.
✅ Approved
Committee voted unanimously to continue public hearings for both the Annual and Special Town Meeting of May 4, 2026, carrying budget review into the next session.
💬 Discussed
Fran Bruttanitti presented a $130,416 budget, up slightly due to increased photostat/copy costs; animal shelter phone line cost still under review.
💰 $130,416
💬 Discussed
Procurement budget is $113,831.22, with a small increase for director recertification as a Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing official (3-year credential).
💰 $113,831.22
💬 Discussed
Town Clerk budget rises 1.7%, including census mailing up from $10,000 to $11,000; a primary election cost of $30,000+ may be requested separately.
💰 1.7% increase; census mailing $11,000; primary election ~$30,000+
💬 Discussed
Poll worker pay raised $1/hour; ballot data is downloaded offline from voting machines, not internet-connected.
💬 Discussed
Budget covers 3 town meetings, service contracts ($2,000), warrant printing, and YMCA childcare at $50/hour during town meetings.
💰 $2,000 service contracts; $50/hr YMCA childcare
💬 Discussed
HR budget drops 36.44% because $90,000 previously held for unsigned labor contracts is no longer needed; wellness coordinator moved to Public Health; new hire salary set at $52,000.
💰 36.44% decrease; $90,000 contract reserve released
💬 Discussed
Town health insurance budget jumps from $12,720,000 (FY26) to over $14,000,000 (FY27), a roughly $1.28M increase driven by AETNA retiree cost hikes; town pays 70%, employees pay 30%.
💰 FY26: $12,720,000 → FY27: $14,000,000+; ~$1.28M increase
💬 Discussed
Enterprise-fund unemployment account rises 2.9% with the reserve line increasing from $20,833 to $50,000 to anticipate potential layoffs from reduced town FTEs.
💰 Reserve line: $20,833 → $50,000; 2.9% overall increase
💬 Discussed
IT budget at 2.5% increase; department covers town phone system, Town Crier, and a 5-year capital plan for server replacement; grants pursued when available.
💰 2.5% increase
💬 Discussed
$70,000 for a wireless internet (Xtreme) upgrade with more access points and cloud storage serving the entire town; $150,000 to integrate the water billing system into MUNIS for a single billing source.
💰 $70,000 internet upgrade; $150,000 MUNIS water integration
💬 Discussed
Stoughton's FY27 assessment to Southeastern Regional vocational school is $1,666,101 (up from $1,566,101 in FY26), plus bond and transportation; 117 Stoughton students enrolled, up 24 from prior year; new lottery admissions could disadvantage Stoughton applicants.
💰 FY27 assessment: $1,666,101 + $53,756 bond/transportation; FY26 was $1,566,101
💬 Discussed
Stoughton's assessment of $91,243 covers 7 students attending Norfolk County Agricultural School, which offers vocational programs including veterinary and floral design.
💰 $91,243
💬 Discussed
Borrowing article funded through the sewer enterprise fund to replace Washington Street sewer main and decommission Sumner Ridge pump station.
💰 Funded via enterprise fund borrowing
📍 Washington Street / Sumner Ridge
💬 Discussed
Two borrowing articles for sewer and water capital improvements; details to be finalized at May 4 Town Meeting.
💬 Discussed
Funding requested to finalize the intersection redesign at Park and Turnpike Streets, including a roundabout and pedestrian signal at Fano Street; town has paid up to 25% of design costs and would lose control to MassDOT if it withdraws.
💰 Town already paid up to 25% of design costs
📍 Park Street & Turnpike Street intersection; Fano Street
💬 Discussed
Article addresses control of invasive species in Town Pond.
✅ Approved
Public hearings for the Annual and Special Town Meeting continued to Thursday, March 19, 2026, 7:00 PM at Stoughton Town Hall.
📍 Stoughton Town Hall, 10 Pearl Street
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM.
March 18, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of five prior Finance Committee meeting minutes.
💬 Discussed
Update on the Collins Center report — scope and implications unspecified in the agenda.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on the full municipal operating budget for FY2027, covering Purchasing, Procurement, Town Clerk, Elections, Moderator, HR, Health Insurance, Unemployment, Information Systems, and Regional Schools.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on funding to replace the Washington Street sewer main and decommission the Sumner Ridge pump station.
📍 Washington Street / Sumner Ridge
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on sewer department capital spending for the annual town meeting cycle.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on water department capital spending for the annual town meeting cycle.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on additional sewer capital funding coming before the May 4 Special Town Meeting.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on DPW and facilities capital projects in the Special Town Meeting warrant.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on capital funding for Cedar Hill — details unspecified in the agenda.
📍 Cedar Hill
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on funding the final design phase for the Park Street and Turnpike Street intersection improvement.
📍 Park Street & Turnpike Street
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on funding a management system for Town Pond.
📍 Town Pond
📋 Proposed
All public hearings will be continued to the following night, March 19, 2026.
March 12, 2026 · minutes
• Status unclear
Meeting called to order at 7:12 PM; 15 members present, 2 absent.
🔄 Postponed
Minutes from 1/28/26, 2/26/26, 3/4/26, and 3/5/26 deferred to a future agenda.
🔄 Postponed
Collins Center report update deferred to a future agenda.
✅ Approved
Motions to continue public hearings for both the Annual and Special Town Meeting passed unanimously.
💬 Discussed
Overall 2.2% budget increase, driven by a 20% rise in in-service/cross-training costs and a 33% jump in public-informational-event expenses; Town Manager declined a salary increase.
💬 Discussed
Contract increase covers general counsel Brian Winner (weekly office hours at Town Hall), labor attorney, and HR retainer; set-fee lump-sum structure.
💬 Discussed
$1,200 budget, slight increase to cover citations and printing of reports; board members are unpaid volunteers.
💬 Discussed
Construction line cut 50% from $7,000 to $3,500 for pre-approved fall projects; resident raised accessibility ramp concerns at the library and high school.
💬 Discussed
Zero percent change; budget reportedly unused for several years; $500 line retained for minutes preparation.
💬 Discussed
2.07% budget increase for events; $160,000 in Chapter 115 veteran benefits paid in 2025; Stoughton ranks #3 of 27 comparable towns in veteran services.
💬 Discussed
SMAC lawsuit dismissed; 10-year cable contract agreed; 2.5% budget increase; enterprise fund ($185,000) to be dissolved; Comcast/Verizon franchise fees of $45K–$50K flow directly to SMAC; public hearing on contract set for March 26, 2026.
💬 Discussed
SMAC to become fully private and the town's public-access entity to be dissolved.
💬 Discussed
$185,000 in enterprise retained earnings to be transferred to cover SMAC legal fees; if funds fall short, further town meeting action required.
💬 Discussed
Annual article authorizing the town to accept state road funding.
💬 Discussed
Annual article authorizing the Select Board to accept state and federal funds and enter related contracts.
💬 Discussed
Authorizes the Select Board to sell town-owned property.
💬 Discussed
Multi-year COLA contract for Stoughton Professional and Administrative Employees: FY27 2.5% ($49,000), FY28 2.78% (~$54,000), FY29 2.9% ($40,500); covers public health, COA, and program staff.
✅ Approved
Both Annual and Special Town Meeting public hearings continued to Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 7:00 PM.
• Status unclear
Meeting adjourned at 8:26 PM.
March 12, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine opening.
• Status unclear
Routine.
📋 Proposed
Approval of four prior Finance Committee meeting minutes, if not handled at the March 11 meeting.
💬 Discussed
Update on the Collins Center for Public Management study — details not specified in agenda.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on the full FY2027 operating budget covering Town Manager, Town Counsel, Select Board, Disabilities, Historical Commission, Veterans' Agent, and Cable Access departments.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on appropriating funds for town road work.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on accepting available federal and state grant funds.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on authorization to dispose of town-owned property — specific parcels not listed in agenda.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on the Cable Public Access enterprise fund budget.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on ratifying a collective bargaining agreement with SPAEA — financial terms not specified in agenda.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on a capital expenditure for the Fire Department — specific items and dollar amount not listed.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on funding for Stoughton Media Access Center (SMAC) expenses.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on police capital expenditure at the May 4 Special Town Meeting — specifics not listed.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on additional Fire Department capital spending at the May 4 Special Town Meeting.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on funding a feasibility study for a new or renovated police station — a potential major future capital project.
📋 Proposed
All public hearings will continue to the next Finance Committee meeting on March 18.
• Status unclear
Routine adjournment.
March 11, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Routine opening of meeting.
📍 The Great Hall, 3rd Floor Town Hall, 10 Pearl Street, Stoughton, MA 02072
📋 Proposed
Routine pledge.
📋 Proposed
Approval of minutes from four recent Finance Committee meetings.
💬 Discussed
Update on the Collins Center report, likely a municipal governance or organizational study previously commissioned.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on the Fire Department's proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2027, for vote at May 4 Annual Town Meeting.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on the Police Department's proposed FY2027 operating budget for May 4 Annual Town Meeting.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on the Public Health Nursing division's proposed FY2027 operating budget.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on the Substance Abuse Prevention program's proposed FY2027 operating budget.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on the Crossing Guards program's proposed FY2027 operating budget.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on the Animal Control division's proposed FY2027 operating budget.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on the Civilian Dispatchers' proposed FY2027 operating budget.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on the VNA's proposed FY2027 operating budget.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on a capital spending article for the Fire Department, heading to the May 4 Annual Town Meeting.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on a capital spending article for the Police Department, heading to the May 4 Special Town Meeting.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on a capital spending article for the Fire Department, heading to the May 4 Special Town Meeting.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on funding a feasibility study for a new or renovated police station, heading to the May 4 Special Town Meeting.
📋 Proposed
Hearings will be continued to the following night if not completed.
📋 Proposed
Additional items at the Chair's discretion.
📋 Proposed
Routine adjournment.
March 5, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Routine opening procedures.
📋 Proposed
Update on the Collins Center report — details not specified in the agenda.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on the FY2027 operating budgets for seven town departments including Sewer and Water, which directly affect utility rates.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on the Sewer Enterprise Account appropriation for FY2027, which funds sewer operations and sets user fees.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on the Water Enterprise Account appropriation for FY2027, which funds water operations and sets user fees.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on replacing the Washington Street sewer main and decommissioning Sumner Ridge pump station.
📍 Washington Street / Sumner Ridge Station
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on capital expenditures for the Sewer Department (Annual Town Meeting).
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on capital expenditures for the Water Department.
📋 Proposed
Proposal to establish a dedicated stabilization fund for water capital projects, smoothing future rate impacts.
📋 Proposed
Proposal to establish a dedicated stabilization fund for sewer capital projects.
📋 Proposed
Additional sewer capital appropriation coming before the Special Town Meeting on May 4.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on funding the final design phase for the Park Street and Turnpike Street intersection improvement.
📍 Park Street & Turnpike Street
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on a management system for Town Pond — scope and cost not detailed in the agenda.
📍 Town Pond
📋 Proposed
Procedural motion to continue the public hearings to a future date.
📋 Proposed
Meeting adjournment.
March 4, 2026 · minutes
• Status unclear
Meeting called to order at 7:11 PM; quorum present with four members absent.
🔄 Postponed
Chair Campbell deferred the Collins Center report update to a future agenda.
✅ Approved
Committee unanimously voted to continue public hearings for both the Annual and Special Town Meetings to May 4, 2026, and later re-continued them to March 5, 2026.
💬 Discussed
Cedar Hill finished FY25 with 25,000 rounds played and $728,000 revenue; retained earnings stand at $359,399; Article 6 was deemed eliminable from the agenda.
💰 $728,000 revenue; $359,399 retained earnings
📍 Cedar Hill Golf Course
💬 Discussed
Superintendent listed capital projects including irrigation/pump station, expansion of holes 2–3, new tee boxes, security cameras, and possible parking lot improvements pending a grant.
📍 Cedar Hill Golf Course
💬 Discussed
DPW budget came in at a 2.6% increase (below the 2.9% town limit), with a 12% rise in heating costs, new elevator inspection fees, and separate tracking of community center expenses; $50,000 stipend to Tricia Shropshire and $30,000 for community center rental/custodial staff noted.
💰 2.6% budget increase; $50,000 stipend; $30,000 community center staffing
💬 Discussed
Snow/ice budget proposed to increase from $400,000 to $500,000 for FY27; six-year average cost is $659,000, supporting the increase.
💰 $400,000 → $500,000 (FY27 proposed)
💬 Discussed
Street lighting budget proposed at $200,000, up from $138,595 in FY25, to cover decorative lights not fully covered by insurance.
💰 $138,595 (FY25) → $200,000 (FY27 proposed)
💬 Discussed
Waste disposal shows 13% labor increase and 9% expense decrease; recycling rates are improving but Stoughton remains below the state average; SEMASS contract costs unchanged.
💰 13% labor increase; 9% expense decrease; $40,000 hazardous waste line moved to Highway budget
💬 Discussed
Parks budget up 6.4% due to a new contractual agreement, with expenses down 25% after the town purchased its own tree-removal truck; $25,000 for downtown beautification including seasonal plantings.
💰 6.4% increase; expenses down 25%; $25,000 beautification
💬 Discussed
Voted to adjust the FY25 snow/ice budget from $400,000 to $1,250,000, to be funded from free cash and re-evaluated in the fall.
💰 $400,000 → $1,250,000 from free cash
💬 Discussed
$75,000 requested for unforeseen building maintenance; $70,000 to be funded from free cash.
💰 $75,000 ($70,000 from free cash)
💬 Discussed
$140,000 from free cash to replace two trucks from 2012 and 2013.
💰 $140,000 from free cash
💬 Discussed
$40,000 for a new roadway sander; $29,754 from free cash, balance from close-out of prior articles.
💰 $40,000 ($29,754 from free cash)
🔄 Postponed
IT upgrades ($70,000 from free cash) and MUNIS Water Mitigation items deferred to the March 18 meeting when Ms. Shropshire will attend.
💰 $70,000 IT upgrades from free cash
💬 Discussed
Resident David Lurie raised that maturing TIFs (tax increment financing agreements) generate new growth revenue and urged the committee to explore using that revenue to ease the property tax burden.
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 9:10 PM.
March 4, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine opening.
💬 Discussed
Update on the Collins Center (UMass Boston municipal-finance consulting arm) report — no details given.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on the FY2027 town operating budget covering eight departments including DPW, waste disposal, and parks — amounts not listed in agenda.
💰 Dollar amounts not specified
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on the FY2027 self-funded budget for Cedar Hill cemetery; enterprise fund (self-supporting, fee-funded) details not listed.
💰 Dollar amounts not specified
📍 Cedar Hill
📋 Proposed
Proposed FY25 budget amendment to cover snow/ice overruns — a common mid-year fix when winter costs exceed appropriations.
💰 Amount not specified
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on capital spending for DPW, Facilities, and IT infrastructure — specific projects and dollar amounts not listed.
💰 Dollar amounts not specified
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on capital improvements at Cedar Hill; details not listed in agenda.
💰 Dollar amounts not specified
📍 Cedar Hill
📋 Proposed
All open public hearings to be continued to the next night.
• Status unclear
Meeting adjourns.
February 26, 2026 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Meeting called to order 7:17 PM; public forum rescheduled to March 4, 2026; Collins Report review deferred until after budget season.
📍 10 Pearl Street, Town Hall
✅ Approved
Committee voted 13-0 to open public hearings for both the Annual Town Meeting and Special Town Meeting, both scheduled May 4, 2026.
💬 Discussed
Property tax revenue rises from $86,592,000 (FY26) to $91,882,000 (FY27); FY27 total tax levy projected at $96,750,035, boosted partly by new building permit growth.
💰 FY27 levy projected at $96,750,035
💬 Discussed
Excluded debt covers three major projects; $139,000 authorized but unissued; $3.3M in high school account to be transferred to new elementary school funds.
💰 $139,000 unissued authorized debt; $3.3M transfer to elementary school
💬 Discussed
State aid (Cherry Sheet) not finalized until August; SOA school funding is set to expire June 2027, which may affect future school budgets.
💬 Discussed
Current free cash stands at $10,661,000.
💰 $10,661,000 in free cash
💬 Discussed
Financial Director Elizabeth Zaleski retires end of March 2026; Heidi Chuklan hired as her replacement.
💬 Discussed
Assessors budget decreases by $14,750 despite salary increases; in-house GIS mapping eliminated a Maps and Charts vendor line.
💰 -$14,750 net budget reduction
💬 Discussed
Treasurer/Collector budget up 1.29% for salary adjustments; FTE count unchanged.
💰 +1.29% budget increase
💬 Discussed
Town would opt in to a state option allowing it to skip mailing quarterly tax bills when the amount owed is under $100, saving postage costs.
💰 Saves mailing costs; residents owing <$100/quarter would not receive a bill
💬 Discussed
Would allow the town to pursue business debts older than 12 months, extending beyond the current one-year collection limit.
💬 Discussed
Would allow the town to diversify trust fund investments beyond current restrictions; investment advisor is Bartholomew and Company.
💰 Investment returns recorded under Interest Revenue
💬 Discussed
Finance Committee budget covers education, recording secretary, advertising, warrant printing, and reserve fund; a reserve draw for the February 17 special election is anticipated.
💰 $500 in awards line; reserve fund draw for Feb. 17 special election pending
💬 Discussed
Incoming Town Accountant (replacing Zaleski) will be paid $185,000 for the first six months, rising to $190,000; salary increase reflects market-rate correction after years of underpayment.
💰 $185,000 rising to $190,000 annually
💬 Discussed
Debt retirement budget covers excluded long-term debt for fire station and schools; school principal reduced $65,000; interest up $11,000; town draws down $5.6M to finalize fire station this fiscal year.
💰 School debt principal -$65,000; interest +$11,000; BAN interest $9,000 (town) + $12,000 (school); $5.6M fire station draw-down
💬 Discussed
State assessments increase by $80,000 for FY27, covering teachers' retirement, special education, charter school assessments, school choice transportation, and mosquito control.
💰 +$80,000 increase in state assessments
💬 Discussed
Automobile comprehensive insurance increased 10% on advisor recommendation.
💰 Auto insurance +10%
💬 Discussed
Retirement contribution amount is finalized based on October 2025 notice; covers all town employees including paralegals, custodians, and cafeteria workers.
💬 Discussed
Standard annual reauthorization; increase requested to expand Recreation Department program offerings.
💬 Discussed
Extensions requested for five projects: Park Street (to 2026), Sewer I&I (2028), Sewer Pump Stations (2028), Water Main Replacements (2028), and Intersection at Tosca/Canton/Central Streets (2028).
📍 Park Street; Tosca, Canton & Central Street intersection
💬 Discussed
No unpaid bills at this time; article may be withdrawn at May 4 Special Town Meeting.
💬 Discussed
No unauthorized unissued borrowing to rescind at this time; may be revisited in the fall.
✅ Approved
Both Annual and Special Town Meeting public hearings continued unanimously to Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 7:00 PM.
February 26, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Routine opening of the meeting.
📋 Proposed
Town revenue outlook presented to inform FY2027 budget deliberations.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on the full FY2027 town operating budget covering general government, debt retirement, state assessments, townwide insurance, and retirement contributions.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on funding the cable public access enterprise account for FY2027.
📋 Proposed
Re-authorizes existing town revolving funds (self-funded accounts tied to specific programs) for another year.
📋 Proposed
Agenda lists a sunset clause article; the specific bylaw or program it applies to is not identified in this document.
📋 Proposed
Would adopt a state law provision changing how property tax bills are issued to taxpayers.
📋 Proposed
Would adopt state law requiring delinquent property taxes be cleared before the town issues permits or licenses.
📋 Proposed
Would authorize the town treasurer to invest trust funds under a broader set of allowable state investment options.
📋 Proposed
Appropriates funds to settle town bills carried over from a prior fiscal year.
📋 Proposed
Cancels previously approved but never-issued borrowing authorizations that are no longer needed.
📋 Proposed
Motion to carry all open public hearings forward to Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
📋 Proposed
Routine adjournment.
February 25, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine opening.
📋 Proposed
Vote to approve prior meeting minutes.
📋 Proposed
Discussion and possible vote on draft financial policies developed with the Collins Center (a municipal finance consulting group).
📋 Proposed
Formal public hearings opening at 7:30 PM on multiple Articles headed to the May 4, 2026 Town Meeting; residents may comment.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on the FY2027 operating budgets for both the Sewer and Water Departments, which directly set the basis for utility rates.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on the FY2027 Sewer Enterprise Account (dedicated sewer fund).
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on the FY2027 Water Enterprise Account (dedicated water fund).
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on replacing the Washington Street sewer main and decommissioning Sumner Ridge pump station.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on capital spending for the Sewer Department; dollar amount not specified in agenda.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on capital spending for the Water Department; dollar amount not specified in agenda.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on establishing a dedicated reserve fund for water capital projects.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on establishing a dedicated reserve fund for sewer capital projects.
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on additional sewer capital spending via the Special Town Meeting; dollar amount not specified.
📋 Proposed
Motion to carry all open public hearings over to the next night.
• Status unclear
Meeting adjournment.