Town Meeting Results 2026
Key Documents
- 2026-05-02 Annual Town Meeting Warrant PDF (Final)
- 2026-05-02 Annual Town Meeting Warrant & Motions Document (PDF)
- 2026-05-02 Consent Agenda PDF
- Presentations & Handouts for Annual Town Meeting (Google Folder)
- Appropriation Committee Report & Recommendations for 2026 Annual Town Meeting (PDF)
- 2025 Annual Town Report (PDF)
Video
Day 1 – Saturday May 2, 2026
Reports
ARTICLE 1: Acceptance of Town Reports. PASSED by Voice Vote
FINANCIAL – FISCAL YEAR 2025
ARTICLE 2: FY 2026 Supplemental Appropriations and Transfers. (Consent Agenda) PASSED by Voice Vote
We move that the Town vote to transfer the sum of $1,150,000 from Certified Free Cash to supplement the FY2026 Snow and Ice Control Operating Budget; $125,000 from Sewer Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings to supplement the FY2026 Sewer Enterprise Fund Operating Budget; and $250,000 from Water Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings to supplement the FY2026 Water Enterprise Fund Operating Budget.
ARTICLE 3: Unpaid Bills from Prior Fiscal Years. PASSED by Voice Vote
We move that the Town vote to transfer from Sewer Retained Earnings the sum of $8,750.58 for the following bill incurred in a previous year, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, Section 64 of the Massachusetts General Laws, as follows:
| Department | Vendor | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Sewer | Whitewater | $8,750.58 |
FINANCIAL – FISCAL YEAR 2027
ARTICLE 4: Rescind Authorized but Unissued Debt. (Consent Agenda) NO ACTION Passed by Voice Vote
ARTICLE 5: Set the Salary of Elected Officials. (Consent Agenda) PASSED by Voice Vote
We move that the Town vote to fix the salary of the elected Town Clerk for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2026, at $94,000.
ARTICLE 6: FY 2027 Operating Budget. PASSED by Voice Vote
We move that the Town vote to appropriate:
- $ 132,319,571 to the General Fund; and
- $ 362,171 to the Community Preservation Fund; and
- $ 2,768,832 to the Sewer Enterprise Fund; and
- $ 2,968,089 to the Water Enterprise Fund; and
- $ 68,000 to the Economic Development Special Revenue Fund
for a total of $138,486,663 for the Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget of the Town, in the amounts set forth and purposes itemized and described in the Appropriation Committee Report with Recommendations Approved April 14, 2026 the table titled “Line Item Departmental Budgets”, in the column titled “Appropriation Committee Recommend”, said sums to be spent under the direction of the respective Town officers, Boards, and Committees…
ARTICLE 7: FY 2027 Revolving Funds Spending Limits. (Consent Agenda) PASSED by Voice Vote
ARTICLE 8: PEG Access and Cable Related Funding. (Consent Agenda) PASSED by Voice Vote
We move that the Town vote to transfer $154,027.86 from the PEG Access and Cable Related Fund Revolving Account and $242,968.14 from Certified Free Cash for the purposes specified in Article 8 of the Warrant.
ARTICLE 9: Transfer to Other Post-Employment Benefits Liability Trust Fund. (Consent Agenda) PASSED by Voice Vote
We move that the Town vote to appropriate $896,888 from Certified Free Cash to be credited to the Other Post-Employment Benefits Liability Trust Fund.
ARTICLE 10: Transfer to the General Stabilization Fund. (Consent Agenda) PASSED by Voice Vote
ARTICLE 11: Transfer to the Capital Expense Stabilization Fund. (Consent Agenda) NO ACTION Passed by Voice Vote
ARTICLE 12: PILOT Agreement, Frankland Road Solar Farm. PASSED by Voice Vote
CAPITAL EXPENSES AND PROJECTS
ARTICLE 13: Capital Improvements
- Motion 1: We move that the Town vote to appropriate $2,000,000 from Certified Free Cash for the purchase of land at 280 Cedar Street (Parcel R4-17-0) including, but not limited to, any and all costs, fees, and expenses related to legal, engineering, remediation, and demolition; said sum to be spent under the direction of the Town Manager. PASSED by Voice Vote
- Motion 2: We move that the Town vote to transfer from Certified Free Cash $8,149,356.59, from Ambulance Receipts Reserved $215,681, and appropriate from previously approved but unexpended capital projects $84,029.41 as specified in the table below titled Re-Appropriation of Surplus Capital to supplement costs for the following capital purchases and projects, to be expended in the specified amounts and under the specified direction as set forth in the table below, and, further, that where such an expenditure contemplates the replacement of aging vehicles or equipment, Town officials shall, as they deem in the Town’s best interests and subject to their discretion, endeavor to dispose of any vehicles or equipment to be replaced in a manner that offsets the replacement costs, in accordance with applicable law and policy. PASSED by Voice Vote
| Item | Purchase or Product | Department |
| 1 | Land Purchase at 280 Cedar Street | Town Manager |
| 2 | End User Computer Hardware Refresh | Information Technology |
| 3 | Core Server & Data Center Upgrades | Information Technology |
| 4 | Electronic Voting Machines | Town Clerk |
| 5 | Police Vehicle Replacements: 3 Patrol Cruisers | Police |
| 6 | Taser Upgrades (Five Year Plan) | Police |
| 7 | Fire Vehicle Replacements: 2 SUV or Command Vehicles | Fire |
| 8 | Replace Cardiac Monitors | Fire |
| 9 | Student Services Van | School |
| 10 | School Technology Upgrades and Replacements | School |
| 11 | Classroom Equipment | School |
| 12 | Senior Center – Miscellaneous Exterior Repairs & Install Gutter Guards | Facilities |
| 13 | Police Station HVAC Improvements | Facilities |
| 14 | Fruit Street Garage (Assessment & Design) | Facilities |
| 15 | Senior Center HVAC (Assessment & Design) | Facilities |
| 16 | Facilities Vehicle Replacements: Pickup & SUV | Facilities |
| 17 | Equipment Replacements at Senior Center | Facilities |
| 18 | Town Hall Existing Ductless Mini Split System Replacements | Facilities |
| 19 | Town Hall Heating Assessment | Facilities |
| 20 | Elmwood School Reuse Study | Facilities |
| 21 | DPW Vehicle Replacement: F-550 Dump Truck (S-12) | Public Works |
| 22 | Grove Street Drainage Repairs and Sidewalk (Design, Permitting & Construction) | Public Works |
| 23 | Roadway Repaving: Briarcliff Dr. Area | Public Works |
| 24 | Pavement Management Plan Update | Public Works |
| 25 | Vehicle Undercarriage Pressure Washer | Public Works |
| 26 | Grist Mill Dam (North Mill St) Rehabilitation | Public Works |
| 27 | NPDES MS4 Stormwater Catchment Investigations | Public Works |
| 28 | Roadway Improvement Woody Island and Twin Island (Survey & Conceptual Plan) | Public Works |
| 29 | Lake Whitehall Quality Improvements | Public Works |
| 30 | Senior Center Carpet Replacement | Senior Center |
| 31 | Senior Center Dining Facility Exit Door | Senior Center |
| 32 | Fencing at Sandy Beach | Parks & Recreation |
ARTICLE 14: One-Time Expenditures. PASSED by Voice Vote
ARTICLE 15: Water Enterprise Capital Improvements
Motion 1: We move that the Town vote to transfer from Water Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings $738,368.70 (SEVEN HUNDRED THIRTY EIGHT THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED SIXTY EIGHT DOLLARS AND SEVENTY CENTS); and appropriate from previously approved but unexpended capital projects $11,631.30 (ELEVEN THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED THIRTY ONE DOLLARS AND THIRTY CENTS) as specified in the table below titled Re-Appropriation of Surplus Capital to supplement costs for the following capital purchases and projects, to be expended in the specified amounts and under the specified direction as set forth in the table below, and, further, that where such an expenditure contemplates the replacement of aging vehicles or equipment, Town officials shall, as they deem in the Town’s best interests and subject to their discretion, endeavor to dispose of any vehicles or equipment to be replaced in a manner that offsets the replacement costs, in accordance with applicable law and policy. PASSED by Voice Vote
Motion 2: We move that the Town vote to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Select Board, to borrow $12,305,000 (TWELVE MILLION THREE HUNDRED FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS) in accordance with Chapter 44, Section 8 of the Massachusetts General Laws, or any other enabling authority and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor; provided, however, that, while any bonds or notes issued in connection with such borrowing shall be general obligations of the Town, it is the intent of the Town that principal and interest payments on such bonds or notes be made from the Water Enterprise Fund; to be expended in the specified amounts and under the specified direction as set forth in the table below, and, further, that where such an expenditure contemplates the replacement of aging vehicles or equipment, Town officials shall, as they deem in the Town’s best interests and subject to their discretion, endeavor to dispose of any vehicles or equipment to be replaced in a manner that offsets the replacement costs, in accordance with applicable law and policy. PASSED by Voice Vote
| Item | Purchase or Product | Department |
| 1 | Rehabilitation of Well #1 | Public Works |
| 2 | Grove Street Tank (Construction) | Public Works |
| 3 | Water Main Replacement: East Main St. Area (Construction) | Public Works |
| 4 | Vehicle W9 Supplemental Expense | Public Works |
| 5 | Water Main Replacement: Briarcliff Dr. Area (Design, Permitting & Bid Support) | Public Works |
| 6 | Portable Generator | Public Works |
ARTICLE 16: Sewer Enterprise Capital Improvements. PASSED by Voice Vote
We move that the Town vote to transfer from Sewer Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings $820,000 (EIGHT HUNDRED TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS); to be expended in the specified amounts and under the specified direction as set forth in the table below, and, further, that where such an expenditure contemplates the replacement of aging vehicles or equipment, Town officials shall, as they deem in the Town’s best interests and subject to their discretion, endeavor to dispose of any vehicles or equipment to be replaced in a manner that offsets the replacement costs, in accordance with applicable law and policy:
| Item | Purchase or Product | Department |
| 1 | Sewer Meter Station Upgrade: Westborough Connection | Public Works |
| 2 | Fruit Street Waste Water Treatment Facility: Safety and Control Upgrades | Public Works |
| 3 | Sewer System Evaluation Survey: West Main St. Pump Station Tributary | Public Works |
ARTICLE 17: Costa Bros Masonry Litigation Settlement. Motion to authorize settlement as presented in the warrant in the amount of $30,000. PASSED by Voice Vote
ARTICLE 18: Authorization of Drainage Improvements for Hawthorne Lane Area.
Amendment to add: And to prioritize the assessment and funding of the project in FY2028. PASSED by Voice Vote
Vote on the Main Motion: VOTE: 152 YES. 23 NO.
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION FUNDS
ARTICLE 19: Community Preservation Funds. (Consent Agenda) PASSED by Voice Vote
ARTICLE 20: Community Preservation Recommendations
Motion to consider item E separately. PASSED by Voice Vote
Motion on Item E (Lighting at the Pickleball) Only: FAILED. Vote 81 YES. 85 No.
Motion #1 – Non-Land Purchase Articles (A,B,C,D,F,G): PASSED by Voice Vote.
Motion #2 – Land Purchase Articles (H-I): PASSED by Voice Vote
| Item | Project |
|---|---|
| A | Amend Uses of Cricket/Baseball Field Grant |
| B | Headstone Preservation at Town Cemeteries |
| C | Phase 1 of Rehabilitation of 11 Ash Street Building |
| D | Benches and Picnic Tables at Various Parks and Recreation Facilities |
| E | Lighting at the Pickleball/Tennis Court at Fruit Street Fields |
| F | Restoration of the Floor in the Library’s Ellsworth Conference Room |
| G | Restoration of the Limestone Entrance at Town Hall |
| H | Land Purchase: Winter Street, Assessors Map R16-20-0 |
| I | Land Purchase: 280 Cedar Street, Assessors Map R4-17-0 |
ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENTS
ARTICLE 21: Amend MBTA Communities Multi-Family Overlay District (MCMOD) Bylaw. PASSED by Voice Vote
ARTICLE 22: Fees-in-Lieu-of Affordable Housing Unit. PASSED. Yes 90. No 13.
GENERAL BYLAW AMENDMENTS
ARTICLE 23: Amend Fire Alarms Bylaw. PASSED by Voice Vote
ARTICLE 24: Amend Driveways Bylaw. PASSED. Yes 69. No 50.
ARTICLE 25: Expand Use of Police Revolving Fund. PASSED by Voice Vote
ARTICLE 26: Establish Revolving Fund for Municipal Aggregation Funds. PASSED by Voice Vote
ARTICLE 27: Establish Revolving Fund for Municipal Electric Vehicle Charging. PASSED by Voice Vote
ARTICLE 28: Adopt New Bylaw – Use of Trails and Shared Use Paths. PASSED. Yes 93. No 34.
ARTICLE 29: Require Civil Fingerprinting for Common Victualler Licensees. Motion for NO Action. PASSED. Yes 72. No 51.
LAND ACQUISITION AND DISPOSITION
ARTICLE 30: Authorize Lease of 148 Lumber Street. PASSED by Voice Vote
ARTICLE 31: Disposition of 0 Woody Island Road. PASSED by Voice Vote
ARTICLE 32: Acceptance of Whisper Way as a Public Way. PASSED by Voice Vote
ARTICLE 33: Acceptance of Linden Street as a Public Way. PASSED by Voice Vote
ARTICLE 34: Accept Easement at 64 Grove Street. PASSED by Voice Vote
ARTICLE 35: Grant Easement at 147 Hayden Rowe to 145 Hayden Rowe. PASSED by Voice Vote
ARTICLE 36: Grant Easement at 147 Hayden Rowe to Verizon. PASSED by Voice Vote
ARTICLE 37: Grant Easement at 147 Hayden Rowe to Eversource. PASSED by Voice Vote
ARTICLE 38: Acceptance of Auciello Drive and 0 Auciello Drive, Amendment of Chapter 174, Article VI,§ 174-22 (“Minor Repair”), Authorization of Limited Appropriation and Policy Direction Related to Private Ways.
Motion 1 (Petitioner): I move that the Town vote to accept Auciello Drive as a public way, as shown on the plan entitled “As Built Plan and Profile Auciello Oaks Drive, Hopkinton, Massachusetts,” dated January 28, 1998, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 82; and further to authorize the Select Board to accept by gift or acquire by purchase for nominal consideration the parcel known as 0 Auciello Drive (Assessors Map 37, Lot 47) for the purpose of establishing and maintaining said way as a public way, and further to authorize the Select Board to execute and record any deeds, easements, or other instruments necessary to effectuate the acceptance or acquisition, subject to approval of Town Counsel; and further that acceptance of Auciello Drive shall not require immediate reconstruction or upgrading to current Town standards unless deemed necessary by the Director of Public Works and approved by the Select Board or funded by Town Meeting. FAILED to get a 2/3rd majority. Yes 53. No 42.
QUORUM COUNT: 69 – No longer have quorum (131).
Motion 2 (Petitioner): I move that Chapter 174, Article VI, §174-22 of the General Bylaws be amended by striking the phrase “to a sum not to exceed $1,000 in total on any way in any one fiscal year” and replacing it with “to a sum not to exceed $10,000 in total on any way in any one fiscal year.
Motion 3 (Petitioner): I move that the Town appropriate funds from Free Cash to support a discretionary program for the evaluation and stabilization of private ways eligible for acceptance as public ways, under criteria established by the Town Manager and the Department of Public Works; and further to fund the purchase and installation of limited signage identifying private ways, as determined by the Department of Public Works, to improve public safety and reduce potential liability.
ADMINISTRATIVE
ARTICLE 39: Appoint Trustees of the School Fund. (Consent Agenda) PASSED by Voice Vote
Meeting dissolved at 1:47pm until Annual Town Election on Monday, May 18, 2026.