Stoughton municipal leaders are navigating a complex fiscal transition as the Finance Committee moves to finalize the warrants for the May 4th Annual and Special Town Meetings. Highlighting a session focused on departmental efficiency and labor contracts, Town Manager Tom Calter presented a lean 2.2 percent bottom-line budget increase for his office on Thursday, while the committee scrutinized a new multi-year union agreement and the final steps of the town’s separation from Stoughton Media Access Corporation (SMAC).

The committee examined Article 11, which details a collective bargaining agreement with the Stoughton Professional and Administrative Employee Association (SPAIA). The contract includes a 2.95 percent wage increase for Fiscal Year 2029 and formalizes the removal of the Town Accountant, Assistant Treasurer, and Cedar Hill Manager from the union. Calter explained that these positions don't belong in a union because of the confidential information they access, noting that the affected employees consented to the change. Member Mark Struck pointed out a procedural quirk in the upcoming Town Meeting warrant, observing that Article 11 is the agreement and Article 12 is the budget. In theory, we should be voting on the contract before the budget.

Tensions surfaced during the review of Article 9, which seeks to transfer $185,000 from the Cable Enterprise Fund’s retained earnings to cover transition costs as SMAC moves toward full independence. While Chair Carolyn Campbell noted that the horrible chapter of litigation is ending, Member Ian Turlin questioned the allocation of funds. I don't see salaries for the people who work for SMAC. I think it's a travesty that we're draining retained earnings while not paying the people who actually work for SMAC for something that seems fairly trivial, Turlin said. Steve Bates, representing SMAC, clarified that while the town owns the cameras inside Town Hall, all portable filming equipment is owned and maintained by SMAC.

The committee also dove into legal and consulting fees, specifically a $2,000 monthly retainer for human resources counsel. Member John Walsh characterized the expense as market-driven but high. I'd say it's a little on the rich side, but we get every penny out of these attorneys on a fixed price, Walsh remarked. In response to questions from Member Johna Rosenblatt regarding whether board members could contact the town’s attorneys directly, Chair Campbell maintained strict protocol. The only requirement is that you filter it through the Chair, Campbell said, adding that she would likely deny weak or irrelevant legal questions to control costs.

Public comment brought emotional testimony regarding town accessibility. Resident Cynthia Walsh criticized what she described as resistance to ADA improvements, such as the lack of railings on both sides of a library ramp. Every time I try to get small improvements, like a grab bar, it's 'you have to talk to this person.' It is unfair, Walsh said. Charlotte Mullen, Chair of the Disabilities Commission, noted the commission is working with the Town Manager on a $7,000 budget to address construction and accessibility needs this year. Calter pledged to address that before the next budget year.

The Veterans Services budget similarly drew community interest. Veterans Officer Natasha Johnson reported that nearly 50 percent of the town’s 984 veterans are currently receiving benefits. I've never really had to come to the town for benefits because we use Chapter 115, Johnson said, referencing the state’s primary funding mechanism for veterans. A resident from Precinct 2 asked about outreach for children of veterans navigating parental care, prompting Johnson to encourage direct contact for specialized research into those benefits.

Budgetary discussions for the Select Board were brief, though Vice Chair Becca Markson emphasized that the board receives no compensation. The Select Board are all volunteers, so there is no payment to them in the budget, Markson noted. Member Laura Gunn questioned how the Department of Public Works (DPW) handles cross-training for specialized roles like a town painter, while Member Joel Wolk offered a compliment to the Town Manager’s fiscal management, telling Calter, You're not getting paid nearly enough, so you're just a bargain.

The committee also addressed Article 3 and Article 5, described by Member Marty West as annual housekeeping items. West explained that Article 3 authorizes the town to accept any federal and state funding we qualify for, such as Chapter 90 road funds. To begin the formal deliberations for the spring cycle, the committee took procedural steps to initiate the hearing process.

Motion Made by J. Wolk to open the public hearings for the May 4th Annual Town Meeting and the May 4th Special Town Meeting. Motion Passed.

Motion Made by J. Wolk to continue the public hearing on the May 4th Annual Town Meeting and the May 4th Special Town Meeting to the date of Wednesday, March 18th, 2026 at 7:00 PM. Motion Passed.