Stoughton residents who have yet to upgrade their water meters face a new financial incentive to comply with town mandates. During a marathon Finance Committee meeting, Water and Sewer Superintendent Keith Silva revealed that while the town is nearing the completion of its replacement project, approximately 100 residential meters remain outstanding. Silva detailed a new enforcement strategy to close the gap, stating, We've put in new policies for enforcement. If you do not comply by April, there will be a $250 assessment added onto the bill each quarter.

The push for compliance comes as officials look to tighten the town’s fiscal belt and modernize infrastructure. Member Mark Struck voiced concerns over the delay, asking, On the water meter replacements, are we fully replaced? What is the enforcement so we can get these done? We're potentially losing a lot of money. Beyond the meter program, the committee reviewed a massive $7.46 million request under Article 19 for water department capital, which includes $4.56 million for maintenance on the Forest and Oakland Street water tanks and $2.9 million for PFAS upgrades at the Goddard Well. Silva noted that the Muddy Pond GAC filter plant is nearly finished and should be online within two weeks to address water quality concerns.

The committee also tackled a proposed $2.4 million expansion of the Washington Street sewer system. The project aims to decommission the Sumner Ridge pump station, which Silva described as being well beyond its useful life. He explained that expanding the sewer to the Kelsey station is more cost-effective than replacing the aging station. Member Joel Wolk questioned the financial safety net for the project, asking, Is there a level of contingency in there just in case? Vice Chair Becca Markson inquired if recent residential developments, such as those near Zachary’s, necessitated the move, but Struck clarified that the town had proactively worked with developers to upsize the Kelsey station for this exact purpose. To further modernize the fleet, Silva requested $450,000 for a new sewer camera truck, noting the current vehicle is in such poor condition that we had to have a mechanic walk alongside it to keep it running.

Motion Made by J. Wolk to open the public hearing for the special town meeting on May 4th. Motion Passed (Unanimous).

Operating budgets for the Planning and Development Services departments were also scrutinized. Planning Director Bill Roth presented a budget with a modest 1.49% increase, highlighting that subdivision regulations have not been updated since the early 1990s. Member Heidi Tucker questioned an expense for clothing, to which Roth replied, That's for me because I go out for inspections... so people recognize town staff when we knock on doors. Member Ian Turlin raised concerns about telephone expenses, noting a lot of variability and questioning why they weren't part of a centralized town plan. Member Arnie Feinberg sought further detail on how consulting fees were utilized for grant matches and technical assistance.

Within Development Services, Struck highlighted the success of the "PermitEyes" electronic system, which generated $1.26 million in revenue in 2025. The Building Department budget rose 4.37%, largely due to a contractual buyout for the Building Commissioner. In the Engineering budget, a shift in salary for the GIS coordinator drew questions from members. In fiscal year 2027, the FTE is 0.80. Are you here part-time? Feinberg asked. Struck explained the coordinator's time is now split with the Water and Sewer Department to better reflect his work on pipe inspections.

The Board of Health budget saw a nearly 4% increase, driven partly by a 22% spike in expenses for needle pickups. Struck attributed this to the rising use of medications in needle form, such as weight-loss drugs. Resident Lisa Lyons asked for clarification on the distinction between the elected board and department staff. Member Dawn Dino advised the public on safe disposal, noting, At the police station, there is a container for needles. You have to put them in a sturdy container like a laundry detergent bottle, duct tape it, and write 'used needles' on it.

Financial strategy remained a central theme as Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Heidi Perkins proposed creating special stabilization funds for the water and sewer enterprise accounts. Perkins argued these funds, built from retained earnings, would improve the town’s bond rating and allow for equipment purchases without depleting operational reserves. Rating agencies look to see how much money we are saving. This is good financial management, Perkins said. Struck cautioned that the town must ensure it isn't price gouging residents to build these reserves, though Perkins countered that the town only charges what is strictly required by the budget. Member Benjamin Carre questioned the 7% increase in some salary lines, which staff attributed to the reorganization of pump station operators and collective bargaining agreements.

Other infrastructure discussions included a proposed roundabout at the intersection of Turnpike and Park Street. Craig Horsfall, Assistant Director of Development Services, explained that MassDOT now prefers roundabouts over signalized intersections. While the town must pay for the design, the $6 million to $7 million construction cost would be covered by the state. Tucker voiced concerns over property impacts near the health center and trucking sites, though Horsfall indicated that the existing right-of-way should minimize the need for land takings.

The committee also briefly reviewed the annual management of invasive species in five town ponds. Struck noted the importance of the $40,000 to $60,000 annual treatment, explaining that invasive species take up oxygen and that sonar treatments allow fish to flourish. Following a request from the Chair, the committee moved to keep the public hearings active for further deliberation.

Motion Made by I. Turlin to continue the public hearings on the annual town meeting and the special town meeting to Wednesday, March 11th. Motion Passed (Unanimous).