Stoughton officials are pivoting toward the Armory as the future home of the Police Department, citing a staggering $55 million estimate to renovate the current station. During Wednesday’s Finance Committee meeting, Town Manager Thomas Calter warned that the town’s fiscal health depends on finding more affordable infrastructure solutions. We cannot afford a $55 million building, Calter stated, noting that the town must preserve its debt capacity for future school projects like the South School. Member Mark Struck detailed the logistical failures of the current site, explaining that even a $45 million new build at the existing location would yield only 55 parking spaces when 75 are required. It’s too tight, Struck added.

The potential move sparked historical and environmental questions from the committee. Arnie Feinberg asked for clarification on why the town is reconsidering a site it previously passed over. What’s changed in 27 years since we last said no to the Armory? Feinberg asked. Struck replied that the prohibitive costs of current alternatives have forced the issue. Laura Gunn expressed concern regarding the stability of the Turnpike Street area, asking if it remained a sinking area due to peat deposits. Struck noted that while the road was built on peat, he is 99% sure there is no peat under the building site, though borings will be required.

The committee began the evening by formalizing the legislative season. Motion Made by M. Struck to open the public hearings for the May 4th Annual Town Meeting and the May 4th Special Town Meeting. Motion Passed (Unanimous). Following this, Fire Chief Michael Carroll presented a budget bolstered by $2.8 million in annual ambulance revenue. Joel Wolk scrutinized the admin service expenses, stating I’m hoping we’re going to collect more than we spend to get it. Chief Carroll credited the department’s transition to a new headquarters at 30 Freeman Street for boosting morale, though Heidi Tucker questioned the department’s reliance on overtime. Is there a way we can hire more people so that overtime number gets lower? Tucker asked. Carroll pointed to civil service obstacles, noting three current vacancies and the challenge of training 10 probationary firefighters.

A significant shift in Stoughton’s public health strategy was also unveiled following the recent dissolution of the VNA enterprise fund. The new model, which moves health services under the Fire Department, will feature three senior nurses and a wellness coordinator. Public Health Nurse Janet explained the transition allows staff to focus on prevention and education rather than billing. Our bandwidth was previously spent trying to compete with home care agencies, she noted. However, Johna Rosenblatt voiced strong opposition to the tax-funded wellness position, arguing that many residents already have insurance that covers such services. This is a burden to taxpayers. I think we should not approve this, Rosenblatt said. Chair Carolyn Campbell defended the transition, clarifying that the wellness coordinator is distinct from grant-funded social workers. All questions go through me as the Chair. I am explaining for the public why there is a difference, Campbell noted when Gunn requested to speak directly to department heads.

Capital requests for the Fire Department included $1,230,000 for a new Pierce pumper to replace a 2004 engine that Assistant Chief Manker said is in the shop regularly. Ian Turlin advocated for a more strategic use of town funds for such large purchases. I feel like we’re not leveraging the stabilization fund enough. This is exactly what it’s for, Turlin remarked. Chief Carroll also requested 66 sets of PFAS-free turnout gear to protect members from occupational cancer and avoid looming price spikes. Resident Natasha asked about budget variances and software costs, to which Carroll clarified that new annual software is required for federal reporting mandates.

Police Chief Donna McNamara outlined a budget shaped by 14 new hires in a single year and contractual increases. The committee also debated a $265,000 request for new cruisers and technology, including drones and FLOC license plate software. Becca Markson raised privacy concerns regarding the technology, asking For the FLOC software, there are data security issues. How long is data stored? Calter replied that a strict 30-day purge policy is in place unless data is needed for a specific investigation. Resident Cynthia Walsh praised the first responders' professionalism and asked if the new drones would include thermal sensors to find missing children. Calter confirmed they would, noting their value for locating folks on the non-verbal spectrum who wander out.

As the meeting approached its conclusion, members moved to continue the heavy workload to the following night. Motion Made by M. Struck to continue the public hearings for the annual and special town meetings to March 12th at 7:00 PM. Motion Passed (Unanimous). Members Lauren Morris and John Walsh were also in attendance for the proceedings.