The Stoughton Finance Committee scuttled a $150,000 proposal to restore a 19th-century fire engine Monday night, even as members advanced millions in water and sewer upgrades and green-lit a fresh search for an affordable police station. The decision to deny the historic funding highlighted a night of tension between preserving town heritage and managing a growing list of high-cost capital demands.

Joe McCriskey presented the request to use Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds to restore an 1853 hand tub fire engine that returned to Stoughton last year after a century-long absence. McCriskey framed the project as a way to connect people to the history of this town and serve as a memorial to fallen firefighters. While member Chet Collins admitted he had shifted his stance to support the project, noting we have to have things that are historical in town, other members remained skeptical of the long-term logistics. Johna Rosenblatt raised concerns regarding who would have access to the vehicle and who would ultimately maintain responsibility for it, asking, Can anyone else use it other than you? Arnie Feinberg pushed for more fiscal certainty before committing the funds, stating, What I'd like to see is a more firm quote on this so that we know what the actual cost is. Vice Chair Becca Markson clarified that Town Meeting would only be approving a ceiling for the project cost, but the committee ultimately turned the request down. Motion Made by A. Feinberg to recommend $150,000 from CPC Historic Resources. Motion Failed (4-6-3).

The committee showed more appetite for infrastructure and public safety projects, including a $400,000 design for a new roundabout at the Park and Turnpike Street intersection. Mark Tisdale warned the board that if the town halted design funding now, the project would be dead in the water within the Department of Transportation process, potentially losing $10 million in state construction funds. Motion Made by J. Wolk to recommend $400,000 for final design. Motion Passed (9-4-0). Joel Wolk argued in favor of the move, noting basically if something needs to be done, it should be done.

Public safety also took center stage as the committee endorsed a new feasibility study for the police station after a previous $50 million estimate proved too expensive. Town Manager Thomas J. Calter explained the town needs to explore more affordable options, specifically focusing on the Armory site on 3.65 acres. We know $50 million is not a number that this town can afford right now, Calter said. Benjamin Carre voiced concerns over the town’s existing financial obligations, noting, We currently have three active debt exclusions on the taxpayers of this town. Despite those concerns, Wolk advocated for the study to ensure the town builds a 21st-century police department that we can all rest assured with. Motion Made by J. Wolk to recommend the feasibility study. Motion Passed (10-2-0).

The committee also authorized the Police Department’s request for $60,000 for Flock Safety cameras and the replacement of aging cruisers. During a discussion on data privacy, the Deputy Police Chief assured the committee that everything is encrypted and stored securely through Amazon Web Services. Lauren Morris pressed for accountability, asking, How do we know if there's been unauthorized access to the system? The Police Chief also defended the need for three new cruisers, explaining that the vehicles take a lot of wear and tear running 24 hours a day. Motion Made by J. Wolk to recommend the article as a whole. Motion Passed (9-4-0).

Major borrowing was authorized for water and sewer projects, including $2.9 million to address PFAS contamination at the Goddard Well and $2.4 million for the Sumner Ridge pump station. Motion Made by J. Wolk to recommend borrowing $2,900,000 for Article 17. Motion Passed (13-0-0). Motion Made by J. Wolk to recommend borrowing $2,400,000 for Article 13. Motion Passed (12-1-0).

Town Manager Calter emphasized that the town’s aggressive move to bolster stabilization funds—including a $1 million deposit into general reserves—is essential for maintaining low interest rates as the town prepares for future borrowing. Mark Struck agreed, noting the town's balance sheet has been cleaned up completely after years where maintenance and capital investments were ignored. Motion Made by J. Wolk to create and deposit $750,000 into the Sewer Stabilization fund. Motion Passed (13-0-0). The committee will return Thursday night to finalize votes on the FY27 budget, which requires a quorum of nine members.