The Stoughton Select Board navigated a complex financial landscape Tuesday night, securing over $1 million in interest savings through a major bond issuance while simultaneously bracing for a restrictive Fiscal Year 2027 budget cycle. Finance Director Paul Zelensky reported that the town successfully awarded $28,310,000 in 20-year general obligation bonds at a true interest cost of 3.561%. The ultimate savings in interest is $1,079,343 on our first borrowing of the $25 million, Zelensky noted, referencing the ongoing financing for the town’s elementary school project. This financial milestone follows the Board’s previous decision to utilize a 20-year repayment model specifically to minimize long-term interest burdens on taxpayers.

Despite the windfall in interest savings, Town Manager Thomas Coulter presented a sobering 18-point budget policy for Fiscal Year 2027, warning of a looming downturn in spending power. Coulter recommended a 2.9% growth cap for municipal departments and a 3.98% cap for schools, while holding union and non-union wage increases to a hard 2.5% limit. The headwinds for us in fiscal 27 are going to be very real, Coulter told the Board. A major pillar of this new fiscal strategy includes the town’s exit from the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) business. Stoughton plans to transition to a mobile integrated health model, moving away from a traditional business structure that no other area municipalities currently maintain. Coulter assured the Board that we will take care of Stoughton residents, even though we won't get paid for it, until they can be transitioned to private care companies.

Board members expressed various concerns regarding the fiscal outlook and public transparency. Member Louis Gitto emphasized the necessity of protecting vulnerable populations during the transition, stating, I know I sound like a broken record, but we have a lot of elderly people in this town who are going to need more services from the Council on Aging. We need to recognize that at a time when inflation is high. Meanwhile, Member Scott Carrara questioned the clarity of financial documentation provided to the Board, citing a recent 600-page document release related to fire department project expenditures. I think when you're keeping these kinds of records, even if the project was over, five pages could explain what was spent and why, Carrara said. Zelensky clarified that the massive packet was the result of a comprehensive Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for every purchase and change order, rather than a standard summary report.

Motion Made by D. Roberts to approve the vote of the board as prepared by bond counsel to formally award the $28,310,000 in bonds and notes to the lowest bidder. Motion Passed (5-0-0)

The Board also addressed the rebranding of town finances. Chair Stephen Cavey suggested changing the term Joint Costs to Unified Government Costs to better reflect that these accounts are managed and budgeted by the municipal side of the government. People misunderstand those accounts and think they are pulled together, Cavey explained. In procedural moves, the Board filled a vacancy in regional planning. Motion Made by S. Cavey to appoint Member Carrara as the town representative to the Old Colony Planning Council. Motion Passed (5-0-0)

Public hearings dominated the middle of the session, including a request from William Ferraro for an all-alcoholic beverage and amusement license for Key to Amaze VR on Wyman Street. While the Police Department raised concerns about limited on-site parking and security, Ferraro noted he has already installed 14 interior and 4 exterior 4K cameras following recent vandalism. Last Friday, one of my windows was smashed again, so I'm interested in figuring out who's doing this, Ferraro said, adding that he and his bar manager are already TIPS certified. Resident Cynthia Walsh suggested that the town should provide maps of Stoughton Square parking for new businesses to alleviate public concern. Chair Cavey echoed that sentiment, noting that parking is not necessarily part of a liquor license and that ample spaces exist in nearby MBTA and municipal lots.

The Board also reviewed a license transfer for Morton Street Convenience. Attorney Perlman, representing new owner Sawadi Patel, stated that Patel will not only uphold the statutory requirements but will be a good neighbor. Motion Made by S. Carrara to approve the transfer of the retail wine and malt beverage license to Morton Street Convenience, Inc. Motion Passed (5-0-0)

A tense moment occurred during a discussion regarding the reappointment of a town constable. Ulysses Silva, whose appointment expired in June, appeared before the Board to request a renewal. Member Joseph Mokrisky questioned why Silva was wearing a uniform during the meeting. The shirt that you're wearing now, is that a constable shirt? Why would you wear that? Mokrisky asked, pointing out that Silva currently holds no active authority. Silva, who noted he lost his previous job following a nightclub altercation that was eventually dismissed in court, stated I like to do everything 100% in my job. Town Manager Coulter apologized for the item being listed as a reappointment on the agenda when the expiration required a full new application. Silva was directed to reapply through the Town Manager’s office for a future hearing.