In a move that will save the town tens of millions in interest while increasing the short-term tax burden on residents, the Stoughton Select Board voted Tuesday night to pursue a 20-year repayment plan for the new elementary school project. Finance Director Elizabeth Zaleski presented three borrowing models for the debt exclusion, noting that while a 30-year note would cost $120.6 million in total, a 20-year note at 4% interest would drop the total cost to $96.2 million. Zaleski reported that the Finance Committee had already voted 8-0 in favor of the shorter term, stating, the 20-year note is $96,267,572.

The decision sparked debate over the financial pressure placed on local taxpayers. Member Scott Carrara, who cast the lone dissenting vote, argued that residents had expected the borrowing to be spread over 30 years to minimize the annual impact. I asked for something to be looked at to give the residents a break instead of a 100% noose around their neck, Carrara said, questioning why the town and school budgets couldn't absorb a portion of the costs. Chair Stephen Cavey countered that the funding structure was already decided by the public. Ultimately, they decided they wanted 100% of a debt exclusion, Cavey said. Everyone had a say in this. He emphasized that the move to a 20-year term represents a 44% increase in savings regarding interest. Vice Chair Debra Roberts supported the shorter term but inquired about flexibility, asking, Once we sign off on the note, is there no advance payment? Zaleski clarified that while advance payments are limited, existing funds and an estimated $2.3 million to $2.5 million from the final MSBA payment for the high school will be applied to reduce the total borrowing. Motion Made by D. Roberts to authorize the Treasurer to enter into the 20-year repayment plan at 4% interest. Motion Passed (4-1).

Turning to downtown safety, the Board held a public hearing regarding the former theater at 797 Washington Street, ultimately declaring it a nuisance and ordering its demolition. Assistant Town Manager Mark Tisdell described the property as a severe fire hazard due to illegal warehouse storage creating a high fire load in the town center. Reading from a report by Building Commissioner Jack Erickson, Cavey noted the building has been deemed dangerous to life or limb and especially unsafe in the event of fire. The property owner, Ver DeCostas, failed to appear at the hearing.

Resident Mrs. Walsh urged the Board to take action, recalling the history of the site and the risks to first responders. Bad things happen when dangerous buildings are ignored, she warned. Resident Peter Ventresco noted the brickwork was deteriorating 15 years ago, while Justine Penny asked how the town would recoup the costs. Zaleski explained that a lien would be placed on the property at 8% interest if the owner does not pay for the demolition. Member Joseph Mokrisky emphasized the urgency, noting, The building has been deteriorating every year. It's been deemed to be unsafe, a fire hazard, a danger to our public safety officials. While Member Louis Gitto initially questioned if the town should rely on year-old photos, he ultimately supported the order. Motion Made by J. Mokrisky to move forward with the order that the building at 797 Washington Street be raised. Motion Passed (5-0).

The Board also finalized the warrant for the Special Town Meeting scheduled for October 27, 2025. Member Carrara proposed a non-binding resolution for an underride to reduce property taxes using excess capacity, but the motion failed for lack of a second. Cavey cited Department of Revenue guidance stating that an underride results in a permanent decrease in the taxing authority. Carrara disputed this, stating, I was never told that it was permanent. Additionally, Member Gitto withdrew a proposed Senior Center study after learning the Council on Aging preferred a gazebo over a building addition. Given the fact that the director of the program says that there's no space needed... I respectfully withdraw that article, Gitto said. Motion Made by L. Gitto to close the warrant for the Special Town Meeting. Motion Passed (5-0).

Earlier in the session, the Board approved a $1.5 million interest-free bond from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority for water main improvements. Zaleski described the 10-year loan as a general obligation bond previously approved by Town Meeting. Motion Made by D. Roberts to approve and adopt the votes of the board for the issuance of the bond to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. Motion Passed (3-0).