Stoughton residents who have not yet upgraded their water meters will soon face a significant financial penalty. The Select Board approved a new water department policy on Tuesday evening, establishing a $250 quarterly fee for roughly 120 homeowners and entities who have failed to schedule meter replacements. Keith Nasman of the Water Department described the move as a last-ditch effort to finalize a long-running modernization project. Any entity that does not schedule a meter replacement at the request of the department will be assessed $250 per billing quarter until the meter is replaced, Nasman explained. Chair Stephen Cavey supported the measure, noting his own experience with the process was painless. I have to say the people who did my replacement were very fast and efficient, Cavey said. If anyone is holding out because they think it takes a long time, it's over before you know it. Motion Made by J. Mokrisky to approve the water policy as presented. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

The board also took a major step in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget cycle, voting to transmit the municipal operating budget to the Finance Committee. Town Manager Thomas Calter emphasized that despite national inflationary pressures, the municipal side of the ledger remains under a 2.5% increase for the fourth consecutive year. I want to thank Gilda Pereira for her initiative in an independent audit that saved us $65,000, Calter said, highlighting administrative efforts to find efficiencies. However, the transmission was not without friction. Member Louis Gitto opposed the move, questioning whether the town should wait for more finalized data from the school department. Member Scott Carrara expressed frustration with the historical pattern of school budget requests, using the acronym CDM to describe them as Constantly Demanding More. Carrara noted, If we can get the municipal budget in the hands of FinCom now, it gives them more time. Motion Made by D. Roberts to approve and transmit the municipal budget (excluding the school budget) to the Finance Committee per Charter Section C3-3B. Motion Passed (4-1-0), with L. Gitto opposed.

Furthering the town's financial transparency, Finance Director Biz Deanna noted that the municipal budget includes $130,000 for consolidated fleet maintenance to improve DPW efficiency. The budget doesn't become real until FinCom votes it, Deanna reminded the board. During the discussion, Member Joseph Mokrisky advocated for increasing code enforcement resources to address repeat zoning offenders, suggesting the addition of a half-position. Assistant Town Manager Mark Tisdale agreed, noting that while staff is diligent, we have repeat offenders and no mechanism to enforce the third letter without going to court.

The board moved to open the warrant for a Special Town Meeting scheduled for March 2, 2026. This meeting will address three critical items: the dissolution of the VNA enterprise account to end a $400,000 annual subsidy, a CPC-recommended $980,000 for Community Center exterior work, and a $3.3 million transfer. The transfer would move surplus funds from the completed High School project to the ongoing South School project to reduce the town's borrowing requirements. Member Gitto cast the lone dissenting vote on the warrant, citing concerns over potential winter weather. I don't see the urgency for a special town meeting, Gitto said. My only concern is a snowstorm in early March. Motion Made by J. Mokrisky to open the warrant for the March 2, 2026 Special Town Meeting. Motion Passed (4-1-0), with L. Gitto opposed.

In a win for town hall logistics, the board endorsed the deed for 30 Porter Street, a property purchase that will add 18 parking spaces to the municipal complex. Mark Tisdale credited the property owner, Steve Anastas, for prioritizing the town's needs over more lucrative private offers. He had higher offers but agreed to the $250,000 because he knew how important it was for the project, Tisdale said. Motion Made by J. Mokrisky to endorse the deed for 30 Porter Street. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

A poignant abatement hearing for 66 Charles Avenue highlighted the complexities of water liability. Residents Camila and Alan Valerio sought relief after discovering a massive leak in an irrigation system they were unaware even existed upon purchasing their home. We did not know there was an irrigation line until the city notified us of a leak, Camila Valerio said, noting they paid $2,500 for professional repairs. Alan Valerio added, One of the valves just stayed open... water was flowing through without the controller actually opening it. While Vice Chair Debra Roberts questioned the liability of the previous owners and brokers, asking what did you know and when did you know it, the board was hesitant to grant a full abatement to avoid setting a precedent. Member Mokrisky warned that hundreds of people will come back if the board made an exception. Instead, the board directed the administration to create a manageable payment schedule. Motion Made by J. Mokrisky to authorize the Town Manager and Water Department to work out a payment schedule that does not create a hardship. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

Public sentiment during the meeting was mixed. Cynthia Walsh encouraged residents to attend the upcoming MLK event and 300th Anniversary celebration on January 10, noting, The MLK event starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. It's free and family-friendly. Conversely, an unidentified resident warned that taxpayers are getting incensed after receiving tax bills that some claimed had nearly doubled. Resident Mr. Betis shared concerns that Stoughton is shifting toward becoming an urban community, though he lauded the Youth Commission and Council on Aging as essential services. "This is the greatest community with all the services we have," Betis said.

The meeting concluded with a positive update on the Stoughton Media Access Corporation (SMAC) litigation. Chair Cavey reported that both parties are moving toward an amicable resolution, which is expected to result in a lawsuit dismissal and a contract extension later this month. Member Carrara also took a moment to recognize local heroism, stating, To Officer Guzman and Sergeant Medeiros, a big thank you from us for their role in delivering a baby recently.