The Stoughton Select Board took decisive action Tuesday night to close out a long-running infrastructure project, authorizing a $250 quarterly penalty for property owners who continue to resist mandatory water meter replacements. With approximately 120 meters remaining to be upgraded across town, DPW Director Keith Nasman told the board that the new fee is necessary to finalize the project. Nasman noted that Member S. Carrara helped refine the policy language to ensure residents are given ample opportunity to schedule the work before the hammer falls.

Chairman S. Cavey shared his own experience with the replacement, encouraging holdouts to comply. I think I might have waited until I got the final notice... the people who did it were very fast, very efficient and great people. If anybody's holding out because they just think it's going to take a long time, it's over before you know it, Cavey said. Following the discussion, Motion Made by J. Mokrisky to approve the Water Department policy updates. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

The meeting also featured a significant presentation of the Fiscal Year 2027 municipal operating budget. Town Manager T. Calter submitted a $2.3 million municipal increase, which he described as very austere. Calter pushed back against what he termed misinformation regarding town spending, noting that the municipal government now operates with 23 fewer employees than it did three years ago. The board focused heavily on the procedural separation of the municipal and school budgets mandated by the Town Charter. S. Carrara expressed support for the lean municipal request, stating, I've looked at it, and there's not a lot to grind away at. He added that he was not prepared to support a budget with a school department paper hold slot, preferring to transmit only the town's side to the Finance Committee.

Vice Chair D. Roberts agreed with the strategy of moving the municipal figures forward independently. I just want to give some kind of logic to why I'm going down that path... maybe it would be helpful to FinCom to have it a little bit in advance, Roberts said. Member L. Gitto inquired if other communities had found alternative ways to synchronize the municipal and school budget timelines, but ultimately supported the procedural move. Motion Made by D. Roberts to transmit the municipal budget to the Finance Committee in compliance with the town charter. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

Budgetary concerns were also echoed by residents during the public comment period. Stoughton resident Lisa told the board that taxpayers are incensed by recent tax bills and criticized the board for a lack of policies to protect them against spending increases. Taxpayers are furious, and they are looking to this board to start using the revenue to protect them against these tax increases, she said. Conversely, Vice Chair Roberts shared that other officials across the state have been asking about Stoughton’s strong financial position during recent municipal conferences. What are Stoughton's best practices they asked me. I'm happy to share our success, Roberts said.

In other financial news, the board split on whether to call a Special Town Meeting for March 2. The proposed warrant includes a high-stakes transfer of $3.3 million in remaining high school project funds to the South School project to reduce borrowing costs, along with a $980,000 appropriation for exterior work at the community center. L. Gitto voiced the lone opposition, stating, I really don't [see the need for a special town meeting]... especially within the annual. Despite his concerns about urgency, Motion Made to open the warrant for the Special Town Meeting on March 2, 2026. Motion Passed (4-1-0), with Gitto dissenting.

A personal plea for financial relief came from Camila and Alan Valerio, new homeowners at 66 Charles Ave who discovered a massive irrigation leak shortly after moving in. Camila Valerio told the board the $2,500 repair and subsequent water bills were overwhelming. The remaining balance of the bill is still more than we are able to afford, she said. While board members expressed sympathy, they were wary of setting a precedent for private irrigation leaks. J. Mokrisky noted, Unfortunately you're responsible for the water on your property... we've never given an abatement for a sprinkler system. That's the risk you take. Chairman Cavey added that while he felt the pinch for the family, the town must cover its costs. Ultimately, the board opted for a middle ground by waiving fees and allowing a long-term payment plan. Motion Made by J. Mokrisky to authorize the Town Manager and staff to work out a reasonable payment plan with the residents. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

The board also finalized the purchase of 30 Porter Street, a project that will add 18 parking spaces next to Town Hall. Assistant Town Manager M. Tisdale thanked the seller for accepting a $250,000 offer despite having higher bids on the table. Motion Made to endorse the deed for 30 Porter Street. Motion Passed (5-0-0). Additionally, the board moved to delegate the drafting of a letter to Town Counsel regarding information availability, though L. Gitto cautioned that the board should not allow counsel to act without knowing what information was and was not available to us. Motion Made by S. Carrara to delegate the drafting of the letter to Town Counsel, subject to individual member review and a final Board vote on January 13th. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

The meeting closed with local highlights, including Cynthia Walsh's announcement of the town’s 300th birthday kickoff on January 10th at the high school. S. Carrara also took a moment to recognize two local officers. I'd like to say to the two officers who delivered the baby that we're proud of them... to Officer Guzman and Sergeant Medeiros, a big thank you from us, Carrara said. J. Mokrisky and M. Tisdale also discussed the need for more teeth in town bylaws to improve code enforcement, with Mokrisky advocating for at least a part-time staff addition in the next budget cycle.