Stoughton Town Meeting representatives narrowly rejected a proposed shift to the Specialized Energy Code on Tuesday night, choosing to forgo a $1.1 million state grant amid concerns over grid stability and construction costs. The 53-60-1 defeat of Article 35 highlighted the third night of the Annual Town Meeting, which otherwise saw the approval of over $14 million in water, sewer, and public safety investments.

The energy debate pitted environmental goals against practical infrastructure fears. Dave Billow, chair of the Energy and Sustainability Committee, argued the code would only affect new construction and make the town eligible for significant state funding. Adopting this makes us eligible for a $1.1 million grant, Billow said, adding that the rules would result in better buildings and lower emissions. A committee member identified as Nathan explained the code required pre-wiring for electrification and solar requirements for fossil-fuel homes. However, opponents like resident Ben Coray expressed alarm regarding the capacity of the local electrical grid. I’m a veteran of the power industry. This could pose a systemic risk to the stability of the grid, Coray warned. Richard Terry also voiced concerns about the timeline for developers, stating, This gives people only seven months to refigure their plans. While Noah Bete Haron argued that electrifying homes reduces emissions even if the grid stays the same, and Rachel Lazarus noted that solar energy is getting cheaper while gas is getting more expensive, a majority of representatives ultimately voted against the measure. Motion Made by D. Billow to adopt the Specialized Energy Code Failed (53-60-1).

While the energy code faltered, major investments in the town's water system moved forward. Town Meeting approved $7.46 million for water infrastructure, including $4.56 million for the rehabilitation of the Forest and Oakland Street water tanks and $2.9 million for a new treatment facility to manage PFAS levels. Water Service Superintendent Keith Nastasia explained that the tank costs had risen due to federal requirements. The price has been increasing due to 'Build America, Buy American' requirements, Nastasia said. Regarding the PFAS facility, he noted that current levels fluctuate around the limit of 20, and new EPA guidelines will lower those standards further. Motion Made by J. McCriskey to approve Water Tank Rehab for $4,560,000 Passed (108-11-1). A subsequent Motion Made by J. McCriskey to approve the PFAS Building for $2,900,000 Passed (108-11-1).

The town also committed $2.4 million to expand the sewer system along Washington Street and decommission the aging Sumner Ridge Pump Station. The project required a procedural correction after an initial motion was found to be technically incorrect. Keith Nastasia noted the pump station was beyond its useful life. Motion Made by J. McCriskey to appropriate $2,400,000 for the Washington Street sewer project Passed (98-11-2). A related article regarding the Inflow and Infiltration program was delayed. Motion Made by G. Stolinski to lay Article 18 on the table until Wednesday Passed.

Public safety and schools also secured funding, though the source of the funds sparked some discussion. Town Meeting authorized the $1.23 million purchase of a new fire engine using free cash. The Fire Chief told the assembly that Engine 3, a 2007 model with nearly 300,000 miles, needed immediate replacement, noting the department had recently been forced to borrow an engine from Hyannis. Resident Pat Colburn questioned the use of free cash alongside a separate stabilization fund, but Finance Director Elizabeth Seleski clarified that the town is strategically using cash to avoid borrowing costs. We committed to funding that with free cash over two years so we don't have to borrow, Seleski said. Motion Made by J. McCriskey to purchase the fire engine for $1,230,000 Passed (108-11-0).

School Superintendent Joseph Baeta presented capital requests for door replacements at O’Donnell Middle School and new smart panels for elementary classrooms. Baeta noted that Item 3 of the school article was withdrawn because the district received a $2.6 million grant, covering half of the cost for the Wilkins project. We need to keep that building moving until a decision is made on a new school, Baeta said of the O’Donnell Middle School. Motion Made by J. Baeta to approve Article 21, Items 1 and 2 Passed (104-15-3).

Financial management was a recurring theme as Treasurer Collector Paula Nute successfully moved three articles aimed at administrative efficiency and better returns. The town will now consolidate tax bill mailings for bills under $100 and adopted the Prudent Investor Rule for trust funds, allowing for a broader range of investment options. Nute stated the investment change allows for a broader legal list for cemetery and library funds. Though resident Molly Cochran expressed concern that we need a presentation to really understand this, Town Manager Thomas J. Calter assured the body that everything will still be insured; it just widens our ability to gain interest. Motion Made by P. Nute to adopt MGL Chapter 44, Section 54B Passed (87-27-5). Motion Made by P. Nute to consolidate tax bill mailings Passed (111-6-1).

Finally, the town tightened its bylaws regarding unpaid taxes and permit denials. Assistant Town Manager Mark Tisdell explained that the changes would allow the town to issue fees as a lien on tax bills, avoiding expensive court proceedings for zoning and permitting violations. Our last resort is fining people. We try to work with them first through 'nice letters' and site visits, Tisdell said. Motion Made by J. McCriskey to amend the General Bylaws regarding licenses and permits Passed. In a brief zoning matter, Town Planner Bill Roth secured a map cleanup to fix split-zoned properties. Motion Made by R. Terry to amend the zoning map Passed.