WESTFORD — Residents and town officials are preparing for the annual town meeting, set for Saturday, March 28 at Westford Academy’s main gym on Patten Road.
Attendees will be asked to consider 22 articles covering a wide range of town business, including finances, capital improvements, and local bylaws.
One of the major focuses of will be the town’s financial plan; including more than $1.1 million in supplemental appropriations for the current fiscal year to cover expenses like snow and ice removal, waste disposal, and risk management.
Members will also vote on a proposed $143.8 million operating budget for fiscal year 2027, which funds town departments, schools, public safety, and public works.
Several capital projects are also on the agenda, including funding for technology upgrades across town and schools, replacement of public safety equipment, vehicle and machinery purchases, and improvements to town buildings and infrastructure.
One of the larger individual requests includes additional funding for a $2 million HVAC and energy improvement project at the Cameron Senior Center.
Environmental and infrastructure-related items will also be discussed, including funding for energy efficiency improvements, stormwater management projects and water system upgrades at treatment facilities.
Community Preservation Committee recommendations total nearly $4 million, with funding proposed for affordable housing initiatives, open space preservation, recreation projects, and historic restoration efforts, including work at town hall and historic buildings.
Town meeting attendees will also consider several policy changes, including a proposal to allow digital-only legal notices and a bylaw that would prohibit virtual currency kiosks, often known as cryptocurrency ATMs, within the town.
Finally, in one of the most closely watched articles, a citizen petition asks the town to rescind the Select Board’s decision to implement a Pay-As-You-Throw trash collection system, which has been the subject of ongoing debate among residents.
Town officials said the meeting will address a broad range of issues that could have both immediate and long-term impacts on the community.
Annual Town Meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m., but doors will open an hour before the start.
One Response
Can you clarify if the vote on PAYT is binding or non-binding? If non-binding and the town votes “yes” (to reverse the decision to adopt PAYT) what next actions have the relevant town bodies agreed to take?