Norton Finance Committee Scrutinizes Property Use and Senior Center Budget Amid Concerns

Overview: The Norton Finance Committee meeting on March 17 focused intensely on property use and the budget for the senior center, revealing concerns over financial management and the future of town services.

Milton Warrant Committee Tackles ADU Guidelines Amidst Broader Zoning Discussions

Overview: The recent Milton Warrant Committee meeting focused heavily on revising accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations while also addressing site plan approvals and potential changes in East Milton overlay zoning. The committee explored language clarifications, rental period restrictions, and enforcement issues to streamline processes ahead of the annual town meeting. Additionally, discussions highlighted the complexities of managing zoning changes within the context of community needs and regulatory mandates.

Chelmsford Library Faces Budget Constraints, Sunday Hours Cut Amid Community Demand

Overview: The Chelmsford Finance Committee meeting focused on pressing budgetary concerns, particularly the fiscal year 2026 budget for the town’s library and the implications of reducing its operational hours. Library Director Leslie Kimble presented the proposed budget, which constitutes about 2% of the town’s overall financial plan and includes a 3.8% increase due to rising utilities, inflation, and requirements to meet state aid eligibility criteria. A significant aspect of the discussion centered on the decision to remove Sunday hours from the library’s schedule, despite Sundays being one of the busiest days with an average of 65 patrons per hour. The removal, driven by staffing costs and budget constraints, raised concerns among committee members and highlighted the library’s role as a community hub.

Town Hall Accessibility and Cost Concerns Dominate Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting

Overview: The Lunenburg Finance Committee’s recent meeting was primarily focused on the need to address accessibility and structural concerns within the town’s municipal buildings, alongside discussions on the financial implications of these necessary upgrades. The committee also delved into the potential costs associated with these projects, weighing the impact on the town’s budget and the burden on taxpayers.

Townsend Audit Committee Deliberates on Auditor Retention and Contract Extensions

Overview: In Townsend’s recent Audit Committee meeting, members focused on drafting a letter to retain Roselli as the town’s auditing firm for upcoming fiscal years, while simultaneously negotiating an extension with CL and Associates for auditing services. The discussions revolved around ensuring clarity in communication, the strategic timing of audit reviews, and aligning with budgetary constraints for the upcoming fiscal cycles.