Townsend Finance Committee Grapples with Budget Challenges and Staffing Concerns

Overview: The Townsend Finance Committee meeting focused heavily on budgetary challenges, particularly the need to balance fiscal responsibility with maintaining staffing levels. Discussions included the management of Excess and Deficiency (END) funds and strategies to alleviate future financial strains without cutting educational staff.

Holliston School Committee Discusses Policy Advisory Committee’s Push for Enhanced Community Engagement

Overview: The Holliston School Committee meeting addressed a variety of issues, with the most discussion focusing on the Policy Advisory Committee’s (PAC) efforts to enhance community engagement and ensure that local policies are informed by residents’ diverse experiences and needs. The meeting also tackled topics such as the town’s wellhead protection bylaw, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training, and upcoming community events.

Littleton Board of Selectmen Approves Demolition of Historical Barn Amidst Preservation Concerns

Overview: The Littleton Board of Selectmen meeting centered around the decision to allow the demolition of a structurally unsound barn on King Street to make way for a new residential development. Despite the barn’s historical significance, the board voted against preserving it, allowing the project to proceed with plans to convert the property into condo units. Discussions also touched upon a proposed restoration project for another structure, dubbed the “bunny barn,” alongside debates over community preservation efforts, including the installation of granite markers and residential sign replacement programs.

Starbucks Set to Open in Townsend: Select Board Approves License with Conditions

Overview: The Townsend Select Board recently held a meeting where they addressed several community issues, including the approval of a common victualer’s license for Starbucks Corporation to open a new coffee shop on Main Street. The discussion also touched upon upcoming town elections, a notable recognition for the oldest resident, and various committee vacancies.

Natick Select Board Appoints New Police Officers Amid Community Concerns Over Road Conditions and Water Bills

Overview: The Natick Select Board meeting on February 25, 2026, was notable for the appointment of new police officers amidst ongoing community concerns about deteriorating road conditions and unusually high water bills. The board approved three candidates for permanent police officer positions, while also addressing residents’ frustrations over road safety and utility charges.