A key highlight of the meeting was the unanimous approval of the Bulock Road property acquisition. This purchase, authorized at a prior special town meeting, is set for a January closing. The acquisition aligns with the town’s strategic plans for development and expansion. Proper documentation and procedural steps were emphasized, including the authorization for the town administrator to execute the necessary documents. The board also addressed the requirement for signatures on the deed, a critical step in finalizing the transaction.

The meeting’s attention then shifted to the April 2026 town election. Town Clerk Cheryl Australa provided an overview, detailing the election process and highlighting key deadlines. With polling at Freetown Elementary School for precincts one, two, and three, the election will feature several positions, including selectman, assessor, and board of health. Australa emphasized the importance of voter registration, noting that while town hall closes at 12:00 PM, the board of registrars’ office will remain open until 5:00 PM on the March 27, 2026, deadline. Nomination papers, available starting January 5, 2026, require 40 signatures for most positions and 50 for the regional school committee. The board decided against in-person early voting due to previously low turnout and cost concerns, but vote by mail will be available to encourage participation.

Another discussion involved the approval of the special town meeting warrant for February 6, 2026. The board agreed to incorporate an article to establish an assistant animal control officer position into the bylaws. Additionally, the board decided to include an agreement with New Leaf Energy on solar credits. However, a proposed personnel bylaw update was deferred for further review. The board also addressed a long-standing issue of fire engine repairs, opting to pursue repairs over a complete replacement, a decision likely influenced by cost considerations.

The board’s agenda further included the approval of six Class 2 motor vehicle dealer licenses for 2026. The licenses were granted without objections. Similarly, the renewal of an alcohol beverage liquor license for Circle K was approved, pending final paperwork, a process familiar to the board due to prior cases requiring public hearings.

Efforts to improve community engagement were evident in the board’s decision to expand the locations for posting the town meeting warrant. New sites included Chemnut Supply Corporation, Olive Vera Brothers Materials, the Transfer Station, and the Veterans Foreign Wars Post. This move was in response to resident requests for more accessible information. The board discussed the practicality of these locations, noting the high foot traffic at the transfer station and even considering unconventional sites like a drive-thru at Dunkin Donuts to maximize visibility.

In the realm of environmental policy, the board approved an updated environmentally preferable procurement policy. This policy aims to ensure the town’s purchases meet sustainability criteria and comply with certain grant requirements. The board’s decision came after previously being denied a grant due to issues related to the MBTA community, underlining the importance of aligning with grant specifications.

The board also addressed an agreement with the town of Lakeville for the boarding and adoption of dogs handled by Freetown’s animal control officer. The agreement, mirroring last year’s terms, was approved without objection.

Library operations were also on the agenda, with the board reviewing new hours set to begin in January 2026. Adjustments were made based on foot traffic and safety, with the library trustees responsible for these changes. The board emphasized the need for effective public communication to ensure residents were informed of the new schedule.

Financial matters were managed efficiently, with the board approving annual abatements and write-offs for November 2025, totaling over $73,000. The board noted successful collections of approximately $39,000, reflecting fiscal responsibility.

In advocacy efforts, the board agreed to send letters to state representatives, urging for increased local aid, particularly for school funding. Highlighting the state’s substantial rainy day fund, the board proposed utilizing interest from this fund to support local initiatives, addressing the constraints of Proposition 2 1/2 on funding.