Assessors sign FY27 preliminary tax warrants; subcommittees weigh sewer payment, budget transfers
The Board of Assessors on June 24 signed the preliminary real estate and personal property warrants and the notice of commitment for fiscal year 2027, according to official minutes released this week. The action was the only formal vote captured in published minutes over the past two weeks, while multiple subcommittees and boards held meetings to advance spending requests, land-use hearings, and appointments that will eventually reach the Town Council.
Finance and budget transfers
The DPW Subcommittee met June 25 and was scheduled to recommend a $189,500 appropriation from sewer retained earnings to pay prior-year invoices to Jacobs, along with a $187,000 sewer transfer to the compost account. The subcommittee also reviewed contract extensions for the River Crane Street Phase I construction project, with work expected to be completed by July 31, 2026.
The General Government Subcommittee that same evening considered several budget transfers for recommendation to the full council: $357,342.20 from salary accounts to the Stabilization Fund, $79,500 for police department data processing and equipment maintenance, and $47,100 from the council reserve for solid waste, gas and heating fuel. The subcommittee also reviewed the appointment of Madeline Bonadies as municipal hearing officer and the reappointment of Layne D. Wandelear to the Liquor Licensing Board.
The Retirement Board’s June 25 agenda included a vote on a warrant totaling $855,118.55 for retiree payroll, end-of-service checks and accounts payable, as well as the superannuation retirements of two Bay Path Vocational High School employees.
Land use and public hearings
The Conservation Commission held a public hearing June 25 on a wetlands violation remediation and subdivision plan for CAAR Development, LLC, involving parcels at 107 and 111 Highfield Drive and 376 Pleasant Street. The commission also discussed enforcement steps for 87 Golf Street and received updates on Mill Street and Dudley River Road. A continuation of that hearing is scheduled for July 9.
The Planning & Development Subcommittee on June 25 reviewed a scope increase for the North Street construction project to add ADA ramps and a crosswalk, and a $4,800 agreement with ZenCity for planning software. It also handled extensions of federal CDBG grant contracts.
Programs and appointments
The Education & Human Services Subcommittee considered the establishment of a Community Gardens Fund to accept donations, the acceptance of a $9,000 Summer 2026 ASOST grant for after-school programs, and proposals for yoga classes at the Senior Center. The subcommittee also reviewed several appointments to the Council on Aging and Board of Health.
The Liquor Licensing Board discussed a state pilot program that could extend bar closing hours to 3 a.m. and considered one-day liquor licenses. No votes were recorded in minutes.
Coming up
The Town Council holds a reorganizational meeting on July 6 to swear in councilors-elect and elect a chair and vice-chair, then will immediately convene a business session to confirm appointments and vote on budget transfers, including the $357,342 stabilization fund transfer and the River Crane Street contract extension.
The Central Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization will hold a virtual public hearing July 7 on Proposed TIP Amendment #9, which includes $10.1 million for intersection improvements in Worcester and $4.6 million for a bridge replacement in Oxford. Public comments are due by July 8 at 4:30 p.m.
On July 8, the Planning Board will open a public hearing on a special permit for a restaurant at 276 South Street. The same evening the board will consider an Approval Not Required plan for 70 Foster Street and continue its zoning bylaw review.
The Zoning Board of Appeals will hear a variance request July 9 to reduce a side setback for a residential building at 2 Meadowbrook Road. The Conservation Commission will continue its CAAR Development hearing later that day.
Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.