By Justin Roshak, Contributing Writer
HUDSON – The Select Board voted Sept. 13 to lower the number of attendees required to begin business at Hudson’s upcoming Special Town Meeting on Monday, Nov. 15.
The Board set the quorum for the meeting at 70, down from the customary 150.
In previous years, Town Meetings have been delayed by insufficient attendance, forcing business to wait until a 150th eligible voter arrives.
“This does not prevent people from attending town meeting,” Town Clerk Joan Wordell said of the quorum change. “It only allows us to begin the meeting and continue the meeting as long as there are 70 people in attendance.”
Attendance has been as high as over 200 and as low as 156 over the past three years, Wordell added.
Special Town Meetings are often more sparsely attended than the Annual Town Meetings held in the spring, observed Town Moderator Richard Harrity.
“This is a way to ensure that, when 7:30 comes, we can begin the meeting,” Harrity said.
This marks the fourth consecutive town meeting for which Hudson has lowered its quorum after first taking such action last spring amid fears that the COVID-19 pandemic might prompt some voters to stay home.
The Nov. 15 Special Town Meeting will take place at 7:30 p.m at Hudson High School at 69 Brigham St.
