GRAFTON – Residents approved most of the warrant articles at Annual Town Meeting on May 13.
The approvals included the operating budget totaling $75,776,967 – including just over $45 million for Grafton Public Schools – and capital expenditures totaling $2.096 million.
Even as the town set its budgets for fiscal 2025, residents were advised about fiscal 2026 and beyond.
In a State of the Town address, Finance Committee Chairman Gregory Marr reminded Town Meeting attendees that Grafton was in the final year of the override approved back in 2019. He said it was likely the town will request an operational override next year.
He cited increases to the cost of health insurance, Grafton’s assessment for Blackstone Valley Tech and contract negotiations among the factors that could lead to an override request.
Marr said there were eight large development projects, in various stages of permitting or construction, that could generate up to $2.5 million in tax revenue for the town. However, it will take some time before all those projects are completed, he added.
Town Meeting approvals, citizens petitions
The town is one step closer to obtaining a new fire engine, as Town Meeting OK’d an appropriation of $2.5 million toward its purchase. The request was approved at the Town Election on May 21.
Within the capital budget, requests getting the go-ahead include a new mower for cemeteries and parks; replacement of two police cruisers; and PA system replacements and upgrades for Grafton Public Schools.
Town Meeting approved to accept Elmrock Drive as a public way and to add definitions for hospital and clinic within the town’s bylaws.
A citizens’ petition requesting term limits for the wire inspector, building inspector and inspector of gas appliances and gas fittings was declared out of order by the town moderator.
There was no action taken on two other petitions requesting changes to town officers’ hours and job performance reviews.
