Select Board — March 16, 2026
Meeting focused on routine approvals, recognitions, and administrative updates with positive public comments limited to Eagle Scout honors and no public opposition or internal splits.
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At the March 16 Select Board meeting, members reviewed three FY27 water and sewer rate scenarios designed to keep retained earnings at the required -2% level given MWRA assessments and capital needs. The board expressed a clear preference for the level 7% option and will finalize a recommendation at the March 30 public hearing.
Separately, the board approved paying $42,052.48 in back taxes on the Washington/Swanton and Waterfield parcels from the Housing Fund, subject to verification that the taxes had not already been paid. Members also noted that six-month delays at the ZBA on the Washington-Swanton project have added approximately $100,000 in interest costs.
The board further authorized withdrawal of the remaining $110,334.33 from the Special Education Reserve Fund to cover unanticipated FY26 tuition and transportation expenses.
Public impact
7% level increase (or alternatives) to meet retained earnings target
$42,052.48 paid (conditional verification)
Topics discussed
Accepted EEC stabilization grant of $13,720 for Recreation Department and MHC survey/planning grant for Planning and Historical Commission.
Honored Isabella Bogovich, Renee Lubomirsky, and Madison Von Mary as first female Eagle Scouts in Troop 570 history; presented proclamations and heard project summaries on church renovation, veteran grave survey, and Fast Forest planting.
Approved waiver of waiting period to appoint Annette Flaherty as Council on Aging Senior Clerk.
Received two green communities grants (~$90k) for Mystic School windows and McCall Middle School LED lighting; updated on Waterfield site survey, flashing crosswalks installation, and upcoming contract approvals.
Interviewed and appointed Wendy Swanton to the Design Review Committee (term ending Dec 31, 2028) following discussion of her preservation experience.
Reappointed Peter Pongratz to Winchester Community Access and Media board (term ending Nov 30, 2028).
Approved BAN renewals and bond; voted to pay $42k in back taxes on Washington/Swanton and Waterfield parcels from Housing Fund (conditional on verification); raised concerns over ZBA delays on Washington-Swanton project causing added interest costs.
Presented FY27 rate options (7% level plan, 8%/6.5% front-loaded, or 6%/higher later) to maintain -2% retained earnings target amid MWRA assessments, capital projects, and stormwater costs; discussed impact of dry vs. wet years; board expressed preference for level 7% option ahead of March 30 public hearing.
Review of current $37k lease; analysis of unassessed costs (energy ~$13.7k, maintenance) borne by DPW/REC; consideration of increasing lease to cover energy via 3-year average and possible future adjustments.
Request to expend remaining $110,334.33 balance for unanticipated FY26 SPED tuition/transportation costs after town meeting approval of budget.
Review of articles including local occupancy tax (Article 4), Human Rights Commission (Article 7), bylaw decennial review (Article 9), solar purchase (Article 14) and PPA (Article 15); decisions on board sponsorship and removal of PPA option; board reviewed and acted on co-sponsorship of Articles 14, 16, and 32; removal of Article 15 (PPA); status of standard articles including 19, 33, 41, and citizen petitions.
Discussion of proceeding with SELECT for test drilling and structural engineering on multiple high school roof options under an at-risk contract, seeking town approval for all despite expected attrition.
Motion to approve consent agenda for March 16, 2026, followed by adjournment.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Water and sewer rate increases
ZBA delays on Washington-Swanton project
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
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