On the agenda: Southborough meeting — Data Center (Mar 3)

1.

6:00 P.M. Select Board Rev 3.3
Documents:
2026.03.03 SB AGENDA - REVISED.PDF
1.I.

6:00 PM Select Board 3.3 New Packet
Documents:
2026.03.03 SELECT BOARD_BOARD PACKET_REDACTED-AMENDED.PDF

2.

6:00 P.M. Select Board
Documents:
2026.03.03 SB AGENDA.PDF

By Town Clerk/jfh at 4:28 pm, Mar 03, 2026

Town of Southborough, MA
Meeting of the Select Board
March 3, 2026 6:00 PM
McAuliffe Hearing Room
17 Common Street, Southborough, MA
Revised
Those wishing to watch or participate remotely can do so by accessing the meeting link at:
https://www.southboroughma.gov/674/Virtual-Meetings

a. Call Meeting to Order
b. Public Comment
c. Scheduled Appointments (Board may vote)
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Joint meeting with School Committee:
i. Potential Building Committee and charge
ii. Timeline and next steps
State Budget update: Senator Jamies Eldridge, Representative Kate Donaghue
Taxation Aid Committee interviews: Michael Sheff, Sally Watters
Doug Peck, Council on Aging update
Appointment to Youth Commission: Kayla Jackson

d. Reports
a. Chair’s Report
b. Members’ Reports
i. St. Mark's donation
c. Town Administrator Report
i. Regional fire services
e. Consent Agenda
a. Approve February 3, 2026 Executive Session minutes
b. Approve Recreation Dept donation from Middlesex Savings Bank
f. Other Matters (Board may vote)
a. Deliberation upon FY27 budget
b. Review of Annual Town Meeting warrant
c. Vote to declare level of interest in 39 Meeting House Lane.
g. Adjournment
Andrew R. Dennington, II, Chair
March 10, 2026

Revised agenda notations:
* Strikethrough indicates a deletion
** Bold, italicized items are additions

UPCOMING MEETINGS

March 17, 2026

TOWN OF SOUTHBOROUGH

OFFICE OF THE TOWN ADMINISTRATOR
TOWN HOUSE · 17 COMMON STREET · SOUTHBOROUGH, MASSACHL SETTS O1772 - 166 2
(508) 485 0710 • FAX (508) 480-0161 • sele<'thoarcl'! I southboroughma com

TO:

FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:

Select Board
Mark J. Purple, Town Administrator
February 27, 2026
Requests for FY27 State Budget earmarks

Annually we collect ideas and requests for an earmark in the state budget. As we prepare to
meet with our Legislative delegation on Tuesday March 3, 2026, staff has provided the items
listed below for consideration. This list has been submitted to Representative Donaghue and we
look forward to discussing these suggestions with her further.
Police Department drone
Feasibility study-Regional Fire services
Tricentennial celebrations f20271
Gator Utility Vehicle
Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you.

$30,000
$25,000
$35,000
$30,000

I

Vanessa Hale

Vanessa Hale
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 9:35 AM
Jeffrey Klein; Brian Ballantine
FW: Online Form Submittal: Board and Committee Volunteer Form

From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
God morning,

Please let us know if you'd like to make a recommendation regarding this appointment.
Thanks
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 3, 2026 7:45 PM
To: Katie Barry <[email protected]>; Mark Purple <[email protected]>; Melanie Otsuka
< [email protected]>; Vanessa Hale <vhale@southboroughma .gov>
Subject: Online Form Submittal: Board and Committee Volunteer Form
I [EXTERNAL]

Board and Committee Volunteer Form
First Name

Sally

Last Name

Watters

Address

17 Wood St.

City

Southborough

State

MA

Zip Code

01772

Phone Number
Email Address
To view a list of the
Board and Committee
and current
membership as well as
vacancies

Click here

1

Name of Board(s) or
Committee(s) you
would like to volunteer
for?

Taxation Relief

Have you previously
served on a Board or
Committee for the Town
of Southborough?

No

Current Occupation/
Current Employer

Retired

Please tell us how much
volunteer time you have
available and any
education, experience
or special skills that
may be relevant to the
Committee(s) you are
interested in.

Flexible schedule. Retired educator. Concern about economic
situation and residents who have limited resources.

Upload resume
preferred but not
required

Field not completed.

Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.

Vanessa Hale
[email protected]
Thursday, February 5, 2026 12:20 PM
SelectmenOffice
Online Form Submittal: Board and Committee Volunteer Form

From:

Sent:
To:

Subject:

I[EXTERNAL]
Board and Committee Volunteer Form
First Name

Michael

Last Name

Sheff

Address

14 Parkerville Road

City

Southborough

State

MA

Zip Code

01772

Phone Number
Email Address
To view a list of the
Board and Committee
and current
membership as well as
vacancies

Click here

Name of Board(s) or
Committee(s) you
would like to volunteer
for?

TAXATION AID COMMITTEE

Have you previously
served on a Board or
Committee for the Town
of Southborough?

Yes

Name of Board(s)

COUNCIL ON AGING

Current Occupation/
Current Employer

RETIRED

1

Please tell us how much
volunteer time you have
available and any
education, experience
or special skills that
may be relevant to the
Committee(s) you are
interested in.

RETIREE WHO IS ACTIVE IN COMMUNITY. FINANCIAL
BACKGROUND COUPLED WITH SENSITIVITY AND
COMPASSION. RESPECT PRIVACY.

Upload resume
preferred but not
required

Field not completed.

Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.

2

Vanessa Hale
[email protected]
Friday, February 6, 2026 8:24 AM
SelectmenOffice
Online Form Submittal: Board and Committee Volunteer Form

From:

Sent:
To:
Subject:

I

[EXTERNAL]

Board and Committee Volunteer Form
First Name

Kayla

Last Name

Monzack

Address

4 Clifford Rd

City

Southborough

State

MA

Zip Code

01772

Phone Number
Email Address
To view a list of the
Board and Committee
and current
membership as well as
vacancies

Click here

Name of Board(s) or
Committee(s) you
would like to volunteer
for?

The Youth Commission Board

Have you previously
served on a Board or
Committee for the Town
of Southborough?

Yes

Name of Board(s)

Arts Council

Current Occupation I
Current Employer

Social Worker/AANE

1

Please tell us how much
volunteer time you have
available and any
education, experience
or special skills that
may be relevant to the
Committee(s) you are
interested in.

I am available for the monthly board meetings as well as some
extra time when it is required. I currently work as a LifeMAP
coach providing life skills training and personal empowerment
to Autistic adults. I have experience working in schools,
hospitals and senior housing. I have my MSW and UCSW I
am interested in building social connections and community
engagement.

Upload resume
preferred but not
required

Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.

2

Outlook
Kayla Monzack's appointment to the Youth Commission
From Nancy Sutton <[email protected]>
Date Mon 3/2/2026 3:47 PM
To

Vanessa Hale <[email protected]>

Cc

Sarah Cassell <[email protected]>; Chris Cremeans <[email protected]>

Hello Vanessa,
Sarah Cassell and I have both had the opportunity to meet with Kayla. We believe that given her
background and her connection and dedication to the Southborough community, she will make and
excellent addition to the Youth Commission.
Thank you,
Nancy Sutton

TOWN Of SOUTHBOROUGI--1

RECREATION DEPARTMENT
SOUTHBOROUGH RECREATION· 21 HIGHLAND ST. • SOUTHBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS 01772
(508) 229-4452 • FAX (508) 229 7969
HTTPS://SOUTHBOROUGH.RECDESK.COM

February 26'h, 2026
Attn: Southborough Select Board
CC: Recreation Commission
Mark Purple, Town Administrator
RE: Donation Acceptance
The Recreation Department has received a very generous donation for our annual Summer
Nights event from Middlesex Savings Bank. We would also like to acknowledge and thank
Middlesex Savings Bank for providing us with this very generous donation. Donations like
this allow us to continue to offer free community events like Summer Nights! I am writing to
request the acceptance of the a mount listed below to be deposited into the Recreation
Donation account:
Name

'

Amount

Middlesex Savings Bank

$1500

TOTAL

$1500

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office at 508-229-4452
or [email protected]

Sincerely,

Travis Farley
Recreation Director
Town of Southborough

FY2027

FY27 PROPOSED REVCAP

2/27/2026

FY2025

FY2026

FY2027

Fiscal Year
LEVY
2 112
NEW GROWTH
LEVY

52,147,244
1,303,681
611,898
54,062,823

5◄,062,823

1,351,571
588,756
56,003,150

56,003,150
1,400,079
375,000
57,778 228

3.6%
3.6%
-36.3%
3.2%

DEBT-CAP EXEMPT

1,917,820

1,908,284

2,132 709

11.8%

TOTA~ LEVY LIMIT

55,980.643

57,911.434

59.910.937

3.5%

TAX RATE
ASSESSED VALUE

13.81
3,788,329

14,36
3,924,452

15.06
3,950,566

4.tO'f.

CERTIFIED FREE CASH
LOCAL RECEIPTS
COMM. PRESERV. FUNDS
LOCAL AID
OTHER AVAILABLE
TOTAL OTHER REVENUES

2,339,466
4,488,600
1,380,654
3,935,183
1,444,561
13.5884'4

2,697,353
4.880.600
1,811,569
4.107,643
1,802,297
1$.299,462

3,239,581
5.162.100
0
4,263,092
1,305.797

13,970,570

20.1%
5.8%
-100.0%
3.8%
-27.5%
-8.7%

TOTAL REVENUE

&9,5&9,107

73,210,896

73,181,507

0.9%

2025 RECAP 2026 RECAP 2027RECAP
38,173
1.515.422
2.003.742
270,886
217.302
274.951
450,000
45◄,996
495,832
2,241,304
2,587,876
763,124

·98.1%
26.5%
-9.2%
-70.5%

OTHER
STATE-COUNTY CHARGES
OVERLAY
TOTAL CHARGES

1.000,000 = 1.78%

15,129,349
4,682,027
55,114
175.601
416,115
1.943.665
883,743
23 285 614

16,725,666
4,959,452
129,160
159,610
623,500
2,366,797
1,524,005
26488190

17,437,805
5,699,169
128,912
172.457
350,000
2,416,216
1,539,232
27 743 791

4.3%
14.9%
-0.2%
8.0%
-43.9%
2.1%
1.0%
4.7'/4

SCHOOL
SCHOOLS BUDGET
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
GEN. LIABILITY INSURANCE
DEBT & INTEREST
TnTAI l:CHOOL

34,338.758
5,601,425
263,401
174,786
•n 378 370

35.738.871
6.334.891
239.414
136,350
42 449 526

37.570,753
6,803,267
258.686
338,568
44971 274

5.1%
7.4%
8.0%
148.3%
5.9%

TOTAL EXPENDITURES

65905 288

71525 592

73 478 189

2.7%

'\ 1:63 819

1.556.303

403 318

--

REVCAP
Revcap 02_25_26 Current

$898,100.00 Median House Value FY26
$12,897.00 FY26 Taxes

$991 000.00 Avg House Value FY27
$14927.49 FY27 Taxes

$898,100.00 Median House Value FY27
$13.528.14 FY27 Taxes

$696.73 Dollar Increase
4.90'4 'f. incr.ase

0.7%

TOWN
TOWN BUDGET
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
LEASE DEBT G-FUND
GEN. LIABILITY INSURANCE
BUDGET ARTICLES
DEBT & INTEREST
CAPITAL ARTICLES
TOTAL TOWN

LEVY BALANCE

$991,000.00 Avg House Value FY26
$14 230.76 FY26 Taxes

•frN c.■sh ,..duc•d 175,000 STM SCHOOLS

375.000 New Growth Estimate
0.01436 Tax Rate
28, 114 Value Added

'UPDATED WITH NEW REGIONAL BUDGET
& St Marl(s Polle• Donation 40K

$631.14 Dollar , nc rease
4.89'1. 'II- ·ncrease

7

FY2027

rT ~O

rT ~f

"4 Chg

APPROVED REQUESTED E£2m FXzt

ATM APRIL 11. 2021

NO~S

100-199 GENERAL GOVERNMENT
114 MODERATOR

120

120

0.00%

0
515,174

0
537,566

0.00%
4.35%

5,250
180,000
195,130
54,575
2,250
307,639
319,581

2,415
180,000
205,265
45,600
2.250
318,347
343,465

-54.00%
0.00%
5.19%
-16.45%
0.00%
3.48'l4
7.47"4

149,000
14,875
1,500
655,476
534.325

142,136
14,650
1,500
687,253
582.646

-4.61%
-1.51%
000%
4.85%
9.04%

107,012
289,235

110,222
327.629

3.00%
13.27%

167,028
208,473

173,147
218,110

31,134
5,000

31,387
2,756

3.66%
4 .62%
0.81%
-44.88%

78,091
739,465
2,500
4,562,835

5,000
759,605
0
4,691,069

2.72%
-100.00%

3,134,732
640.051
3,030 918
200,498
16,310
30,966
7,053,475

3,458 233
684,193
3,144.850
245,618
16,500
35,050
7,582,444

10.26%
6.90%
3.76%
22.50%
1.16%
13.19%
1,Du-%

121-129 Executive
121 ELECTED SELECTBOARD
122 SELECTBOARD

131-149 Financial Administration
131 ADVISORY COMMITTEE
132 RESERVE FUND
135 TOWN ACCOUNTANT
136AUDIT
140 ELECTED ASSESSORS
141 ASSESSORS
145 TREASURER/COLLECTOR
151-159 Operation Support
151 TOWN COUNSEU153 SP LEGAL
152 PERSONNEL BOARD
154 MUNICIPAL TECH COMMITTEE
155 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
159 OTHER OPERATION SUPP.

151-189 Licensing & Registration
160 ELECTED CLERK
161 TOWN CLERK

171-179 Land Vs•
171 CONSERVATION COMMISSION
175 PLANNING BOARD
176 ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
177 OPEN $PACE
191-199 Other
182 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
192 FACILITIES DEPARTMENT
193 ADA COMMITTEE

,v, ....

I

200-299 Public Safety
210 POLICE DEPARTMENT
218 COMMUNICATIONS
220 FIRE DEPARTMENT
241 BUILDING DEPARTMENT
291 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
292 ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
IV ,u_ PUl:ILK; ..,.,.CI T
400-499 Pub/le Worl<s
420,430.490 DPW
TOTAL PUISLII. - ~ f t 3

600-599 Human Services
510 ELECTED BOH SALARIES
512 BOARD OF HEALTH
541 SENIOR CENTER (COA)
542 YOUTH COMMISSION
543 VETERANS SERVICES
1V1"1lL.t1u---.

800-599 Culture and Recn,ation
610 LIBRARY
630 RECREATION
691 HISTORICAL COMMISSION
892 MEMORIAL DAY
671 $-BOROUGH CULTURAL ARTS
694 CABLE ACCESS
u,...._ CULTURE & ----••-• •-••

TOTAL TOWN
300-399 Education
300 ELECTED SCHOOL COMM
301 SOUTHBOROUGH SCHOOLS
302 ALGONQUIN
ALGONQUIN EXEMPT/NON EXEMPT DEST

304 ASSABET
305 NORFOLK COUNTY AGRIC.

•v ,,.._ t:UUt,;AI " '"'
910 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS-Town
910 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS-School

-~--~· ""

,u .....

945 GENERAL LIABILITY INS.-Town
945 GENERAL LIABILITY INS.-School
IV I " ' -

710 RETIREMENT OF DEBT-Town
710 RETIREMENT OF DEBT-School
751 INTEREST ON DEBT-Town
751 INTEREST ON DEBT-School
700 CONTINUING DISCLOSURE
IU

AL ~ D I :!il:N.VLI: l:il:NI FUND
.........u

2127128 10:54 AM

Operational Budgets
Revcap 02_25_26 Current

,...,,_

2.o 7-

3,051,934

4.02%

z,..~~,.."-'

.J,v.11,.-~..

44vi& •

450
300,492
453,428

450
317.245
430,288

0.00%
5.58%
-5.10%

364,851
41,200
1,180,421

378,722
28,911
1,155,818

3.80%
-29.83%
-0 .• ,•4

690,516
190,014
1,500
0
4,000
129,000
1,Ul O,UJU
16,725,868

752,701
199,041
1,000
0
4,000
0

9.01%
4.75%
-33.33%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%

ll:>D,14~

-5., . ....

17,437,805

& .2b....

500
25,112,786
9,485,293
585,015
508,015
47,262
J~,••o,o,,

500
26,114,718
9,943,542
789,866
674.865
47,262
J7,a,u,n3

0.00%
3.99%
4.83%
35.02%
32.84%
0.00%

4,959.452
6,334,891

5,699,169
6,803,267
12,au•,••"
172,457
258,686

14.92%
7.39%

11,..........

159,610
239,414
J:ll':,,U..l•

. . . .DIL

-93.60%

2,933,905

TOWN 900-999 Unclassifed

...

,,.J

UPDA~D • PLANNING REQUESTS HIGHER SAL

.

UPDATED wl SUPT CONTRACT

Ul"O,Ate)

PASSEO 2125/M
UPDATED • ASSESMENT RECEIVED 2-11-21

.. , .,.

1u.,u·,.

8.05%
8.05%

.......,.

1,457,547
110,000
908,050
26,350
1,200
2,503,147

1,422,565
107,000
993,151
231,068
1,000

-2.40%
-2.73%
9.37%
776.92%
-16.67%

2,, ....,,...

10.U07'

oo,au •""

,u,u:,u,. . .

........,.

·May chano•
"May change

....... , ..,. ,,. .,.,. lMI

'4 1 .......

11 130.00 BACKSTOP NET FOR$tt FIElO .22.2'0- SOIi, PAK> BV 9\\ Functl
BRUSH FIRE TRUCK (S-241- RESTORED
11 000.00 TREE SURVEY ANO FIBER LINE
30.295.00 JOHN OEERE GATOR UTn.lTY VEHICLE (934)(TRANSFER STATtoN)

I

90.000.00 PREVENTK>N CAR 27

I

FY20l'1 C,U,ITAL ARTICl.fS

QrPT

OPW

GROUNDS SER\IICE/OUMP TRUCK {77 ►- SPLJT WITH G-FUNO

FACI.ITIES

REPLACE UTl.nY VAN

.......

R..:j ....tltd

FlH'C 1.0rJttCE

32... 75.00 CEMETARY

PHONE SYSTEM REPLACEMt:Nl

25.000.00 GENERAL FUNO

POUCE V€HICLES (2-CRUISERS)

11!18,382.00 GENERAL FUND

POLICE

HANDHELO PORTABL'E.S • MOTOROLA

21.500.00 G€NE~AL FUND

OPW

35,000 GVW c...a & CH4SSIS (42)(2013) (USED aF POSS IQ LE) INSTALl ss eoov CM2}

262,,25.00 GENERAl FUND

fll!E

BRUSH F~E TRUCK IS-2.,t)

75.000.00 GENERAL FUND

FACllllf.S

O.P.W. GARAGE· NEW OVERHEAD OOOAS

237 S00.00 GENERAL FUND

FACUTIES

CIJ'ITAL ,AA,-,TENANCE FUND

12$.000.00 GENERAL FUND

RECREATION

RECREATfON CAPITA'-. FUNO

2$.000.00 GENERAL fUND

POLICE

POUCE VEHK:LES jTWO LtGkT-OUTY SUVs}-10,000 to IN tunwdbyNECC 40.000 Sl
ll'atAt -ong.-i111equHtwas $80.000
)5.000GVW CA8 & CHASSIS (4'7112014) (USED IF POSSIBlEIINSTALL SS SOOY lMt

30,000,00 GENERAi. ruNO

OPW

GROUNDS SERVICE/ DUMP lRUCK (17) • SPLIT WITH CEMETERY

9"'N

JQHtl Dlililillli t;AlOA 11111 A'¥ V'iHICL.li ~8341 ff:RAll'GF€R 'G:S:AllOtll

OPW

ROTARY MOBft.E COLUMN VEHICLE LIFT SYSTEM lMECHAN.C)

I

I

32,415.00 I
UPDATED - -NEW REQUEST CORR ENT VEHICLE CONDEMNED

UPDATED WITH DONATIONS

2'2.425.00 GENERAl FUND
7S 775.0D GENERAL FUND

'O&!l&ROI Fl''lg

RE.MOVED UNTI. FY21

110,250.00 GENERAL FUND

OPW

TIRE CHANGER MACHINE MECHANIC - POllCEIHK,HWA'r REQUEST)

13.500.00 GENERAL FUND

OPW

SMART WATER METERS RFP PREPARATK>N & E\/Al.UATIOK

10.000.00 WATER

l>PW

F'-""° l~\IRt [

75,000.00 GE.NERAL FUNO

MIS
POLICE

OPW

I
I

I

,,506,757.oo

I

VALADE COURT WATER hlAJN REPLACEMENT (DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION)

100,000.00 W/\lER

OPW

TARA TANK ENG,NEERtNG & PERMITTLNG FOR lE$S THAN FULL TANK REKAB

50.000.00 WAlER

OPW

VAAK>US MA..,_. HPROVEMENTS

30.000.00 W/\lER

OPW

CLEAA~G & GRUBBING CROSS COVNTRYWA.lER MAIN ROUTES

50,000.00 WATER

I

,00.000.00

I

PERSOHA.L PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT· F~EftGHTING

,o,000.00 AMBULANCE FUND

I

40.0IM.Olt

I

FIRE

DEPT
BENEFITS

Roq.......,

Fn017 B~DOET ARTICLES

AmouM

StCKNACATtON PAYOUT

I

fUND SOURCE

40.000.00 OVERLAY

PEAS-80AR0

SALARY $TUOY

J<l.000.00 GENERAL fUND

VARIOUS

INSURANCE OEDUCTIBlE INSURANCE

30,000.00 GENERAL FUND

BENEFITS

APPROPRIATE TO OPEB TRUST

2S0.000.00 GENERAL FUNO
Requuled

l'YJ017 LEASE DEBT

DEPT
FIRE
POLICE

I

I

:S0,000.00:

I

.

I

I

I
I

POLICE TASERS (LEASE)

19.455.00 GENER.A.L FUND

HOOK LFT YR 6 ol 7

25.03&.00 GENERAL FUND

OPW

DESEL YR 6 or 7

DPW

FRONT ENO LOADER YR 2 ot 5

10.6:!2.00 GENt:RAL FUND
57.932.00 GENERAL FUND

OPW

UTl.flY DUMP (39! YR 1 ol 5

15.867.00 GENERAL FUND

OPW

HOOKllFT WATER YR 6 ol 7

OPW

DIESEL WATER YR Sor 7

10.622.00 WATER
9.104.00 WATER

OPW

UTILITY OUMP WATER YR 1 or 5

21,156.00 WATER

I

,0,000.00111

FUND $OIJ~CE

OPW

FUND SOURCE

I

6.422.00 AMBULANC\; FUNO

AmouM

CHIEF VEHICLE YR e of 7

I

60.000.00

FUND SOURCE

1.4n.oo I

t

I

I

tH.,u.otl

I

.co.uz.oe

I

I
I

cc,-·

RequestH

FY2027 CAPffAL BOND

SCKOOI.

FINN ClA$$ROOM FLOOR REPLACEMENT 810.000 (3.514 S 20YRS

SCKOOI.

NEARY ROOF REPLACEMENT .,t 500.00013.514 S 25YRJ

AftilOullll

SCHOOL

TROTTIER ROOF REPlACEMENT 5,317,Sfl (3.5/4.5 ~YRIGC'oss

SCHOOL

lROTTERtWOOOWARO SECURITY SYSlEM UPGRAOES

SCHOOL

lROlTERtWOOOWARO TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE & EQUIPMENT

8633964

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fY2'1

w AMOUNT I fJND S.CH..tla;.£ I

.!110000.M

13 981 00 GE..NERALH:ND

•.500000.00

13 356.00 GENERAL FUND

5 350,000.00

92,342.00 GENERAL FUND

1 400.000.00

7,4 164.00 GENERAL FUNO

365.000.00

'l.300.00 GENERAL FUND

)

'1RfAJfO AS EXCLUDED DEBT

OPW

WATER LOOP AT FISHERIPRESIOENTIAL t .Ol»,OOOMWRA•.2

1.000 000.00

WATER

DPW

SDEWA.1.KS 2,745.000 [3.5/4.S 20 )'I]

2 745.000.00

47,379.00 GENERAL FUND

"TREATED AS E.XCLUOED DEBT

DPW

ROAOS 5.000,00013514 S 20YR•· ROAOS/SIOEWALKSIDAAINAGE

22 255.000.00

16 301.00 GENERAL FUND

"TRf4TED .lS EXCLUDED DE Bf

DPW

ATWOOO SITEREMEOIATION

123 000,00

? t S4~.oo GENERAL FUND

~EW

)&S.3H.00 ST,.,.T

FY27 Articles
Revcap 02_25_26 Current

I

31S,JM.OO 1ST INf G-fL'Nl>

I

1ST INT WATER

March 1, 2026 DRAFT
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT
of the

TOWN OF SOUTHBOROUGH
MASSACHUSETTS

For the Annual Town Meeting
on

Saturday, April 11, 2026
10:00 a.m.

P. Brent Trottier Middle School
49 Parkerville Road

2

Contents
No.

Page

Town Finance Terminology .......................................................................................................................................... 5
Introduction to the Rules of Town Meeting................................................................................................................... 6
Articles

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Acceptance of Monies from Contributors ............................................................................................ 11
Borrowing Authorization ...................................................................................................................... 11
Authorize Select Board and Supt. of Schools/Three Year Contracts .................................................... 11
Amend the Personnel Salary Administration Plan ................................................................................ 12
Collective Bargaining Agreements ..................................................................................................... XX
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget..................................................................................................................... XX
Moderator...................................................................................................................................... XX
Elected Select Board ..................................................................................................................... XX
Select Board .................................................................................................................................. XX
Advisory Committee ..................................................................................................................... XX
Reserve Fund ................................................................................................................................ XX
Town Accountant .......................................................................................................................... XX
Audit ............................................................................................................................................. XX
Elected Board of Assessors ........................................................................................................... XX
Assessors ....................................................................................................................................... XX
Treasurer/Collector ....................................................................................................................... XX
Legal ............................................................................................................................................. XX
Personnel Board ............................................................................................................................ XX
Municipal Technology Committee................................................................................................ XX
Technology ................................................................................................................................... XX
Other Operation Support ............................................................................................................... XX
Elected Town Clerk ...................................................................................................................... XX
Town Clerk ................................................................................................................................... XX
Conservation Commission ............................................................................................................ XX
Planning Board.............................................................................................................................. XX
Zoning Board of Appeals .............................................................................................................. XX
Open Space ................................................................................................................................... XX
Economic Development Committee ............................................................................................. XX
Public Buildings and Properties Maintenance............................................................................... XX
Public Accessibility Committee .................................................................................................... XX
Police Department ......................................................................................................................... XX
Public Safety Communication....................................................................................................... XX
Fire Department ............................................................................................................................ XX
Building Department ..................................................................................................................... XX
Emergency Management............................................................................................................... XX
Animal Control Officer and Animal Inspector.............................................................................. XX
Department of Public Works – Highway, Cemetery, Tree ........................................................... XX
Elected Board of Health ................................................................................................................ XX
Board of Health ............................................................................................................................. XX
Senior Center ................................................................................................................................ XX
Youth Commission ....................................................................................................................... XX
Veterans’ Services......................................................................................................................... XX
Library .......................................................................................................................................... XX
Recreation Commission ................................................................................................................ XX

3

Contents
Articles (cont.)

Page No.

Cultural Arts.................................................................................................................................. XX
Historical Commission .................................................................................................................. XX
Cable Access ................................................................................................................................. XX
Debt Principal and Debt Interest ................................................................................................... XX
Employee Benefits ........................................................................................................................ XX
Liability Insurance ........................................................................................................................ XX
Elected School Committee ............................................................................................................ XX
Southborough Schools .................................................................................................................. XX
Algonquin Regional High School ................................................................................................. XX
Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School ......................................................................... XX
Norfolk County Agricultural High School .................................................................................... XX
7. Fiscal Year 2027 Water Budget .......................................................................................................... XX
8. Annual Appropriation for OPEB Trust Fund...................................................................................... XX
9. General Government Capital Items (non-borrowing) ......................................................................... XX
10. Water Capital Items (non-borrowing) ................................................................................................. XX
11. MWRA Borrowing for Presidential/Fisher Water Main Improvements ............................................. XX
12. General Government Capital Items (borrowing) ................................................................................ XX
13. Pay & Classification Study for Non-Union Employees ...................................................................... XX
14. Borrowing for Replacement of Trottier School Roof ......................................................................... XX
15. General Government Capital Items (Existing Lease payments) ......................................................... XX
16. Insurance Deductible Account ............................................................................................................ XX
17. Payment to Retirees for Accrued Leave Time .................................................................................... XX
18. Facilities Maintenance Fund ............................................................................................................... XX
19. Recreation Facility Maintenance Fund ............................................................................................... XX
20. Annual Authorization of Revolving Fund Amounts ........................................................................... XX
21. Petition Legislature for All Alcohol License ...................................................................................... XX
22. Appropriation from CPA Funds – Administrative .............................................................................. XX
23. Appropriation from CPA Funds – Adjustments ................................................................................. XX
24. Appropriation from CPA Funds – Transfer to Affordable Housing Trust .......................................... XX
XX. Accept Easement for Willow Street .................................................................................................... XX
XX. Creation of Cemetery Commission ..................................................................................................... XX
XX. Amend Town Bylaw – Placing of Snow on Public Ways .................................................................. XX
XX. Amend Town Bylaw – Accept MGL c.60, s.62A for Tax Payment Agreements ............................... XX
XX. Amend Town Bylaw – Accept MGL c.40, s.57 for Issuance of Licenses .......................................... XX
XX. Amend Zoning Bylaw – Accessory Dwelling Units ........................................................................... XX
XX. Amend Zoning Bylaw – Industrial Park District ................................................................................ XX
XX. Amend Zoning Bylaw – Update SHOPC to Affordable Housing Trust ............................................. XX
XX. Amend Zoning Bylaw – MBTA Communities Overlay District ........................................................ XX
XX. Amend Zoning Bylaw – Sign Bylaw .................................................................................................. XX
XX. Citizen Petition – Creation of Separate Finance Committee............................................................... XX

4

Town Finance Terminology
The following terms are frequently used in the Advisory Committee Report and at Town Meeting. For your
convenience, we provide the following definitions:
Surplus Revenue: (Often referred to as “Excess and Deficiency”)
The fund represents the amount by which the Cash, Accounts Receivable and other floating assets exceed the liabilities
and reserves.
Available Funds: (Often referred to as “Free Cash”)
The amount of the Unreserved Fund Balance (Surplus Revenue) account over and above uncollected taxes of prior
years constitutes “free cash” or “available funds”.
Overlay:
The Overlay is the amount raised by the Assessors in excess of appropriations and other charges for the purpose of
creating a fund to cover abatements and exemptions as granted.
Overlay Reserve:
This is the accumulated amount of the Overlay for various years not used or required to be held in the specific Overlay
account for a given year, and may be used by vote of the town for extraordinary or unforeseen purposes or voted into
the Reserve Fund.
Stabilization Fund:
An outside section of Chapter 138 of the Acts of 1991 (the FY92 State budget) modifies limitations on the Stabilization
Fund appropriation process by enabling communities to appropriate from this fund for any non-capital, lawful purpose
without Emergency Finance Board approval (section 333). Beginning in FY92, the Stabilization Fund will thus
become a source of revenue for general operating expenses for communities.
The Stabilization Fund is a mechanism for setting aside money for capital projects. It equalizes the effect of capital
expenditures over time, as capital appropriations can change considerably from year to year. The balance in the fund
will build up during years when expenditures for capital items are low. During years with high capital expenditures,
the community will transfer money from the fund to reduce the project’s impact on the tax rate or the amount of
borrowing required for the project.
A community may appropriate up to 10% of its tax levy each year, as long as the balance in the Stabilization Fund
does not exceed 10% of the community’s equalized valuation. Interest earned on any fund balance is retained as part
of the fund.
Appropriations into a Stabilization Fund can be made at either an annual or special town or district meeting. Chapter
94 of the Acts of 1985 permits appropriations to be made from a Stabilization fund at a special town or district meeting,
not just at the annual meeting. Regardless of the timing, appropriations from the Stabilization Fund require a twothirds vote by the appropriating authority. Until the FY92 state budget, a community could only appropriate from the
Stabilization Fund for a non-capital purpose with the approval of the Emergency Finance Board.
Reserve Fund:

5

This fund is established by the voters at the Annual Town Meeting only and may be composed of (a) an appropriation
(not exceeding 5% of the tax levy of the preceding year), (b) money transferred from Overlay Reserve, or (c) both.
Transfers from the Reserve fund may be made only by the Advisory Committee and are for “extraordinary or
unforeseen expenditures” only.
Conservation Fund:
For land purchases and any other conservation use.

6

Introduction to the Rules of Town Meeting
Southborough’s Town Meeting is an open town meeting in which all registered voters may participate. Town Meeting
is a deliberative assembly, conducted via a defined process, charged with considering a maximum number of questions
of varying complexity in a minimum amount of time and with full regard to the rights of the majority, strong minority,
individuals, absentees and all of these together. In other words, we gather for the purpose of conducting the Town’s
business thoughtfully and efficiently.

AUTHORITY
The three elements of authority at Town Meeting are a quorum of one hundred (100) registered voters or more, the
Clerk and the Moderator. Of these three, the quorum is the most important.
The Town Clerk is responsible for voter registration, certification of a quorum, setting up the hall and keeping the
record of the proceedings. He may also officiate Town Meeting in the absence of a Moderator.
The Moderator presides at and regulates the proceedings, decides all questions of order, and makes declarations of all
votes. No one may speak on an issue without being recognized by the Moderator. It is the Moderator’s responsibility
to approve the distribution of materials, and persons wishing to do so must seek his permission. The Moderator
appoints Tellers and alternates for the purpose of counting votes of the meeting.

THE WARRANT
All matters to be considered at Town Meeting must be published in the Town Meeting Warrant, which is the
responsibility of the Select Board. The primary and most important purpose of the Warrant is to notify voters in
advance the nature of the business to be taken up at Town Meeting. By state law, Town by-law or custom, several
business articles (such as budget appropriations) must be presented in the Town Warrant each year for consideration.
Other items are added by warrant articles proposed by Town officials, committees, boards, or groups of ten or more
registered voters. The Advisory Committee reviews the Warrant, making recommendations on all the items of
business to be presented. In accordance with the Town by-laws, all articles in the Warrant are considered in the order
in which they appear in the Warrant, unless the Town Meeting votes to change the order for reasons that reasonable
people would entertain.

PARTICIPATION
Any voter wishing to participate in Town Meeting must go to one of the floor microphones and wait to be recognized
by the Moderator. Upon recognition by the Moderator, first state your name and address, and then state your business.
Anyone whose name is not on the list of registered voters requires the approval of either the Moderator or a majority
of the Meeting to sit in the voting area.
All remarks shall be limited to the subject then under discussion. It is improper to indulge in references to
personalities, and all expressions of approval or disapproval, such as applause or booing, are out of order. The
Moderator may request any person to keep silent. If after warning from the Moderator, a person refuses to be silent
or persists in other disorderly behavior, the Moderator may order a person to withdraw and if he fails to withdraw,
may order a police officer to remove such person from Town Meeting.
Individuals who have a personal or financial interest with respect to a matter may speak or vote thereon but should
frankly disclose their interest. However, no Town Meeting voter should accept compensation for participating without
disclosing that fact.
There is no fixed time limit to the debate of any question. However, out of consideration for the others in attendance
and the need to give adequate time to all matters coming before Town Meeting, each individual who speaks should
make an effort to be as brief as possible and avoid repeating facts, views or opinions already expressed by others.

7

Anyone wishing to make a presentation with respect to any article must, prior to Town Meeting, obtain the
Moderator’s approval.
In order to give all a fair opportunity to speak, no one who has addressed any particular motion shall speak again,
except to answer questions, until all others wishing to speak to the motion have done so.
Introduction to the Rules of Town Meeting (continued)

HOW ARE MOTIONS CLASSIFIED?
Main Motions
Motions of this group are for the bringing of questions, or propositions, before Town Meeting for consideration. Only
one main motion can be considered at a given time, and once introduced such a motion excludes all other main motions
until it has been disposed.
Subsidiary Motions
Motions of this group are for the modification or disposition of the main motion that is being considered. Their
existence as motions depends entirely upon the principal motion to which they are subordinate. Since they relate to
the question then under consideration, it is in order to propose them when a main motion is pending and to vote upon
them before voting upon the main motion.
Privileged Motions
Motions of this group have no connection whatsoever with any main motion, but are motions of such importance that
they are entitled to immediate consideration. These motions have the privilege of temporarily setting aside the main
business then before Town Meeting.
Incidental Motions
Motions of this group have few characteristics in common, but for convenience have been grouped into one class.
The name “incidental” applies because they arise only incidentally out of the business of Town Meeting.

RULES RELATIVE TO MOTIONS
A motion is the means of bringing a proposal or question for consideration by Town Meeting. When first put forward
it is a motion; after it is seconded and acknowledged by the Moderator, it becomes the question or proposal. Except
for complimentary resolutions (the presentation of which must be approved in advance by the Moderator), no main
motion shall be entertained unless its substance is contained within the scope of a Warrant article. Upon completion
of debate, articles will be voted upon.
The Moderator shall determine whether a motion, or any discussion relative to a motion, is within the scope of the
Warrant article under consideration. That is, the motion and the debate must be relevant to the article as written in the
Warrant, since the purpose of the Warrant is to apprise voters of the actions to be taken at Town Meeting.
Articles only give notice to the voters and do not initiate action; motions do. Motions may be withdrawn; articles may
not be withdrawn – articles must be acted upon by Town Meeting.
There are four types of amendments: striking out, inserting, striking out and inserting, and substitution. Motions to
amend may be hostile as long as they are germane. An amendment to a motion is an amendment of the first rank; an
amendment to an amendment is of the second rank; there can be no amendment beyond that of the second rank.
Some motions do not lead to a final determination by Town Meeting. A motion to commit or to refer sends the matter
to an existing board or committee or one to be established. The motion to postpone indefinitely disposes of the
question without bringing it to a direct vote. The motion to postpone indefinitely should not be confused with the
motion to table which only temporarily delays a vote. As previously stated, articles may not be withdrawn; so when
the Meeting does not wish to act on a particular article, the proper motion is to postpone consideration indefinitely.

8

Motions to reconsider shall be entertained when new information is available that is materially different than was
presented (or could have been presented) at the time of the original vote on the article. Articles may be reconsidered
only once. If a motion to reconsider is passed by the necessary 2/3 vote, it brings the original article back to the floor
(which requires a new motion and additional debate); if the motion to reconsider is defeated, then the original article
stands as previously voted and may not be reconsidered again. Actions to reconsider can be taken at the same session
or any subsequent session of Town Meeting. A notice of reconsideration may be filed in advance with the Town Clerk
stating that, at a specific point during the current Town Meeting, a voter will move for reconsideration on a particular
article, and the Moderator will inform the hall of said action. Note that such a motion so noticed in advance must still
be in order (i.e., must comply with all conditions required of any reconsideration motion).
All motions other than purely procedural motions must be in writing and signed by the sponsor.
Introduction to the Rules of Town Meeting (continued)

CHART OF PRECEDENCE OF MOTIONS AND SUMMARY OF GOVERNING RULES
May
Req.
interrupt
a
a speaker sec.
PRIVILEGED MOTIONS
1. To dissolve
2. To adjourn
3. Point of no quorum
4. Recess
5. Question of privilege

Debatable

Vote
Required

Motions that
may apply

no
no
no
no
yes

yes
yes
no
yes
no

no
limited
no
limited
no

majority
majority
none
majority
chair rules

none
amend
none
amend
none

SUBSIDIARY MOTIONS
6. To lay on the table
no
7. Previous question
no
8. Limit or extend debate
no
9. To postpone to time certain no
10. To commit or refer
no
11. To amend
no
12. To postpone indefinitely no

yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes

no
no
no
limited
limited
yes
yes

2/3
2/3
2/3
majority
majority
majority
majority

none
none
amend, reconsider
amend, reconsider
amend, reconsider
amend, reconsider
reconsider

MAIN MOTIONS
Main Motions
To reconsider or rescind

no
no

yes
yes

yes
yes

majority*
2/3

To take from the table
To advance an article

no
no

yes
yes

no
yes

majority
majority

all
table previous question
postpone definitely
none
amend, reconsider

INCIDENTAL MOTIONS
Point of order
Division of a question
Separate consideration
To withdraw a motion
To suspend rules
Orders of the day

yes
no
no
no
no
yes

no
yes
yes
no
yes
no

no
no
no
no
no
no

chair rules
majority
majority
majority
2/3
none

none
none
none
reconsider
none
none

*The vote required to pass an affirmative main motion is a matter of substantive law, but is usually a majority.

9

FORM USED IN MAKING MOTIONS
1. Main Motion
2. Adjourn
3. Amend

Mr. Moderator, I move that..(statement of the proposal)
Mr. Moderator, I move to adjourn to...(state time)
Mr. Moderator, I move to amend by adding...
Mr. Moderator, I move to amend by inserting...before...
Mr. Moderator, I move to amend by stroking out...
Mr. Moderator, I move to amend by striking out...and inserting...
Mr. Moderator, I move to substitute...for...
Mr. Moderator, I move to amend the pending amendment by (see above)

4. Amend an Amendment
5. Amend Something Previously
Adopted
Mr. Moderator, I move to amend the resolution under Article...by...
6. Commit or Refer
Mr. Moderator, I move that the proposal be referred to a committee of...
8. Division of a Question
Mr. Moderator, I move to divide the question.
9. Lay on the Table
Mr. Moderator, I move that the proposal be laid on the table.
10. Point of Order
Mr. Moderator, I rise to a point of order.
11. Postpone to a time certain
Mr. Moderator, I move to postpone the question to...
12. Postpone Indefinitely
Mr. Moderator, I move that the question be postponed indefinitely.
13. Previous Question
Mr. Moderator, I move the previous question.
14. Question of Privilege
Mr. Moderator, I rise to a question of privilege.
15. Recess
Mr. Moderator, I move to recess for...
16. Reconsider
Mr. Moderator, I move to reconsider the vote under Article...
Mr. Moderator, I move to reconsider the vote on the amendment to...
17. Separate Consideration
Mr. Moderator, I move for separate consideration.
18. Suspend the Rules
Mr. Moderator, I move to suspend the rules which interfere with...
19. Take from the Table
Mr. Moderator, I move to take from the table the motion relating to...

INTERRUPTING A SPEAKER
No one may interrupt a speaker except for a point of order or a question of privilege.

POINT OF ORDER
A point of order if a question of the Moderator about whether the speaker is entitled to be speaking, or whether the
current subject under discussion (or what the speaker is saying) is irrelevant, illegal or contrary to proper procedure.
No other “point of order” is proper.

PREVIOUS QUESTION

10

To call or move the question is a request to stop discussion and to take an immediate vote. This requires a 2/3 vote.

VOTING
At the Moderator’s discretion, voting may be via electronic devices for some or all of the articles. Instructions and
procedures will be made available for all voters attending Town Meeting. If electronic voting is not employed,
voting is by hand vote and the Moderator declares the result of such votes. If seven or more voters immediately
question the declared result, the Moderator shall determine the result by a standing count of votes by the Tellers.
After the vote counted by the Tellers is presented to the Moderator and announced to the floor, any further motions
for recount are out of order.

ADJOURNMENT AND DISSOLUTION
Sessions of Town Meeting normally adjourn at eleven o’clock in the evening but may adjourn at such earlier or later
time as vote of the majority may determine. Town Meeting shall not dissolve until all articles in the warrant have
been properly considered.

11

TOWN WARRANT
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Worcester, ss.

March 17, 2026

In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are hereby directed to notify and warn the Inhabitants of the
Town of Southborough qualified to vote in town affairs, to meet in the Trottier School Auditorium, 49 Parkerville
Road, in Southborough, MA, on
Saturday, April 11, 2026
at 10:00 a.m., then and there to take action on the following Articles:
ARTICLE 1: To see if the Town will vote to endorse the acceptance of any sum of money from St. Mark’s School,
Fay School, Harvard Medical School, L’Abri Fellowship, The New England Center for Children, and any other
contributor and deposit same amount in the Town’s treasury for use as directed by any such donor, or do or act
anything in relation thereto.
Proposed by: SELECT BOARD
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary: To allow the Select Board to accept donations from Tax Exempt organizations and determine the
disposition of funds.
ARTICLE 2: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Select Board, to
borrow from time to time in anticipation of revenue of the financial year beginning July 1, 2026 in accordance with
the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 44, and to issue a note or notes as may be given for a period
of less than one year in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 17 as amended, or do or
act anything in relation thereto.
Proposed by: SELECT BOARD
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary: This article allows the Town Treasurer to short-term borrow in anticipation of revenue.
ARTICLE 3: To see if the Town will vote in accordance with the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter
30B, Section 12(b), to authorize the Select Board or the Superintendent of Schools to solicit and award contracts for
terms exceeding three years, but no longer than seven years, including any renewal, extension or option, provided in
each instance the longer term is determined to be in the best interest of the Town by a vote of the Select Board or the
School Committee, as appropriate, or do or act anything in relation thereto.
Proposed by: SELECT BOARD
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Board Recommendation:
Summary: This article allows the Select Board and/or the School Committee to enter into contracts in excess of
three years, if deemed in the best interest of the Town to do so. This has been an annual article, and the exemption
has been limited to contracts of no more than seven years.

12

ARTICLE 4: To see if the Town will vote to accept the Personnel Salary Administration Plan, as specified in
Chapter 31 of the Code of the Town of Southborough, entitled: PERSONNEL. (Proposed amendments are in
BOLD for new language and strikethrough for deleted language.)
, or do or act anything in relation thereto.
Proposed by: PERSONNEL BOARD
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary: The Personnel By-Law governs policies and pay structures for non-union employees.
ARTICLE 5: To see if the Town will vote to approve funding for the economic cost items under M.G.L. Chapter
150E, Section 7 for any particular collective bargaining agreements reached before Town Meeting, or do or act
anything in relation thereto.
Proposed by: SELECT BOARD
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary: This article will fund costs associated with the first year of any contract agreed upon before Town
Meeting commences with the Police Lieutenants Union.
ARTICLE 6: To see if the Town will vote to raise or transfer a sum of money as may be necessary for the Town’s
use for Fiscal Year 2027, and make appropriations of the same, as detailed following, or do or act anything in relation
thereto.
SEE BUDGETS ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES
Proposed by: SELECT BOARD
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary: The article includes recommendations from both the Select Board and the Advisory Committee for the
FY27 budget. Funding recommendations are noted in the individual recommendation columns for each department.

13

ARTICLE 7: To see if the Town will vote to raise a sum of money as may be necessary for the Water Enterprise
Fund’s use for Fiscal Year 2027, and make appropriations of the same, as detailed following, or do or act anything
in relation thereto.
Proposed by: SELECT BOARD
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary: The Water budget is funded through an Enterprise Fund that is supported entirely through the water rates
and the fund’s retained earnings, which supports all aspects of the department’s operation. The funding for those
capital items that are being leased for use by the Water Department, in whole or in part, are included in this budget.
ARTICLE 8: To see if the Town will vote to to raise and appropriate the sum of $250,000 into the Other Post‐
Employment Benefits Liability Trust Fund (OPEB Fund) as authorized by General Laws, Chapter 32B, Section 20, in
order to offset the anticipated future cost of providing post-retirement health and life insurance benefits to current and
future retired Town employees, or do or act anything in relation thereto.
Proposed by: SELECT BOARD
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary: This is an annual appropriation into the Town’s OPEB Trust Fund that began in 2014. The appropriation
was previously done as part of the operating budget, but further guidance from the Dept. of Revenue has recommended
that it be done in a separate article.
ARTICLE 9: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, or transfer from available funds a sum of money
for General Government capital items for the following purposes and further to allow the Town Administrator to
allocate the total amount of funds for the specific items as necessary due to price increases or reductions:

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
M.
N.

Description
DPW – Grounds Service Dump Truck (77)
Facilities – Replace Utility Van
MIS – Phone System Replacement
Police – Cruisers (2)
Police – Handheld Portables
DPW – 35,000 GVW Cab & Chassis (42)
Fire – Brush Truck(S-24)
DPW – Overhead Garage Doors Replacement
Police – Light Duty Vehicles (2)
DPW – 35,000 GVE Cab & Chassis (47)
DPW – Grounds Service Dump Truck (77)
DPW – John Deere Gator Utility (Transfer Station)
DPW – Rotary Mobile Column Vehicle Lift System
DPW – Tire Changer Machine

Request
$ 32,475
$ 65,000
$ 25,000
$168,382
$ 21,500
$262,425
$ 75,000
$287,500
$ 70,000
$262,425
$ 75,775
$ 15,000
$ 60,250
$ 13,500

Levy
$ 65,000
$ 25,000
$168,382
$ 21,500
$262,425
$ 75,000
$287,500
$ 70,000
$262,425
$ 75,775
$ 15,000
$ 60,250
$ 13,500

Free Cash (FC)/
Cemetery (CM)

$ 32,475 (CM)

, or do or act anything in relation thereto.
Proposed by: SELECT BOARD
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary:
A. This funding requests
B. This funding requests
C. This funding requests

14

D. This funding requests
E. This funding requests
F. This funding requests
G. This funding requests
H. This funding requests
I. This funding requests
J. This funding requests
K. This funding requests
L. This funding requests
M. This funding requests
N. This funding requests
ARTICLE 10: To see if the Town will vote to raise a sum of money as may be necessary for the Water Enterprise
Fund’s capital improvements for Fiscal Year 2027, and make appropriations of the same, as detailed following, or do
or act anything in relation thereto.

A.
B.
C.
D.

Description
Smart Water Meters RFP Prep & Evaluation
Tara Tank Engineering & Permitting
Various Main Improvements
Clearing & Grubbing Cross Country Water Main
Routes

Request
$ 70,000
$ 50,000
$ 30,000
$ 50,000

Water
Receipts
$ 70,000
$ 50,000
$ 30,000
$ 50,000

Other

, or do or act anything in relation thereto.
Proposed by: SELECT BOARD
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary:
A. This funding requests
B. This funding requests
C. This funding requests
D. This funding requests
ARTICLE 11: To see if the Town will vote to raise by borrowing the sum of $1,000,000 from the Massachusetts
Water Resource Authority (MWRA), to pay the costs of looping the water mains on Presidential Drive and Fisher
Road, including the payment of all costs incidental and related thereto, and in connection therewith, to enter into a
loan agreement and/or security agreement with the MWRA relative to such loan, or do or act anything in relation
thereto.
Proposed by: SELECT BOARD
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary: The Town is requesting a 0% interest loan for Water Main improvement needs identified within the Town,
specifically the Presidential Drive – Fisher Road Loop which will connect two adjacent water mains, resulting in
water quality improvements. This work will include design, permitting and construction.
ARTICLE 12: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate by borrowing a sum of money for General
Government capital items for the following purposes:
Free Cash

Description

Request

Levy

15

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

School – Finn Classroom Floor Replacement
School – Trottier Security System Upgrades
School – Trottier Technology Equipment
DPW – Sidewalks
DPW – Roads/Sidewalks/Drainage
DPW – Atwood Tank Remediation

$ 810,000
$ 1,400,000
$ 365,000
$ 2,745,000
$22,255,000
$ 823,000

$ 810,000
$ 1,400,000
$ 365,000
$2 ,745,000
$22,255,000
$ 823,000

Receipts Reserved
Ambulance/Other

, or do or act anything in relation thereto.
Proposed by: SELECT BOARD
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary:
A. This funding requests
B. This funding requests
C. This funding requests
D. This funding requests
E. This funding requests
F. This funding requests
ARTICLE 13: To see if the Town of Southborough will vote to transfer from Free Cash the amount of Thirty
Thousand ($30,000) Dollars for the purpose of performing the quadrennial review of the classification and salary
structure of non-union positions in the Salary Administration Plan [Personnel Bylaw]; or do or act anything in relation
thereto.
Proposed by: PERSONNEL BOARD
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary: Section 16 e of the SAP calls for a quadrennial review of the Classification Schedule, Salary Schedules,
and administration policies of the Salary Administration Plan; the previous study occurred in the Summer of 2022.
This pay plan governs personnel not covered by a collective bargaining agreement or employment agreement with
their appointing authority.
ARTICLE 14: To see if the Town of Southborough will vote to appropriate, borrow or transfer from available funds,
an amount of money to be expended under the direction of the Southborough School Committee for the P. Brent
Trottier Middle School Roof Replacement Project, 49 Parkerville Road, which proposed repair project would
materially extend the useful life of the school and preserve an asset that otherwise is capable of supporting the required
educational program and for which the Town of Southborough may be eligible for a school construction grant from
the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”).
The Town of Southborough acknowledges that the MSBA’s grant program is a non-entitlement, discretionary program
based on need, as determined by the MSBA, and any project costs the Town incurs in excess of any grant approved
by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the Town of Southborough. Any grant that the
Town of Southborough may receive from the MSBA for the Project shall not exceed the lesser of: (1) forty-one and
thirty-two hundredths percent (41.32%) of eligible, approved project costs, as determined by the MSBA, or (2) the
total maximum grant amount determined by the MSBA.
Proposed by: SELECT BOARD
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary: This borrowing

16

ARTICLE 15: To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money for the payments under existing capital
lease agreements as described below:
Equipment

Authorized Department

Source of Appropriation

FY27
Amount

A.

Swaploader Hook Lift Truck

Dept. of Public Works

FY27 Capital Budget General Fund

$25,036

B.

Pick Up Diesel F-350

Dept. of Public Works

FY27 Capital Budget General Fund

$10,622

C.

Fire Dept Chief Vehicle

Fire Department

FY27 Capital Budget Ambulance Fund

$ 8,422

D.

Police Taser Program

Police Department

FY27 Capital Budget General Fund

$19,455

E.

Front-End Loader

Dept. of Public Works

FY27 Capital Budget General Fund

$57,932

F.

Utility Dump Truck

Dept. of Public Works

FY27 Capital Budget General Fund

$15,867

, or do or act anything in relation thereto.
Proposed by: SELECT BOARD
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary: The lease agreements for these vehicles were authorized by Town Meeting in 2021, and these are the
fifth year of the lease payments. With the exception of the Police Taser (3-year lease), all of the leases are for 7
years.
ARTICLE 16: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $30,000 for the purpose of paying the
Town’s share of casualty and other losses incurred to Town property and equipment which are not covered by
insurance policies, or do or act anything in relation thereto.
Proposed by: SELECT BOARD
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary: This article will provide funds to be used to pay the deductible for property damage which is not covered
by insurance.
ARTICLE 17: To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $40,000 from overlay surplus account for the
purpose of paying to retirees the amount due for accrued vacation and sick time, or do or act anything in relation
thereto.
Proposed by: SELECT BOARD
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary: This article will fund any vacation and sick pay due to employees upon their retirement.
ARTICLE 18: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $125,000 for the ongoing maintenance
of capital equipment and systems associated with town buildings and facilities. The Town Facilities Manager shall
recommend appropriate projects to the Town Administrator. The Town Administrator shall approve all expenditures

17

under this article. The Town Facilities Manager shall report all funded projects to the Capital Improvement and
Planning Committee as requested, or do or act anything in relation thereto.
Proposed by: SELECT BOARD
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary: This article will provide for the maintenance and repair of capital equipment and systems associated with
the Town’s buildings and facilities.
ARTICLE 19: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $25,000 for the ongoing maintenance
of capital investments associated with outdoor recreational facilities. The Town’s Director of Recreation shall
recommend appropriate projects to the Recreation Commission. The Recreation Commission shall approve all
expenditures under this article, or do or act anything in relation thereto.
Proposed by: SELECT BOARD/RECREATION COMMISSION
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary: In the last several years, the Recreation Department has completed extensive capital improvements
across the Town's outdoor facilities, including playgrounds, athletic fields, sport courts, and the Trottier track.
Funding of this article will grant financial support for a proactive approach to facility maintenance to improve
safety, reduce liability, and promote longevity of the Town's outdoor assets.
ARTICLE 20: To see if the Town will vote pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 44 § 53E ½ to
authorize the following spending limits for existing revolving funds for Fiscal Year 2027, as follows:
1. Immunization/Emergency Dispensing Clinic; $25,000.
2. Inspectional Services; $140,000.
3. 9-11 Field Maintenance; $100,000.
4. Wetland Protection; $30,000.
5. Hazardous Materials; $75,000.
6. CPR Classes; $6,500.
7. Community Garden; $3,000.
8. Recreation Programs; $500,000.
9. Tobacco Control Program; $4,000.
10. Golf Course Maintenance; $75,000.
, or do or act anything in relation thereto.
Proposed by: BOARD OF HEALTH, SELECT BOARD, RECREATION COMMISSION, AND
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary: This article approves the annual spending limits for revolving funds that are now authorized by Town bylaw.
ARTICLE 21: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select Board to petition the General Court of the
Commonwealth pursuant to the Provisions of Clause (1) of Section 8 of Article 2 of the Amendments to the
Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and all other applicable laws for a Special Law, substantially
in the following form, or to take any action relative thereto.
AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF SOUTHBOROUGH TO GRANT AN ADDITIONAL LICENSE FOR
THE SALE OF ALL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES NOT TO BE DRUNK ON THE PREMISES.

18

Be in enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in the General Court assembled, and by the authority of
the same as follows:
SECTION 1. Notwithstanding Section 17 of Chapter 138 of the General Laws, the Licensing Authority of the Town
of Southborough may grant an additional License for the Sale of All Alcoholic Beverages not to be drunk on the
premises pursuant to said Section 15 of Chapter 138, to Costco Atlantic Liquors, Inc., located at 21 Coslin Drive,
Southborough, MA. The License shall be subject to all of the Provisions of said Chapter 138, except Section 17
thereof.
SECTION 2. The Licensing Authority shall not approve the transfer of the License to any other location, but it may
grant the License to a new applicant at the same location if the applicant files with the Licensing Authority a letter
from the State Department or Revenue, indicating that the License is in good standing with the Department, and that
all applicable taxes have been paid.
SECTION 3. If the License under this Act is cancelled, revoked, or no longer in use, it shall be physically returned
with all legal rights, privileges, and restrictions pertaining thereto, to the Licensing Authority, which may then grant
the License to a new applicant at the same location, under the same conditions as specified in the Act.
SECTION 4. This action shall take effect upon its passage.
Proposed by: SELECT BOARD
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary: This article is for the new Costco location…
ARTICLE 22: To act on the recommendation of the Community Preservation Committee on the Fiscal Year 2027
Community Preservation budget and to appropriate or reserve for later appropriation monies from Community
Preservation Fund annual revenues or available funds for the administrative expenses of the Community Preservation
Committee, the payment of debt service, the undertaking of Community Preservation projects and all other necessary
and proper expenses for the year, or do or act anything in relation thereto.
PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2027 COMMUNITY PRESERVATION BUDGET
Estimated Surcharge Receipts (Based on Town Treasurer’s Projections) …….$ 518,143
State Distribution (Projected FY2027 against FY2026 Revenue) ………….....$ 69,416
Total Projected Revenue……………………………………………………. …$ 587,559
The Community Preservation Committee recommends that the following amounts be appropriated or reserved from
Fiscal Year 2027 Community Preservation Fund revenues with each item considered a separate appropriation.
Set Aside- Open Space
$58,755 to be set aside, held in the Community Preservation Open Space Reserve Account, and spent in FY2027 or
later years for acquisition, creation, or preservation of open space, and for rehabilitation
and/or restoration of open space acquired under the Community Preservation Act.
Historic Preservation
No set aside required as it is allocated in FY2027 on bonds for historic projects for the acquisition, preservation,
rehabilitation, and restoration of historic resources.
Set Aside – Community Housing
$58,755 to be set aside, held in the Community Preservation Housing Reserve Account, and spent in FY2027 or later
years for the creation, preservation, and support of community housing, and for the rehabilitation and/or restoration
of community housing acquired under the Community Preservation Act.
Set Aside Administrative Costs – Community Preservation Committee

19

$29,377 to defray the administrative and operating expenses of the Community Preservation
Committee in FY2027 for the Community Preservation Administration Account
Set Aside – CPA Budgeted Reserve/Discretionary
$178,884 Reserved for FY2027 Budgeted Reserve/Discretionary Account
Annual Debt Service: $70,438 to be applied towards the bond for the perpetual Preservation Restriction on 84 Main
Street also known as the Burnett House for the purpose of historic preservation as approved at ATM 2016
Annual Debt Service: $57,000 to be applied towards the bond for the renovation and restoration of the historic
Southborough Library building for the purpose of historic preservation as approved at ATM 2018
Annual Debt Service: $134,350 to be applied towards the bond for the historic restoration of the Southborough Town
House for the purpose of historic preservation as approved at ATM 2021
FY2026 Annual Debt Service: $14,438 from the CPA FY2026 Budgeted Reserve Fund Balance to be applied towards
the short term note for the historic restoration of the Southborough Town House for the purpose of historic preservation
as approved at ATM 2021
Proposed by: COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary: The budget and set-asides are an annual requirement under the Community Preservation Act.
ARTICLE 23: To see if the Town will vote to accept the report of the Community Preservation
Committee for the FY2026 State Distribution Adjustment and the FY2026 Surcharge Receipts Adjustment from the
CPA Fund Balance and act upon the recommendations of the Community Preservation Committee and to set aside for
later expenditure, certain sums of money from the Community Preservation Fund established pursuant to Chapter 44B
of the General Laws, as follows:
FY2026 State Distribution Receipts …………………………. $ 77,378
ATM2025 Projected FY2026 State Distribution …………….. $ 73,362
FY2026 State Disbursement Adjustment …………………….. $ 4,016
Billed FY2026 Annual Surcharge ……………………………. $495,831
ATM 2025 Budgeted FY2026 Annual Surcharge ……………. $481,742
FY2026 Surcharge Adjustment ………………………………. $ 14,089
Total Adjustments
FY2026 State Distribution Adjustment ………………………. $ 4,016
FY2026 Surcharge Adjustment……………………………….. $ 14,089
Total Adjustments …………………………………………….. $ 18,105
Set Aside- Open Space
$1,810 to be set aside, held in the Community Preservation Open Space Reserve Account, and spent in
FY2026 or later years for acquisition, creation, or preservation of open space, and for the rehabilitation
and/or restoration of open space acquired under the Community Preservation Act.
Set Aside – Historic Preservation
$1,810 to be set aside, held in the Community Preservation Historic Reserve Account, and spent in FY2026
or later years for the acquisition, preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration of historic resources.
Set Aside – Community Housing
$1,810 to be set aside, held in the Community Preservation Housing Reserve Account, and spent in FY2026 or later
years for the creation, preservation, and support of community housing, and for the
rehabilitation and/or restoration of community housing acquired under the Community Preservation Act.

20

Set Aside – Administrative Costs
$905 to be set aside, held in the Community Preservation Fund to defray the administrative and operating expenses of
the Community Preservation Committee in FY2026 in the FY2026 Community Preservation Administration Account.
Set Aside – CPA Budgeted Reserve/Discretionary
$11,770 Reserved for FY2026 Community Preservation Budgeted Reserve/Discretionary
; or do or act anything in relation thereto.
Proposed by: COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary: This article is to account for an adjustment to the FY2026 state distribution and annual surcharge from
what was budgeted at 2025 ATM.
ARTICLE 24: To see if the Town will vote to appropriate sixty-one thousand, two hundred and thirty-nine dollars
($61,239.00) from the FY27 CPA Fund Community Housing Reserves for the purpose of Community Housing to the
Affordable Housing Trust Fund to be expended by the Board of Trustees of The Affordable Housing Trust (TRUST) in
compliance with the Community Preservation Act as outlined below.
The TRUST shall abide by the obligations and conditions listed in this article and as presented to the Community
Preservation Committee (COMMITTEE) in their final revised application.
THE WORK. The WORK consists of the projects, as described in the Application along with any other projects that
may be authorized under M.G.L. c.44, §55C and the following additional conditions:
a) Notwithstanding the TRUST’s bylaws, all funds expended pursuant to this appropriation shall be limited to the
allowable spending purposes as defined under M.G.L c.44B and M.G.L. c.44, §55C. Additionally the TRUST agrees
that while there are 16 powers granted to it by State Law and the Town bylaw, the TRUST has proposed and shall limit
the WORK to the following 7 areas within their power for this Project, except as may be otherwise authorized by the
COMMITTEE.
• Acquiring land for the construction of permanently affordable housing.
• Acquiring existing homes for conversion to permanently affordable housing
• Working with third party developers to build permanently affordable housing
• Working with third party developers to renovate existing homes as permitted by law.
• Working with third parties to qualify individuals and families for occupation of permanently affordable housing.
• Working with third parties to support qualified individuals and families for rental assistance or home buying (e.g. down
payment, closing costs, other costs) assistance.
• Disposing of properties under the TRUST’s care in furtherance of the above goals.
b) Every six months until the Completion Date, the TRUST shall provide the COMMITTEE with a written update on
the progress toward completion of the WORK. A final report, including digital photo documentation of the project where
appropriate, is due within 30 days of the Completion Date. 2
c) Consistent with the provisions of M.G.L. c.44B §5(b)(2), under no circumstances shall the Funds be used to
rehabilitate existing community housing units, unless such units have been acquired with CPA funds.
d) Consistent with the provisions of M.G.L. c.44B §5(b)(2), when creating community housing the TRUST shall,
wherever possible, reuse existing buildings or construct new buildings on previously developed sites.
e) Consistent with the provisions of M.G.L. c.44B §6, the Funds shall not replace existing TOWN operating funds nor
reimburse the TOWN for services provided to the TRUST.

21

f) If the Funds are the sole funding source for the acquisition of real property, the property shall only be used for
Community Housing as defined in M.G.L. c.44B §2.
In all other cases, the Funds may be used to cover a share of the project expenses proportionate to the part of the project
that will qualify as Community Housing as defined in M.G.L. c.44B §2.
The TRUST shall track the cost of the allowable scope through a reasonable means of cost estimating and only use the
Funds for the allowable portion of the project cost.
CONTACT. The TRUST shall identify in writing a contact person responsible for the administration of the Project to
be a liaison to the COMMITTEE
RESTRICTION. With respect to any real property purchased using the Funds or housing created or preserved using the
Funds, the TRUST shall execute or obtain a perpetual affordable housing restriction meeting the statutory requirements
of M.G.L. c.184 and M.G.L. c.44B, §12 and running to the benefit of the TOWN. The deed restrictions executed for
each unit of housing created or preserved pursuant to this appropriation must be approved and accepted by the TOWN
and will have a perpetual deed restriction attached to ensure affordability. To meet the requirements of CPA, the
restriction must be approved and signed by the state’s Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. The
TRUST shall provide a draft copy of the restriction to the COMMITTEE for review, and a copy of the executed
restriction shall be filed with the Committee.
SALE OF ANY PROPERTY FUNDED BY CPA MONIES. Within 60 days of the sale of any property funded by CPA
monies, the proceeds obtained by the TRUST from the sale of any real estate interest acquired with monies from the
Community Preservation Fund must be credited to the CPA Fund Community Housing Reserves in accordance with
M.G.L. 44B §7(iv) and described in the Property Tax Bureau Informational Guideline Release (IGR) No. IGR 19-14
Section 8. Community Preservation Property, E. Disposition. 3
RECORD KEEPING. The TRUST shall keep such records with respect to the utilization of the Funds as are kept in the
normal course of business and such additional records as may be required by the TOWN. Should the TRUST have
multiple funding sources, the TRUST shall track specific expenditures of the Funds separate from other funding sources.
The TOWN shall have full and free access to such records and may examine and copy such records. The TRUST further
agrees to meet with the COMMITTEE or its designee(s), upon reasonable request, to discuss expenditures of the Project
Funds.
REPORTING. The TRUST shall supply the COMMITTEE with annual reports of all CPA funds spent. The
COMMITTEE needs to be able to maintain proper records of all appropriations to the TRUST and the expenditures of
the TRUST.
; or do or act anything in relation thereto.
Proposed by: COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary: The Southborough CPA Funds transferred to the Trust in this article will allow the Town to act
quickly and creatively in meeting the Town's affordable housing needs. Each of the obligations in this ARTICLE was
discussed and agreed upon by the TRUST and the COMMITTEE during the project application process and prior to
the COMMITTEE’s vote to recommend the project to Town Meeting.
ARTICLE XX: To see if the Town will vote to accept an easement for Willow Street; or do or act anything in relation
thereto.
Proposed by: SELECT BOARD
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary: This article will

22

ARTICLE XX: To see if the Town will vote to create a Cemetery Commission…
;or do or act anything in relation thereto.
Proposed by: SELECT BOARD
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary: This article
ARTICLE XX: To see if the Town will vote to amend Chapter 152, Section 9 of the Town bylaw as follows:
§ 152-9 Placing of snow on public ways.
A. No person shall displace snow from privately owned land to a public way or public sidewalk or so as
to impede the operation of any fire hydrant. use of the public way or utilities within the public way.
B. Whoever violates this section shall be liable to a penalty of not less than $50 nor more than $200 for
each such violation.
;or do or act anything in relation thereto.
Proposed by: SELECT BOARD
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary: This proposed change to the bylaw comes as the result of recent significant snow events, which have
required Public Works to revisit already plowed roads due to contractors/homeowners pushing snow into the public
ways or contractors/homeowners pushing snow from driveways into sidewalks. This creates an unfair burden on
crews who are trying to open streets and sidewalks for safe passage of cars and pedestrians.
ARTICLE XX: To see if the Town will vote to amend Town bylaws by accepting Massachusetts General Law Chapter
60, Section 62A as follows:
In accordance with MGL c.60 section 62A, this bylaw authorizes payment agreements between the
Treasurer/Collector and persons entitled to redeem parcels in tax title and the waiver of certain interest charges.
A. The Treasurer shall have the authority to enter into written installment payment agreements with persons entitled
to redeem parcels in tax title on such terms and conditions as the Treasurer may determine in the Treasurer’s reasonable
discretion and in accordance with MGL c.60, § 62A. This bylaw shall apply to all taxpayers with parcels in tax title
in the Town of Southborough.
B. All installment payment agreements shall comply with the following minimum requirements:
(1) The installment payment agreement shall have a maximum term of five years;
(2) The installment payment agreement may include a waiver of up to 50% of the interest that has accrued in
the tax title account, but only if the taxpayer complies with the terms of the agreement (no taxes or collection
costs may be waived);
(3) The installment payment agreement must state the amount of the payment due from the taxpayer at the
time of execution of the agreement, which must be at least 25% of the amount needed to redeem the parcel
at the inception of the agreement.
;or do or act anything in relation thereto.
Proposed by: SELECT BOARD
Select Board Recommendation:

23

Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary: This bylaw, in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 60, Section 62A, authorizes the
Treasurer/Collector to enter into written installment payment agreements with taxpayers seeking to redeem properties
in tax title and to waive up to 50% of accrued interest. Agreements may last up to five years and require an upfront
payment of at least 25% of the amount needed to redeem the property, with no waiver of taxes or collection costs. The
bylaw applies to all tax title parcels in the Town of Southborough.

ARTICLE XX: To see if the Town will vote to accept G.L. c.40, §57, which permits the Town to deny any
application for, or revoke or suspend a building permit, and certain local licenses or permits (a) for any person,
corporation or business enterprise, who has neglected or refused to pay any local taxes, fees, assessments,
betterments or any other municipal charges, or (b) for any activity, event or other matter which is the subject of such
license or permit and which activity, event or matter is carried out or exercised or is to be carried out or exercised on
or about real estate whose owner has neglected or refused to pay any local taxes, fees, assessments, betterments or
any other municipal charges, or do or act anything in relation thereto.
Proposed by: SELECT BOARD
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary: This article asks the Town to adopt Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40, Section 57. The law would
allow the Town to deny, suspend, or revoke building permits and certain local licenses for individuals or businesses
that have unpaid local taxes, fees, assessments, or other municipal charges, as well as for activities taking place on
properties whose owners owe such debts.
ARTICLE XX: To see if the Town will vote to amend and remove language within the Zoning Code of the Town
of Southborough relating to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) as follows:
UPDATE 174-8.2 (Residence A District) A (11) to
(11) Accessory dwelling unit that is not larger in gross floor area than 1200 sq ft, provided that the Accessory
Dwelling Unit does not exceed the gross floor area of the principal dwelling. Only one Accessory Dwelling Unit
may be established on a lot.
REMOVE 174-8.2 (Residence A District) B (1) and align numbering accordingly
Administrative note: Remove and renumber remaining uses currently numbered (2) through (13) to (1) through (12)
REMOVE 174-8.4 BV (Business Village District) D. (1) and align numbering accordingly
Administrative note: Remove and renumber remaining uses currently numbered (2) through (4) to (1) through (3)
REMOVE 174-8.5 BH (Highway Business District) C. (2) and align numbering accordingly; update
references in 174-9 J (2)(a) to 174-8.5 C (13).
Administrative note: Remove and renumber remaining uses currently numbered (3) through (14) to (2) through (13);
update reference in 174-9 J (2)(a) from 174-8.5 C (14) to 174-8.5 C (13).
REMOVE 174-8.7 ID (Industrial District) C. (2) and align numbering accordingly; update references in 174-9
J (2)(a) to 174-8.7 C (13).
Administrative note: Remove and renumber remaining uses currently numbered (3) through (14) to (2) through (13);
update reference in 174-9 J (2)(a) from 174-8.7 C (14) to 174-8.7 C (13).
REMOVE 174-8.8 SP (Research, Scientific and Professional District) B. (1) and align numbering accordingly
Administrative note: Remove and renumber remaining uses currently numbered (2) through (12) to (1) through (11)
REMOVE 174-8.12 (Downtown District) D (1) and align numbering accordingly
Administrative note: Remove and renumber remaining uses currently numbered (2) through (3) to (1) through (2)

24

REMOVE 174-9 (Special permit requirements) B and replace with (Reserved)
UPDATE 174-13.8 Adaptive reuse of historic buildings (B) (1) (a) [1-3] to:
(a) Accessory dwelling units. The accessory dwelling unit shall be subject to site plan review and shall also comply
with the following conditions and requirements:
[1]
There is no other accessory dwelling unit on the lot on which the accessory dwelling unit is proposed.
[2]
Not more than the required minimum exterior alterations will be made to the single-family house and to
any accessory buildings as determined by the SPGA upon written recommendation of the Historical Commission.
; or do or act anything in relation thereto.
Proposed by: SELECT BOARD
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary: This article updates language relating to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) to allow ADUs that exceed
the state’s thresholds as-of-right up to 1200 square feet, provided the ADU does not exceed the size of the principal
dwelling, removes the existing size cap for adaptive reuse of historic buildings, and removes the language for special
permits for ADUs in its entirety.
ARTICLE XX: To see if the Town will vote to delete §174-8.6 IP Industrial Park District [Added 4-12-1993 ATM
by Art. 43] of the existing Zoning Code of the Town of Southborough and replace it with the following:
To see if the Town will vote to delete §174-8.6 IP Industrial Park District [Added 4-12-1993 ATM by Art. 43] of the
existing Zoning Code of the Town of Southborough and replace it with the following:
§174-8.6 IP Industrial Park District
A. General Performance Standards
All uses in the IP Industrial Park District shall comply with the following performance standards, measured at the
property line:
1. Noise: Notwithstanding §130 or any other provision of the Town Code, noise shall not exceed 60 decibels
(dB) during daytime hours (7 a.m.–10 p.m.) or 50 dB during nighttime hours (10 p.m.–7 a.m.), measured in
accordance with Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection noise regulations, or any
successor regulations.
2. Vibration: No operation shall create vibrations perceptible without instruments beyond the property line, as
measured using ASTM or ISO vibration measurement standards.
3. Odor: No operation shall emit odors beyond the property line in concentrations exceeding threshold odor
limits established by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, or which are detectable
for more than 5 minutes in any one hour by a person of normal olfactory sensitivity.
4. Emissions: Airborne emissions of dust, smoke, particulate matter, or other pollutants shall comply with all
applicable federal, state, and local air quality regulations, including limits set by the Massachusetts
Department of Environmental Protection.
5. Excessively flashing or bright lights, refuse material are prohibited.
B. Uses Permitted by Right
1. All uses permitted in the Conservation District
2. Private or non-profit school, childcare nursery, or kindergarten, exclusively for the care and education of
children licensed or certified by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
3. Private or non-profit assisted living residence, adult day health center, or similar facility providing care,
supervision, or support services for elderly or disabled adults, licensed or certified by the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts.
4. Cafeteria on the premises for use by employees; a commercial kitchen, café, or restaurant.
C. Uses Permitted by Right up to 50,000 Gross Square Feet
1. Data Processing, Digital Services, Media Production, Publishing

25

Includes payroll and financial transaction processing, document management, computer and
internet-based services, digital and print publishing, and commercial printing.
o Excludes broadcasting towers or facilities primarily intended for public transmission unless
otherwise permitted.
o Excludes Data Centers as defined in §174-9 subsection K below
2. Office – Includes activities such as professional services (i.e. lawyers, investment advisors, insurance,
accounting, consulting), record keeping, clerical work and sales (without the presence of merchandise); or a
place in which a professional person such as photographer (excluding photo processing), decorator; travel
agent conducts operations.
3. Creative Workplace – Including multipurpose collaboration workplace facilities that include space for
business planning, finance and multi-purpose facilities dedicated to providing space for various creative
enterprises including, but not limited to, space for art centers, creative incubators, design and innovation
centers, fabrication laboratories and their equivalents.
4. Brewery, Distillery, Cidery, Winery – Includes a facility that uses equipment and/or processes for large
scale production and distillation of malt, spirituous or vinous beverages pursuant to M.G.L. c. 138, §19 and
applicable Federal Statutes. Such establishment may include on-site sampling via a taproom or counter,
restaurant, the sale of permitted beverages produced on premises to customers for off-site consumption, and
the sale of goods branded by the establishment.
5. Indoor or Outdoor Recreation, Fitness, Cultural, or Arts Facilities
o Includes studios, galleries, or theaters for visual, performing, cultural arts, or similar activities.
o Includes private membership clubs or organizations providing social, cultural, physical fitness,
athletic training, or recreational amenities.
6. Small Clean Energy Infrastructure
a. Must meet requirements of MA 225 CMR 29.00, Small Clean Energy Infrastructure Siting and
Permitting Regulation and whose energy capacity, as defined in M.G.L.c.164,§1, with a rated capacity of
less than 100 megawatt hours, including any ancillary structure that is an integral part of the operation of
the Small Clean Energy facility.
b. Footprint: The area of land and water encompassed by small clean energy equipment, plus any land significantly
impacted by construction of the small clean energy facility, including, but not limited to, land altered for clearing,
grading, and roadways.
c. Setbacks: Notwithstanding the standard setbacks for this district, any portion of a building, structure, or use
located on a lot that abuts a Residential or Conservation District shall maintain a minimum setback of 1,000 feet
from the district and or property boundary.
o

c. Fire and Life Safety: Must comply with 527 CMR 12.00, NFPA 855, International Fire Code, and Massachusetts
Comprehensive Fire Safety Code. Approval by the Fire Chief or designee is required prior to issuance of a building
permit. Fire Department training must be provided annually.
d. Emergency Operations: Submit an Emergency Operations Plan to the Fire Department and Health Department,
including system specifications, hazard mitigation measures, and a 24-hour emergency contact. The Emergency
Operations Plan shall be updated annually, and whenever a significant change is made to the facility.
e. Site Security and Screening: Enclose facility with security fencing and provide access controls, signage, and
visual screening.
f. Decommissioning Plan: Submission of a decommissioning plan detailing removal of all system components and
site restoration if operation ceases for a period exceeding twelve (12) months or upon reaching the end of its useful
life. The plan shall include a fully inclusive, itemized estimate of the cost of removal and site restoration, prepared
by a qualified engineer, and shall be updated at the request of the Planning Board. As a condition of Site Plan
approval, the applicant shall submit a decommissioning cost estimate prepared by a qualified engineer. Prior to
issuance of a building permit, the owner/operator shall provide, in a form acceptable to the Town (such as a surety
bond, irrevocable letter of credit, escrow account, or other instrument approved by the Planning Board, financial
surety in an amount not to exceed 125% of the estimated decommissioning and site restoration costs. The amount
and form may be reviewed and adjusted by the Planning Board not greater than five (5) year intervals to reflect
inflation and any updated cost estimates.
7. Retail Establishments and Consumer Services (No Manufacturing)

26

o Include the sale of goods or provision of services directly to the public.
o Includes the incidental preparation or customization of goods for immediate sale allowed.
o Excludes on site-manufacturing, which is addressed separately under section D (2) below
8. Medical Clinics, Outpatient Care, and Diagnostic Laboratories; provided all operations are conducted
within enclosed buildings; no overnight patient stays.
9. Indoor Facilities for Wholesale Trade, Distribution, and Storage of Goods and Materials provided such use
is located / conducted a minimum of 1000 ft from layout of the Turnpike Road (Rt 9).
o Excludes transfer, handling, or storage of solid waste, hazardous waste, or other materials
regulated by Federal, State or local laws, regulations, or bylaws.
o All operations must be conducted within enclosed buildings; outdoor storage prohibited unless
expressly permitted by special permit.
10. Light Manufacturing
o Include fabrication, processing, packaging, or assembling by substantially noiseless and
inoffensive motor power, installing utilizing hand labor or quiet machinery and processors, and
free from neighborhood disturbing agents, such as orders, gas fumes, smoke, cinder, flashing or
excessively bright lights, refuse materials, electromagnetic radiation, heat or vibration including,
without limitation, advanced manufacturing-which includes the use of innovative technologies to
create existing and new products, which may include production activities that depend upon
information, automation, computation, software servicing, and networking.
o Must not produce noise, vibration, odor, smoke, glare, or other environmental impacts detectable
beyond the property line.
o No heavy machinery, hazardous materials, or freight delivery operations but shall permit
customary delivery activities relating to produced products and materials.
11. Stand-alone Electric Vehicle Charging Stations, Pay-to-Park Facilities, and Parking Garages (above and
below grade).
D. Uses Requiring a Special Permit
1. All uses permitted in Subsection B that exceed 50,000 sq ft.
2. Retail establishments and consumer services with on-site manufacturing.
3. Major public utility infrastructure (e.g., substations or transmission facilities).
4. Hospitals, inpatient care facilities, and emergency medical centers.
5. Veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, dog kennels, and equestrian centers; no livestock farming.
6. Laboratories, Life Science Research and Development Commercial Manufacturing – Includes life science
laboratories engaged in research, prototype manufacturing, experimental and testing activities including,
but not limited to, the fields of pharmaceuticals, biomedical technologies, and engineering, life system
technologies, environmental, biomedical devices, subject to applicable Federal, State and local regulations
provided Biosafety Level 3 (BL-3) and 4 (BL-4) laboratories are expressly prohibited. Scientific research
and development involving Good Laboratories Practices (GLP) or Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
and chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) for pharmaceutical or biologic product development.
This use encompasses the processes and procedures involved in developing, manufacturing, and controlling
the quality of a human or veterinarian drug product throughout its lifecycle.
7. Other manufacturing not described in Subsection C.
8. Hazardous waste storage and disposal facilities, other than small generators, as defined by the
Environmental Protection Agency and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, except that a special permit
may be issued for such a facility upon approval by the appropriate federal and state agencies, review and
comment by the Southborough Board of Health, Conservation Commission, Planning Board and Fire and
Police Chiefs, following a duly advertised public hearing and in accordance with the Hazardous Waste
Facilities Siting Law.1
9. Adult bookstore, adult video store, adult paraphernalia store, adult motion-picture theater, adult live
entertainment (see § 174-9I). [Added 4-8-1996 ATM by Art. 56]
10. Heliport or landing place for helicopter, not including storage or maintenance facilities as an accessory use
to a permitted principal use. [Added 4-15-1997 ATM by Art. 53]
11. Registered marijuana dispensary as defined in 105 CMR 725.004. [Added 4-16-2014 ATM by Art. 17]
12. Highway Major Retail (Note: Special permit from the Planning Board.) [Added 10-27-25 ATM by Art 1.]
13. Data Centers as defined in § 174-9 K (Note: Special permit from the Planning Board)

27

E. Prohibited Uses
• All uses which are not listed above, legally nonconforming, or otherwise allowable by the provisions of the
zoning regulations are prohibited.
F. Development Standards
1. Minimum lot area: 43,560 sq ft (minimum 20,000 sq ft exclusive of wetlands) [Amended 4-8-1996 ATM by
Art. 54].
2. Minimum frontage: 200 feet.
3. Minimum setbacks:
o Front: 50 feet; 75 feet if on Route 9
o Rear: 50 feet
o Side: 50 feet
o Other street: 50 feet
4. Maximum height: 45 feet, three stories.
5. Maximum floor area ratio: 0.60.
G. Operation of Marijuana Establishments
• Prohibited in all zoning districts. The operation of any marijuana establishment as defined in MGL c. 94C,
§ 1, including without limitation a marijuana cultivator, marijuana testing facility, marijuana product
manufacturer, marijuana retailer or any other type of licensed marijuana facility is prohibited in all zoning
districts of the Town.
• Exception: licensed medical marijuana facilities under Chapter 369 of the Acts of 2012 currently permitted
in Southborough [Added 4-25-2017 ATM by Art. 32].
§174-9 Special Permit Requirements
K. Data Centers (Use by Special Permit by Planning Board)
1. Definition: A facility whose primary purpose is the centralized storage, processing, management, and
transmission of digital data, information, or applications, typically within one or more secure buildings.
Such a facility is characterized by high‑density computer servers and related hardware, and associated
electrical and mechanical systems, including but not limited to uninterruptible power supplies, back‑up
batteries, generators, switchgear, transformers, cooling and air‑handling equipment, fire suppression
systems, and physical security, which in the aggregate consume a significant about of the facility’s gross
floor area and electrical load. The term includes, but is not limited to server farms, cloud‑computing
facilities, and similar digital infrastructure operations, whether owned by a single user or providing services
to multiple users.
Computers not considered to characterize a Data Center include:
(a) computers used primarily by individual users in an office or similar environment (such as desktop computers,
laptops, smartphones, or tablets); and
(b) multi‑user computers or servers serving another principal use that, in aggregate, occupy no more than ten percent
(10%) of the gross floor area of the building and consume no more than ten percent (10%) of the building’s total
electrical load.
The Planning Board may promulgate regulations interpreting and updating this definition as technology evolves,
following a public hearing, provided that any such regulations shall not take effect until at least six (6) months after
their adoption.
2. Visual Screening and Noise Control:
o Outdoor equipment must be fully enclosed unless mechanically infeasible (as determined by Town
Engineer).
o Ground equipment and accessory electrical substations must be screened from view from abutting
lots and rights-of-way.
o Pre-construction and post-construction studies required to demonstrate compliance with all
provisions of §174-8.6 A and §130 of the Town Code (the Noise Bylaw).
o Sound mitigation measures must maintain noise at or below baseline levels.
3. Siting and Setbacks:
o Buildings must be ≥1,000 ft from abutting Conservation, Residential districts or Residential
properties.

28

Ground equipment must be ≥1,000 ft from abutting Conservation and Residential districts and
screened by the principal building.
Public Notification and Engagement required of the applicant prior to the issuance of a special permit:
o All residents and homeowner associations within 0.5-mile radius must be notified at least 15 days
prior to hearings and neighborhood meetings.
o The applicant must schedule and attend two neighborhood meetings, to which the Planning Board
shall also be invited.
o The applicant must post signs conforming to §174-11 at least 15 days before meetings along
arterial streets or high-visibility locations.
As a condition of the special permit, the applicant shall:
o Maintain a public website announcing non-emergency generator, non-utility, or other noise
producing backup power source operation at least 24 hours in advance.
o Operate generator and other noise-producing backup power sources only from 9 am–5 pm,
Monday - Friday, excluding holidays, unless supplying emergency power.
In considering whether to grant a special permit for a Data Center, the Planning Board shall consider
factors including, but not limited to, the following, and may impose conditions or deny the permit where it
finds that adverse impacts cannot be reasonably mitigated:
o Public utilities and infrastructure: anticipated demand on and required upgrades to electric, water,
sewer, stormwater, and telecommunications systems, including impacts on system capacity,
reliability, and resiliency for existing and planned Town users.
o Energy use and emissions: projected electric load, need for new or expanded substations or
transmission facilities, on-site generation (including emergency generators), greenhouse-gas
emissions, and consistency with Town energy and climate-action goals.
o Water use and cooling: expected potable and non-potable water consumption, cooling methods,
wastewater and thermal discharge characteristics, and consistency with Town water-supply,
wastewater, and watershed-protection objectives.
o Noise, vibration, and air quality: noise and vibration from mechanical equipment, cooling systems,
and generators (including backup and testing operations), and associated air emissions, and the
effectiveness of proposed mitigation to protect nearby residences and other sensitive uses.
o Public safety and hazard mitigation: adequacy of fire protection, life-safety systems,
hazardous-materials storage and handling, emergency power systems, and emergency response
plans, in consultation with the Fire, Police, and Emergency Management departments.
o Consistency with Town plans and policies: consistency with the Town’s Master Plan, zoning
objectives, climate-action or sustainability plans, and other adopted policies and regulations.
o The Planning Board may deny a special permit where, after considering these factors, it finds that
the proposed Data Center would result in substantial or unreasonable adverse impacts on Town
resources, the environment, public health or safety, neighborhood character, or the implementation
of adopted Town plans, and that such impacts cannot be adequately avoided or mitigated through
reasonable conditions.
Development Standards:
o Must comply with §174-8.6 F, unless otherwise noted.
o Maximum building size: 50,000 sq ft.
o

4.

5.

6.

7.

To replace §174-9 J (2) (a) referencing the Industrial Park District from [as identified in 174-8.6C (15)] to [as
identified in §174-8.6 D (11)]
; or to do or act in relation thereto.
Proposed by: PLANNING BOARD
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary: This article replaces the current IP Industrial Park District section with updated regulations that set
clear performance standards, permitted and prohibited uses, and dimensional requirements, while newly regulating
data centers and battery energy storage systems. It establishes special permit criteria and safeguards to manage
environmental, infrastructure, and neighborhood impacts from larger-scale industrial, commercial, and digital
infrastructure uses.

29

ARTICLE XX: To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Code of the Town of Southborough, to
remove the term “Southborough Housing Opportunity Partnership Committee (SHOPC)” from Town Code and
replace with Board of Trustees of the Southborough Affordable Housing Trust (SAHT) in applicable sections of
the Town Code
§9-16 Establishment; terms.
A. (7) One member of the Board of Trustees of the Southborough Affordable Housing Trust (SAHT) as designated
by a majority vote of the Committee for a term of three years
C. Members at large may not also be members of the Historical Commission, Housing Authority, Conservation
Commission, Planning Board, Open Space Preservation Commission, Southborough Affordable Housing Trust,
Recreation Commission or the Select Board.
§174-13.2 Major residential development
A. (1) (a)
With a special permit from the Planning Board, as indicated in § 174-8, Schedule of Use Regulations, with
applicants applying under this section required to concurrently file the application with the Board of Trustees of the
Southborough Affordable Housing Trust (SAHT) or
E. (1) (g) Relationships to other organizations. Subject to the approval of the SAHT and the applicable subsidizing
agency, developers may elect to work with a local nonprofit housing provider, such as
the Southborough Housing Authority, to distribute, maintain or operate the units in accordance with the
requirements and intent of this section
E. (2) (b) Maximum rental price. Rents for the affordable units, excluding utilities (heat, water, electricity), shall not
exceed 30% of the targeted annual gross household income, as determined by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Department of Housing and Community Development. Specific prices shall be determined by the state or federal
funding source, if applicable, and are subject to approval by the SAHT.
E. (2) (c) Maximum sales price. Housing costs, including monthly housing payments, principal and interest
payments, real estate taxes, and insurance, shall not exceed 30% of the targeted gross household income. Specific
prices shall be determined by the state or federal funding source, if applicable, and are subject to approval by the
SAHT.
E. (2) (d) Resale prices. Subsequent resale prices shall be determined based on a percentage of the median income at
the time of resale as determined by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development and adopted by the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development. The resale price will be
established based on a discount rate, which is the percentage of the median income for which the unit was originally
sold. The method of resale price calculation shall be included as part of the deed restriction. Through agreement
between the SAHT and the developer or owner, this percentage may be increased or decreased by up to 5% at the
time of resale, in order to assure that the target income groups' ability to purchase will be kept in line with the unit's
market appreciation and to provide a proper return on equity to the seller.
E. (2) (e) Marketing plan. The affordable units must be rented or sold using marketing and selection guidelines
approved by the SAHT, and in accordance with state guidelines.
E. (3) (c) Unit size. Except as otherwise authorized by the SAHT, affordable units shall contain one or more
bedrooms. The mix of unit sizes among the affordable units shall be proportionate to that of the development as a
whole.
E. (5) (c) (2) (c) Prior to the issuance of a final occupancy permit for any portion of the project, the contribution
shall be payable in full, or a written agreement approved by the Planning Board and SAHT and must be recorded
and filed with the Town Treasurer.
E. (6) (a) Legal restrictions. Affordable units shall be rented or sold subject to deed covenants, contractual
agreements, and/or other mechanisms restricting the use and occupancy, rent levels and sales prices of such units to
assure their affordability. All restrictive instruments shall be subject to review and approval by the SAHT and Town
Counsel. All condominium documents and fees shall be subject to review and approval by the SAHT and Town
Counsel.
E. (6) (c) Timing of construction. As a condition of the issuance of approval under this subsection, the SAHT may
set a time schedule for the construction of both affordable and market-rate units. No certificate of occupancy shall be
issued for any market-rate units in a development subject to the requirements of this subsection until 25% of the
affordable units required to be constructed have been issued a certificate of occupancy. No certificate of occupancy

-

30

shall be issued to more than 75% of the market-rate units until 100% of the affordable units required to be
constructed have obtained a certificate of occupancy.
; or do or act anything in relation thereto.
Proposed by: PLANNING BOARD
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary: This article updates the Zoning Code to replace references to the “Southborough Opportunity
Partnership Committee (SHOPC)” with the Board of Trustees of the Southborough Affordable Housing Trust
(SAHT) in the sections governing major residential development, affordable housing contributions, and committee
membership. It aligns the code language with the Town’s current affordable housing governance structure.
ARTICLE XX: To see if the Town will vote to delete lines (d) and (e) from the existing table located in the Zoning
Code of the Town of Southborough § 174-10.3 MBTA Communities Overlay District, E (1) and replace with the
following lines (d) and (e) and notation to correct for transcription error.
MCOD Subdistricts #1a and MCOD Subdistrict #2
MCOD Subdistrict #3
Dimensional
1b (Residence B Dimensional (Industrial Park
(Industrial Park Dimensional
Standards
Standards)
Dimensional Standards)
Standards)
(d) Maximum
height**

2.5 stories, 35 feet

(e) Maximum
0.30
floor area ratio

3 stories, 45 feet

3 stories, 45 feet

0.60

0.60

NOTES:
** Maximum height cannot exceed either parameter must meet obligations of both criteria
; or do or act anything in relation thereto.
Proposed by: PLANNING BOARD
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary: A transcription error was discovered in the Dimensional standards table in § 174-10.3 MBTA
Communities Overlay District. The Overlay refers to the established dimensional standards in Residential B and
Industrial Park and the table as represented in ECode is incorrect. This bylaw updates the table to accurately reflect
those standards and minimize any confusion.
ARTICLE XX: To see if the Town will vote to amend § 174-11 C of the Zoning Bylaw of the Town of
Southborough by adding a new subsection (16) to permit limited banner signage in connection with the Town’s
Tricentennial celebration.
§ 174-11 C (16)(a) —Tricentennial Banner Signage
Notwithstanding any other provision of § 174-11 C, and subject to referral from the Southborough Tricentennial
committee and Select Board approval, banners promoting official Southborough Tricentennial events or messaging
may be permitted on Town property, within public ways (including utility/light poles), and on non-residential
properties from August 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027.
All banners authorized under this subsection shall:
• Be limited to Town-sponsored or Town-approved Tricentennial content;
• Be installed and maintained in a manner that does not interfere with traffic safety, pedestrian circulation,
sight lines, or public utilities;

31

•
•
•
•

Comply with maximum height and area standards per § 174-11 D Sign Regulations for Standing and Wall
signs;
Comply with illumination standards per § 174-11 C. (2) (d) and § 174-11 C. (3);
Be removed no later than January 31, 2028.
Be approved by the owner of the utility or light poles, or other structures.

Banners displayed on Town property or within public ways shall be deemed official Town speech, and the Town
shall retain ownership and control over their content, design, placement, maintenance, and removal.
The size, design and location of any banners authorized hereunder are subject to the prior review and approval of the
Select Board, which may impose reasonable conditions related to size, location, duration, materials, and visual
design to ensure consistency with community character, roadway safety, and the intent of the Zoning Bylaw. The
Select Board’s decision is at its sole discretion and is not subject to appeal.
§ 174-11 C (16)(b) — Sunset Provision
This subsection shall only be in effect from August 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027 and limited solely to the
Southborough Tricentennial celebration period. All permissions granted under this subsection shall expire on
January 31, 2028.
; or do or act anything in relation thereto.
Proposed by: SELECT BOARD
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary: This article proposes to
ARTICLE XX: To see if the town of Southborough will vote to create a separate finance committee with its own
members and duties. The finance committee will follow Mass. general laws, chapter 39, section 16. The first
priority will be to make sure that the department of revenue financial review of the town of Southborough dated
August of 2024 recommendation #1 “the Town accountant it appears he/she does not have custody of all contracts
and grants he/she is legally obliged to maintain. Therefore, we recommend that the heads of all departments, board
and commissions ensure that they submit copies of all grants and contracts to the accountant’s office in compliance
with M.G.L. c.41, Sub Sect 57 and bylaw Article 3 SUB Sect 3-2. When reviewing payment requests, the
accountant must be able to verify the terms of the contract are met. If a department submits a bill and the contract
with payment terms is not on file, he/she should not process the payment until he/she gets the contract.” We also
want the finance committee to confirm that the payment to the vendor is for product or services that followed
Comm. of Mass. municipal purchasing rules and laws.
The Finance committee will review and when they vote by a majority of members, they may order an audit from a
Mass. Certified Public accounting firm employing a minimum of 10 C.P.A.’s. The committee may spend up to
$20,000 dollars per year without new town meeting authority. If more funds are needed the committee shall ask
town meeting for added funds.
The following boards and committees can appoint a single finance committee member for two years. Planning
board, Zoning Board of appeals, Advisory committee, Board of Assessors, and the Select board. No Finance
member can be an elected official in the town.
The finance committee shall work with the town auditor and any independent auditor and together submit a
summary of their work to be included in the town’s annual report.
Following the recommendations of the department of revenue of Massachusetts will be the initial role for this
committee. The finance committee may increase its responsibilities over time by following the responsibilities as
laid out by the finance committee handbook association of town finance committees, 3 Center Plaza, Boston, Mass.
; or do or act anything in relation thereto.

32

Proposed by: JACK BARRON, ET AL.
Select Board Recommendation:
Advisory Committee Recommendation:
Summary: This is a citizen’s petition.

And you are to give notice hereby by posting true and attested copies of the Warrant on the Town website, the
Southborough Town House, 17 Common Street, Southborough Senior Center, 9 Cordaville Road, Southborough
Library, 25 Main Street, and Southborough Transfer Station, 147 Cordaville Road; seven (7) days at least before the
time appointed for such meeting.
Given under our hand this 17th day of March, 2026

____________________________________________
Andrew R. Dennington II, Chair
___________________________________________
Marguerite Landry, Vice-Chair
___________________________________________
Kathryn M. Cook
___________________________________________
Alfred Hamilton
___________________________________________
Tim Fling

33

SELECT BOARD OF THE TOWN OF SOUTHBOROUGH

34

•lCHAPA
Citizens' Housing and Planning Association
One Beacon St reet, s•h Floor, Boston MA, 02108
(617) 742-0820 I chapa.org

February 11, 2026
Select Board
17 Common St
Southborough, MA 01772
Dear Select Board
This letter is sent to the Town of Southborough on behalf of Stephanie Horan, the
owner of an affordable property under Chapter 40B, to inform you of the owner's
intent to sell the affordable home. The home is located at 39 Meeting House Lane, and
is part of Meeting House Farm, a Chapter 40B development where Citizens' Housing
and Planning Association (CHAPA) serves as the Monitoring Agent.
Based on the affordable housing deed rider for 39 Meeting House Lane, CHAPA has
determined that the Maximum Resale Price for the above-referenced home is $207,363.
As explained in the deed rider, CHAPA and the homeowner will have 90 days to locate
an Eligible Purchaser for this home.
This 90-day marketing period will begin on or before February 171h, 2026, and end on
approximately May P', 2026. During this time, the Town can also elect to purchase the
home for the Maximum Resale Price. If an Eligible Purchaser buys the affordable home,
a new deed restriction will be signed, recorded and the home remains on the
Southborough's subsidized housing inventory.
If an Eligible Purchaser fails to buy the home during the 90-day period (plus the option
for a 60-day extension), the current owner of the property can sell the home to an
Ineligible Purchaser, but still subject to the deed rider restrictions.
We welcome any assistance the Town wishes to offer CHAPA in locating a new Eligible
Buyer for this affordable housing opportunity. Please feel free to contact Carol Marine,
Senior Program Manager, at 617-690-8603 or cmarine cha a.or , if you are
interested in helping us market the property or have any questions.
Sincerely,
Ron McCormick
Senior Program Manager
[email protected]
781/285-6081

One Beacon Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02108 I T (6i7) 7420- 0820 I www.chapa.org

Town of Southborough, MA
Meeting of the Select Board
March 3, 2026 6:00 PM
McAuliffe Hearing Room
17 Common Street, Southborough, MA

By Southborough Town Clerk/jfh at 11:19 am, Feb 27, 2026

Those wishing to watch or participate remotely can do so by accessing the meeting link at:
https://www.southboroughma.gov/674/Virtual-Meetings

a. Call Meeting to Order
b. Public Comment
c. Scheduled Appointments (Board may vote)
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Joint meeting with School Committee:
i. Potential Building Committee and charge
ii. Timeline and next steps
State Budget update: Senator Jamie Eldridge, Representative Kate Donaghue
Taxation Aid Committee interviews: Michael Sheff, Sally Watters
Doug Peck, Council on Aging update
Appointment to Youth Commission: Kayla Monzack

d. Reports
a. Chair’s Report
b. Members’ Reports
i. St. Mark's donation
c. Town Administrator Report
i. Regional fire services
e. Consent Agenda
a. Approve February 3, 2026 Executive Session minutes
b. Approve Recreation Dept donation from Middlesex Savings Bank
f. Other Matters (Board may vote)
a. Deliberation upon FY27 budget
b. Review of Annual Town Meeting warrant
c. Vote to declare level of interest in 39 Meeting House Lane.
g. Adjournment
Andrew R. Dennington, II, Chair
March 10, 2026

UPCOMING MEETINGS

March 17, 2026