The Freetown Board of Selectmen discussed several key items during their May 18, 2026 meeting.

Financials & Expenditures

The Board voted to award contracts for Fiscal Year 2027 roadway materials, totaling over $10,000 for each material type. Awards included Salting Wire Inc. for highway salt (untreated at $83.89/ton, treated at $103.89/ton), Pro Finish Lines Company for road striping ($0.68/linear foot), and All States Construction Inc. for various stone seals (ranging from $4.10/sq yard to $230.00/ton for asphalt shimmying). These are annual appropriations for the Highway Department.

The Board approved awarding the IT support services contract for 2026 and 2027 to Natural Spec LLC at $140 per hour. The contract now includes a 45-day notice period for termination by either party (increased from 10 days) and explicitly removes clauses about entering the contractor’s home or royalties.

A $90,000 reserve fund transfer was acknowledged for facilities. This covers unforeseen expenses like a $30,000 repair to the electrical panel in a town building due to water damage and increased electricity costs across departments (e.g. the Police Department’s electricity budget increased by $20,000). Next year’s budget reflects an additional $90,000 to account for these rising costs.

Interdepartmental budget transfers totaling $25,000 were approved to cover legal fees for tax title work and an additional $25,000 for costs related to the demolition of a building and fence installation after the fire at 42 Bow Street.

The Board approved pay rates for seasonal staff working the summer concert series. The concert manager will receive a stipend of $125 per 4-hour event, and two assistant staff will receive $100 per event.

A 2% cost of living increase was approved for the Call Fire Department’s Fiscal Year 2027 pay rates. New hourly rates range from $17.17 for a probationary officer to $24.72 for a call captain. The Select Board acknowledged these rates are low given the work performed.

Zoning & Planning

Discussion on moving the World War I Memorial Stone is paused as town administration needs to follow up with the Historical Commission due to its potential location within a historical district. The item will be added to a future meeting agenda.

The municipal fiber project, funded by a grant, is moving forward with fiber optic cables installed on poles and splicing underway. This initiative aims to connect all town buildings, including schools and public safety facilities, to centralize internet connections and reduce costs.

A proposal for professional land survey services from Merrill Engineers and Land Surveyors for $7,700-$7,800 was approved for the South Main Street Bridge project. The bridge reconstruction is grant-funded.

The job description for the full-time Outreach Coordinator was approved, with a specific mention of a “Memory Cafe” at the senior center removed as a mandatory requirement for the position.

The Board decided to proceed with the $500,000 repair of the oldest section of the Elementary School roof now to address existing wet spots and prevent further deterioration, rather than waiting to apply for an MSBSA grant for a full roof, windows, and doors replacement. The full roof replacement is estimated to cost $3 million. This immediate repair is crucial as the roof is already past its lifespan.

Resident Action & Public Hearings

Future Meeting Dates: The next official meeting is June 1st (Town Meeting). The Select Board is considering adding a meeting on June 29th due to administrative needs for the minutes.

The Hidden News

The National Fitness Campaign recognized Freetown for its free fitness series at Hathaway Park (including Zumba, yoga, pickleball, and self-defense classes) and extended a grant opportunity for additional outdoor activities. The series currently serves many residents and costs nothing to participate.

Girl Scouts Troop 76200 completed a water safety station project at Hathaway Park, collaborating with town staff to set up the station.