TownCrier Middleboro, here with the latest insights from your local government!

Financials & Expenditures

The town authorized the Town Administrator to execute an agreement with the Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District for Crapo Hill trash disposal by June 30th. This is an annual renewal due to limited space for trash, and concerns were raised about future capacity and potential cost increases beyond the current rate of $90 to $104 per ton.

The Board approved the award of a request for quotes for a crane or hoist for Water and Sewer operations, totaling $16,630, to Jonco Truck and Utility. They also authorized the Town Administrator to sign related documents.

An update to the Fiscal Year 2027 budget was approved, reflecting a $75,000 decrease in the school assessment and a $65,000 increase in state funding to the town. The overall approved budget with amendments stands at $34,854,562.50.

• The budget includes an additional $71,000 to fund an extra firefighter, ensuring four firefighters are on all shifts. This aims to improve public safety and potentially reduce future overtime costs.
• An additional $10,000 was added to the insurance budget for on-duty police and fire personnel, addressing a renewal bill that came in over budget.

A donation of $50 from Richard and Dianne Nichols to the Council on Aging for general support was accepted.

Two internal transfer requests were approved:

• $1,615 from the Board of Parking Clerk to the Select Board Advertising Budget.
• $2,500 from the Town Administrator Wages, Recording Clerk to the Select Board Advertising Budget.

Zoning & Planning

A road opening permit was approved for 54 Gridley Road, East Freetown, to connect a property to the water system, related to new construction or renovation.

For the Annual Town Meeting, Article 13 proposes to amend Freetown’s zoning laws regarding “battery storage system (BSS)” regulations. The proposed bylaw is designed to be as strict as possible within state allowance, notably limiting BSS facilities to industrial zones only. This measure aims to prevent the state from issuing permits without town regulation, which could otherwise lead to large BSS installations without local control.

A Special Town Meeting article concerning certain land parcels was passed over due to potential title defects.

Resident Action & Public Hearings

The Select Board reviewed articles for the Annual Town Meeting and Special Town Meeting scheduled for June 1, 2026. Residents were expected to participate or vote on these items on this date.

• One article reviewed was a petition regarding the potential purchase of 20 acres of land for $110,000, funded by conservation money. Residents were advised that voting this down would prevent the purchase.
• Article 13 regarding Battery Storage System zoning amendments was also reviewed for the Town Meeting.

The Hidden News

Kylee Patella resigned from her position as Community Program Director, effective June 30, 2026, to take on a new role within the town. She was highly praised for her significant contributions in establishing and running numerous community events, including movie nights, concerts, and holiday contests. Her family also received commendation for their volunteer support, which helped bring these events to fruition and foster a strong sense of community.

A disclosure of a potential conflict of interest from Deborah Petty was acknowledged. It pertained to a road opening permit previously issued for her brother’s business at 55 South Main Street. It was confirmed that the Town Administrator made no official decisions regarding the permit and there was no undue influence, as it was a standard, cut-and-dry permit for a water connection.

The town made several appointments:

• Steven Williams as a Truck Driver for the Highway Department, effective June 15, 2026.
• Lisa Podolski as Animal Control Officer, effective May 1, 2026, until April 30, 2027.
• John Randall as a Laborer for the Highway Department, effective June 2, 2026.

No public input was received during this meeting.