Summary

School override question advances to ballot

BellinghamMar 16, 20262 min read

At a glance

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The Select Board voted 4-0, with one abstention, to submit the proposed school override question for the 2026 Annual Town Election warrant. The Board also approved reopening and closing the Annual Town Meeting warrant with added zoning, street acceptance, and charter articles.

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Selectboard

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Budget & TaxPublic SafetyEducationHousingUtilities

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What this means

The override question will move forward for consideration on the 2026 Annual Town Election ballot, addressing a school department budget deficit. The Board said future budget discussions will focus in part on health insurance costs, the Town’s self-funded insurance model, and responsible growth. The Board also advanced several articles for the May 27, 2026 Annual Town Meeting.

Key decisions

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Voted 4-0, with one abstention, to submit the proposed school override question requested by the Bellingham School Committee for the 2026 Annual Town Election warrant.
Voted 5-0 to reopen, amend, and close the Annual Town Meeting warrant with three zoning bylaw articles, two street acceptance articles, and a charter change concerning the CFO role.
Voted 5-0 to execute and post the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant, pending final legal edits and comments.
Voted 5-0 to send three proposed zoning amendments back to the Planning Board for review, including definitions, use regulations, and drive-through regulations.
Continued the public hearing on National Grid’s petition to install a mid-span pole on Pulaski Boulevard to the second Select Board meeting in April.
Received a recommendation for a 60-day temporary license for John’s Used Auto while fire and environmental deficiencies are addressed; a final determination is expected afterward.
Agreed to conduct additional research before considering a Town Meeting article and request for proposals for possible use of Town-owned land off William Way for battery storage or other uses.
Reported that $959,752 in FY24 Community Project funding was expected to be received that week.
Approved a $22,500 reserve fund transfer for asbestos mitigation work at the Old Town Hall.

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