Summary

Board Approves Annual Town Meeting Warrant

WhitmanApr 7, 20262 min read

At a glance

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The Select Board approved the May 4, 2026, Annual Town Meeting warrant and a one-year free cash policy exemption that is expected to direct approximately $234,000 to other post-employment benefits. The Board also continued planning for a potential Proposition 2½ override amid projected budget pressure through at least 2031.

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Select Board

Topics discussed

LaborBudget & TaxPublic SafetyHealthcare

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What this means

The warrant sets the items residents will consider at Annual Town Meeting, while the one-year policy change shifts some available funds to cover future retiree benefits rather than putting them into general stabilization. The Board discussed how an override could affect services and reductions but did not establish a final override amount in the provided minutes. It also approved higher smoke and carbon monoxide inspection fees, a firefighters’ labor agreement through June 2028, and a high-deductible health plan option for employees.

Key decisions

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Approved the May 4, 2026, Annual Town Meeting warrant.
Approved a one-year exemption to the free cash policy, directing approximately $234,000 to other post-employment benefits.
Approved smoke and carbon monoxide inspection fees of $50 for a single-family dwelling or single unit, $100 for a two-family dwelling, $150 for buildings with six or fewer residential units, and $500 for buildings with more than six units.
Authorized signing a collective bargaining agreement with the Whitman Firefighters Association, Local 1769, covering July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028, conditional upon the union's signature.
Approved adding a high-deductible health plan with lower premiums and a Health Savings Account as an employee insurance option.
Approved conditional offers of employment for two candidates and appointed Margaret Donovan as a Crossing Guard/Special Constable through June 30, 2026.
Decided not to sell the Corthell Building at this time.
Approved use of the Town Hall Auditorium and Town Park for the DFS Holiday Tree Lighting Event on December 4-6.

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