In a move described as responsible fiscal housekeeping, Town Meeting voters approved Article 1 of the Special Town Meeting, authorizing $717,428.90 to cover unpaid obligations from prior fiscal years. A significant portion of this total—over $500,000—stems from unpaid Massachusetts unemployment assistance liability assessments dating back to before 2020.

Interim Town Administrator Peter Morin informed the hall that the town only became aware of the massive outstanding balance in June 2025. I don't know what the explanation was for it not being paid... what I did notice when I came here as interim town administrator that no appropriation had been made in previous years for the unemployment line item, Morin said. He noted that the invoices appeared to have been sent to the Treasurer/Collector's office in the past. The discovery comes as the town grapples with a projected FY27 fiscal deficit between $4.5 million and $6 million.

Residents expressed frustration over the lack of oversight. Bonnie McCarthy called the situation a major oversight, stating, I just don't really think we should accept that no one knows why. Despite the concerns, Chris Roland of the Advisory Board urged support for the article to settle the town's legal debts. The funding will clear the ledger for the town as it continues its search for a permanent Town Administrator following the Select Board's decision to reset the search with a $225,000 salary ceiling.

Motion: To appropriate $717,428.90 for unpaid bills.

Vote: Passed by 9/10ths majority