Article 4 of the Special Town Meeting passed without opposition, authorizing $153,245.21 to fund accrued sick leave buyouts for school department employees retiring in June 2026. Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance Tom Miller explained that the appropriation is specific to four individuals in the school department that are confirmed June retirees this year.

Scott Swain, representing the Advisory Board, clarified for the hall that the funds are drawn from the town's existing compensated absence fund. Because the fund already contains sufficient balances to cover these contractual obligations, the vote has no immediate impact on the general fund or the town's tax rate. This measure ensures the school department remains in compliance with labor contracts during a difficult budget cycle marked by a $1.64 million salary reduction target across town departments.

Motion: To appropriate $153,245.21 from the compensated absence fund.

Vote: Passed