Article 7 seeks authorization for a $7,046,864 appropriation to fund a roof replacement project at the Martinson School. The project is expected to receive a grant of approximately $3.5 million from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), effectively reimbursing the town for about half of the total cost. Because the project involves borrowing and a debt exclusion, it requires a two-thirds majority vote at Town Meeting and a subsequent ballot vote.

Town Moderator Jim Fitzgerald emphasized that a debt exclusion is not a permanent tax override. A debt exclusion is a specific project override... it's only for a fixed period of time, Fitzgerald explained, noting that the tax increase disappears once the debt is retired. The Select Board unanimously supports the article, which addresses a long-deferred maintenance issue at the school.

Motion: No motion yet; preview of upcoming meeting.

Vote: No Vote