[{"_1":2,"_87":-5,"_88":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6535725,"mediaKeyId","3378363-4ebeb339fa7c0c40a13e1d1a1a4cf5ba","parentId",3378363,"title","Norwood town meeting funds CPA projects including Highland Cemetery National Register nomination and accessibility improvements","audioSeconds",4172,"startMs",6556000,"endMs",10728000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3378363-4ebeb339fa7c0c40a13e1d1a1a4cf5ba&start=6556&end=10728","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3378363-4ebeb339fa7c0c40a13e1d1a1a4cf5ba/thumbnail_6556000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6535725/Town-of-Norwood/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Norwood-town-meeting-funds-CPA-projects-including-Highland-Cemetery-National-Register-nomination-and-accessibility-improvements","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6535725-5861f87e2bbc82aa85441d8f9e5329a1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770438008&Signature=eHz~MO4u0BSM~MiUe8O8GzkYw5~QTEGbNY9q0cWuVo30Vjz4aJpPmhKiNrI7mpx9EGOmgpjhadgweXtaRUsWs0-sA8PYErNY27Nw~lfGjb6CCJieaiXfJ06b-AB9273DbSF~zOD~6kiyRmdOda7x40FPRD9XDJHANEaWY2AYB0W5RzN~n-7pwQ~C2BKQfDrjM5kxzRJstXC3rzNgG62qRYfOXSGOWLrbO569lKkwpkz4fqPFLm5nFqkXDxdBFgHFnUpyO4962Oo81vw4xZime5IftpqI0hvxZNME4IsP7B2tKJzhZFNn71ow3PTrzWDmH0xRFfJ01PvF0W5luKgvJg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Norwood","date","2025-05-19T15:37:30Z","article","Town Meeting voted to allocate the Town of Norwood's Community Preservation Fund (CPF) receipts and to approve multiple project appropriations recommended by the Community Preservation Committee (CPC). The articles funded administrative costs and specific projects for community housing, historic resources and recreation access.

What passed: The meeting approved the annual percent-and-dollar set-asides required under the Community Preservation Act and then voted project-by-project approvals under Article 8. CPC chair Catherine Walsh described the recommended distribution and explained each project scope before member votes.

Key project votes and amounts (motion text condensed):

- Annual allocations (Article 6): The Finance Commission recommended, and Town Meeting approved, statutory set-asides into the CPA reserves for open space, historic resources and community housing, plus administrative and undesignated reserves. Vote: 140 yes, 8 no, 3 abstentions.

- Article 7 (CPA administrative account): $52,536 appropriated for CPC administrative and operating expenses. Vote: 138 yes, 10 no, 1 abstention.

- Article 8, Motion 1 (Shared Housing Services): $14,000 from the CPA community-housing reserve to continue the town's participation in a multi-town shared housing services organization (third year of participation). Vote: 41 yes, 9 no — Approved.

- Article 8, Motion 2 (Norwood Housing Authority roof repairs): $100,000 from the CPA community-housing reserve and $200,000 from the CPA undesignated reserve to replace failing roofs at Washinton Heights (75 units). CPC noted an anticipated state match; Town Meeting approved the appropriation (vote: 48 yes, 4 no).

- Article 8, Motion 3 (Highland Cemetery national register nomination): $24,000 from the CPA historical-resources reserve to hire a consultant to prepare a National Register nomination for Highland Cemetery including Saint Gabriel's Chapel. The CPC and Historical Commission said the nomination would document the cemetery's landscape, monuments and historic importance and could make the site eligible for preservation grants. The motion passed after discussion: 114 yes, 32 no, 4 abstentions.

- Article 8, Motion 4 (ADA ramp between Balch School and Elliott Field): $175,000 from the CPA undesignated reserve to construct a concrete ADA-compliant ramp and landscape work to connect Balch School, Elliott Field and Bernie Cooper Park; motion approved 132 yes, 13 no, 5 abstentions.

- Article 8, Motion 5 (Elliott Field feasibility study): $25,000 from the CPA undesignated reserve for a consultant study of Elliott Field complex feasibility (playability, multiuse fields, walking path and connection to Bernie Cooper Park); motion approved 121 yes, 24 no, 1 abstention.

Discussion highlights:
- Highland Cemetery nomination: Historical Commission members and supporters said listing would document the cemetery's historical assets (over 22,000 graves and multiple veterans interments) and could improve eligibility for state preservation grants. Some members expressed concern that national listing might impose external constraints; town officials and the town engineer said listing does not prevent continuing cemetery operations and that local regulation and deed restrictions, not the national listing, determine local approvals. Kristen Phillips (CPC staff) confirmed prior work and that MassHistoric has requested the cemetery-level nomination; consultants estimated the work could be completed in the requested budget range.

- Affordable housing project: CPC said the Norwood Housing Authority already has a conditional or expected state match for the Washington Heights roof work; the CPC recommended partial CPA funding to help keep the project viable.

- Recreation and accessibility projects: The Balch/Elliott ramp project responded to construction bids and slope requirements; CPC and rec/DPW staff said a concrete switchback ramp would be more durable and provide longer-term accessibility than a metal alternative. A separate feasibility study for Elliott Field will evaluate field layouts and multiuse programming.

What the votes do not do: CPA appropriations fund planning and capital work defined in the motions; under the CPA, Town Meeting may approve, reject, or reduce requested amounts but may not increase project appropriations beyond the applicants' request.

Ending: Town Meeting wrapped the CPA project votes and then adjourned the session to a later date to continue remaining warrant business.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town Meeting 5.15.25","oneSentenceSummary","Town Meeting approved Community Preservation Act allocations for administrative costs and several projects including a Highland Cemetery National Register nomination, Norwood Housing Authority roof repairs, ADA ramp and feasibility studies for Elliott Field.","taxTitle","Town of Norwood, Norfolk County, Massachusetts","taxId",52806,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6535729,"Norwood approves FY26 budgets across town departments after debate over free cash use",5856,553000,6409000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3378363-4ebeb339fa7c0c40a13e1d1a1a4cf5ba&start=553&end=6409","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3378363-4ebeb339fa7c0c40a13e1d1a1a4cf5ba/thumbnail_553000.jpg","/articles/6535729/Town-of-Norwood/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Norwood-approves-FY26-budgets-across-town-departments-after-debate-over-free-cash-use","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6535729-2b698c4909f88efbbd39815fde650e81/orig.mp4?Expires=1770438008&Signature=c-Ty8H0h05lgbQThWYLzJu0EKZ5xYE4EK5YPAFiTPridzYniXPAw5l~3Kc4JGZvs0d1p3b7i2LvbruWCpSkpKopb6FbubsT-Ml2W2i54MIm69ZUh2g~ypwIIUdtS9YMnTczJZo1YgSjbxQT0ZQsTNbHBmCWTdLmRM2ivksBc4WVriQPORN4VQ9oyJmf4ee8lPA4Nyw0VHQENr25Dq~g-8OJc~n6TUhNibXVY9uFcEt2ewCO5CxbGv-CkQql8Vitnj2zIfAA4tQ5wRWX2vl8jbEMqsy2wEoKBAkGRhZJXJfGSCgBLh0P4DUofPnpR1~3eHqIuRu~5t0z-mIBXhsx3uQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town Meeting in Norwood voted through the Finance Commission'recommended Article 4 appropriations on a series of motions covering general government, public safety, infrastructure, shared costs and schools, approving each category by majority votes after extended public and member discussion about the town's reliance on free cash.

The town's finance chair, Bodenhofer, told members the budget plan relies in part on this year's unassigned free cash and that the budget-balancing group tried to balance near-term needs with setting money aside. \"We are using 25% of that amount for this year's operating budget,\" Bodenhofer said, and added the commission plans to roll a portion forward: \"we are passing a little over 35% of this year's free cash forward to next year.\" The Finance Commission recommended each motion before the meeting.

Why it matters: Members repeatedly pressed officials about using a one-time windfall to cover recurring costs. Several town meeting members warned that relying on free cash to balance operations raises the risk of a future override or staff cuts if the extra revenue does not recur. Finance officials said the choice was between using some free cash now, seeking an override later, or cutting staff and services now.

What the meeting did: The meeting recorded nine separate Article 4 motions from the Finance Commission covering operating and capital categories. Votes and appropriation summaries (motion text condensed):

- Article 4, Motion 1 (General government): Move transfer of $240,798 from water/sewer receipts, $311.80 from free cash, $6,525,750 raised by taxation; general government total presented in the motion. Vote: 137 yes, 28 no, 1 abstention — Approved.

- Article 4, Motion 2 (Public safety): $986,304 from free cash; $20,690,394 raised by taxation; public safety total noted in the budget. Vote: 150 yes, 14 no, 2 abstentions — Approved.

- Article 4, Motion 3 (Infrastructure): Transfers from cemetery receipts, water/sewer receipts and free cash; $8,653,265 raised by taxation for infrastructure; total $9,645,615. Vote: 151 yes, 20 no, 4 abstentions — Approved.

- Article 4, Motion 4 (Health & human services): $77,142 from free cash; $1,618,258 raised by taxation. Vote: 167 yes, 6 no — Approved.

- Article 4, Motion 5 (Culture & recreation): $140,691 from free cash; $2,951,368 raised by taxation; total $3,092,059. Vote: 161 yes, 11 no, 3 abstentions — Approved.

- Article 4, Motion 6 (Facilities, first shared-costs item): $424,969 from free cash; $8,914,861 raised by taxation; total $9,339,830. Vote: 163 yes, 13 no — Approved.

- Article 4, Motion 7 (Shared costs): $166,682 from water/sewer receipts; $2,126,480 from free cash; $44,608,646 raised by taxation; shared-costs total $46,901,808. Vote: 156 yes, 14 no, 13 abstentions — Approved.

- Article 4, Motion 8 (Education operating budget): $2,970,836 from free cash; $62,324,089 raised by taxation; total requested $65,292,117 (bottom-line vote required by state law). The Norwood Schools superintendent presented the request and described staffing, safety, special education and transportation needs; he said collective-bargaining costs and transportation increases account for a large portion of the increase. After an amendment to add $250,000 from free cash failed, the main motion passed: 149 yes, 24 no, 4 abstentions — Approved.

- Article 4, Motion 9 (Water & sewer enterprise fund infrastructure): $23,943,878 to be raised by rates and appropriated for the enterprise fund. Vote: 147 yes, 11 no — Approved.

Discussion highlights and directions from the meeting:
- Multiple town meeting members, including Brian Gunning (Town Meeting member, District 3), urged deeper structural cuts and five-year planning, warning that the town faces a fiscal squeeze. Gunning said, \"very soon, this town is going to be facing a financial crisis. We are not going to have enough revenue for the expenditures that we're making.\"
- Bodenhofer and town staff countered that the Finance Commission and budget-balancing committee reviewed scenarios and decided to use a mix of free cash for one-time items, add to stabilization, and reserve some funds to soften a potential near-term shortfall. Bodenhofer summarized the committee's approach: capital, reserves, operating support, and carried forward amounts to smooth transitions.
- Town staff answered operational questions on public safety equipment and facilities: Fire Chief Tim Bailey reported on the department's ladder truck repairs: \"We hope to have the truck back either late tomorrow or first thing on Monday,\" and noted mutual aid and engine-ladder availability while the vehicle is out. Police Chief Chris Patton explained holiday-pay budgeting and staffing impacts on overtime.
- School leaders described program shifts and added positions tied to opening Coakley Middle School and to a higher share of students with special needs; Superintendent Luff said the budget includes 6.6 additional FTEs and that special education and transportation increases drove a large share of the school request.

What the votes do not do: Several members asked about specifics that would require later administrative action (for example: whether the airport may expand runways; whether particular positions are grant-funded). Speakers made clear when remarks were discussion or direction rather than formal action.

Looking ahead: Finance officials reiterated that the choices made this year leave options open but do not eliminate future tradeoffs. Bodenhofer said the budget-balancing committee may recommend a citizen referendum (Proposition 2\u0000\u001a\u0000and a half override) in the future if spending at the current level continues and available free cash declines.

Ending note: The meeting then moved on to Community Preservation Act business and other articles.","Town Meeting approved the finance commission'recommended appropriations for general government, public safety, infrastructure, schools and enterprise funds; debate centered on use of roughly $47 million in free cash and long-term planning.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Norwood town meeting funds CPA projects including Highland Cemetery National Register nomination and accessibility improvements

Norwood approves FY26 budgets across town departments after debate over free cash use