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Select Board signs election and Annual Town Meeting warrants after Finance Committee review
Summary
The board signed the 2026 Annual Town Election warrant and approved the Annual Town Meeting warrant—after review and pending any Town Counsel recommendations—after Finance Committee members flagged a school assessment figure discrepancy for clarification.
The Upton Select Board signed the 2026 Annual Town Election warrant and approved the Annual Town Meeting warrant at its April 14 meeting after discussion with Finance Committee co-chairs and review of several updated article cost estimates.
Town Manager Kristen Rubin summarized changes to the annual warrant, saying Article 21 was added to request $5,000 for Conservation and that Article 25’s cost estimate rose to $7,000. She also summarized Articles 27, 30 and 31, including the Assessor’s recertification appropriation, an updated portable radio purchase for the Police Department and the increased cost to outfit an additional police cruiser. Rubin answered board questions and said preparations for Town Meeting and the Town Election are on schedule.
Finance Committee Co-Chairs Steve Bern and Paul Flaherty told the board the Committee would finalize its report and provide a draft for review prior to printing. Bern outlined options to reconcile a revised Upton Regional School District assessment figure, noting the choice between adjusting the warrant to match the district’s lower figure or retaining the higher amount to align with the ballot question. The board agreed keeping the warrant and ballot consistent would minimize voter confusion and emphasized that the town will appropriate only the final amount adopted by the district. The board approved the warrant and instructed staff to consult Town Counsel regarding statutory requirements if needed.
Member Dwinnell moved to sign the 2026 Annual Town Election warrant; the motion passed unanimously. Member Simas moved to approve and sign the Annual Town Meeting warrant as presented and later to approve it as submitted pending any changes recommended by Town Counsel; motions were seconded and approved unanimously.
