Funding for Town Hall Plans, Town Manager Salary on Tap for Tonight's Special Town Meeting

Tonight, voters in Foxborough will have their say on the seven articles featured on this year’s special town meeting warrant.

An article to fund the plans and design for a new Town Hall is expected to be the most notable and controversial of the articles listed. The planning process is expected to cost $550,000 with an article to fund the actual construction of Town Hall expected in May if this article is approved.

Renewed efforts by the selectmen and the building commission has led to another attempt at a funding article. Poor conditions in the basement have forced offices on the lower level to move into the Gala Meeting Room on the main floor. 

The advisory committee was split on the issue, voting 4-4 with a recommendation to not approve the article.

The DPW did request $600,000 for a new modular building on Elm Street but higher than expected bids for the project has led DPW Director Roger Hill to request no action on the article.

Voters will also be asked to approve a sewer service area and enter an agreement with Mansfield and Norton. Each town will develop a sewer service area with a plan.

The planning board will have two articles on the warrant. One seeks approval to spend funds from a grant request to renovate the Payson Recreation Area. Another one is for innovative residential development and requests developers to develop in innovative fashion. Examples include using a common driveway for two lots and conservation on property.

There are also some budget articles including a request for funds needed to cover a the salary of a town manager for half a year and a budget adjustment article for a supplemental assessment at Norfolk County Agricultural High School.

The Advisory Committee voted 2-5-1 for disapproval of the new town manager’s salary due to the price. Instead of the proposed $84,808, the committee suggested an amended amount of $77,000, which would reflect an annual salary of $154,000.

The meeting begins at 7:30 at Foxboro High School.

To view the Special Town Meeting warrant, click here.