Annual Town Meeting Draws Record Number of Citizens....

Annual Town Meeting Draws Record Number of Citizens....

More than 1,300 registered voters attended Medfield’s Annual Town Meeting, filling Medfield High School to capacity.

Town Moderator Mike Pastore managed the unusually large turnout as residents continued to stream into the building throughout the evening. Deputy Town Moderator Mike Marcucci and Assistant Town Administrator Brittany Franklin worked to accommodate attendees wherever space was available.

In addition to the high school gymnasium, overflow crowds filled the library, cafeteria, and, unexpectedly, the auditorium. Because the auditorium had not originally been designated as an overflow room, it was not equipped with the technology needed for attendees to hear proceedings taking place in the gym.

To stay connected with the satellite locations, Pastore relied on an old-fashioned “bat phone,” which allowed him to receive questions and updates from residents gathered in the overflow rooms. As he waited for it to ring, he lightened the mood by joking about it several times throughout the evening.

The meeting opened promptly at 7 p.m. Town Moderator Mike Pastore recognized local Girl Scout Troop 83164 who had created posters throughout town to raise awareness about the meeting, and along with long time resident, Jerry Kazanjian led the Pledge of Allegiance. The evening continued with the singing of the National Anthem and a moment of recognition for Medfield residents who had passed away since the last Town Meeting in 2025.

The Consent Agenda was the first item brought to a vote, and all but one of the articles passed. Only Article 25 was placed on hold to be addressed later.

Attention then turned to key budget-related measures, including Article 13, the Operating Budget; Article 14, the creation of an Override Reserve Stabilization Fund; and Article 15, the FY2027 Operating Override Budget.

Following a presentation by Warrant Committee Chairman Stephen Callahan, residents asked questions and made comments on the proposed articles. By approximately 9 p.m., all three articles had passed.

After the budget votes were completed, attendance began to thin considerably. Many families with young children had attended the meeting, and a number of residents headed home once the major budget items had been decided.

The meeting completed all Articles and adjourned at approximately 11:08pm.