Select Board/Joint Committees On Deficit Reduction - November 6, 2025

November 6, 2025
Watch Video View Transcript
AI Disclaimer: Summaries and transcripts above were created by various AI tools. By their nature, these tools will produce mistakes and inaccuraies. Links to the official meeting recordings are provided for verification. If you find an error, please report it to somervillecivicpulse at gmail dot com.

Podcast Summary

Subscribe to AI-generated podcasts:
RSS Spotify Apple Podcasts

Meeting Minutes: Select Board/Joint Committees On Deficit Reduction

Governing Body: Dedham Select Board, School Committee, and Finance and Warrant Committee (Joint Meeting) Meeting Date: November 06, 2025 Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting / Joint Meeting Attendees:

  • Select Board: Dennis J. Teehan, Jr., Dimitria Sullivan, Michelle Persson Reilly, Jim MacDonald, Erin Boles Welsh
  • School Committee: Laurie Toomey (Vice Chair), Pia DeStefano (remote), Mr. Langley
  • Finance and Warrant Committee: Liz O'Donnell, Cindy Barrett, Mike Capriaco, Mike Embry (Vice Chair), Michael Leahy, Ed Dockum, Paul (remote)
  • Town Staff: Leon Goodwin (Town Manager), Nancy Baker (Assistant Town Manager), Brady Winston (Director of Finance), Jeremy Rosenberger (Director of Planning, Zoning, and Natural Resources), Gail McCracken (HR Director)
  • Public: Brandon Westerling, Stephen Pauper, Matt McGuire, Emma Reilly, Vivian Daly, Carol L. Kurdi

Executive Summary

The Dedham Select Board, School Committee, and Finance and Warrant Committee convened a joint meeting to discuss the Deficit Reduction Strategy Report, prepared by the UMass Collins Center for Public Management. The report outlines a menu of options for addressing Dedham's structural deficit, where recurring expenses outpace revenue growth. Key discussion points included potential revenue enhancements such as a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program and adjusting building department fees, as well as expenditure reductions like level funding non-school expenses and aligning school COLA/step increases. The report emphasizes that not all options need to be implemented and highlights the importance of collaboration and community input in developing a sustainable financial plan. The meeting also covered the approval of a consent agenda, an unscheduled appointment, and appointments to various town committees.

Call to Order / Pledge of Allegiance

  • The Dedham Select Board meeting was called to order.
  • The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Citizen Open Discussion

  • No citizens were present for open discussion, either in person or online.

Consent Agenda

  • Motion: To approve the consent agenda.
    • Details:
      • Drain layer approvals for Sweeney Escondido Corp.
      • Gift acceptances:
        • Dedham Jr. Women's Club: $250 to Endicott Estate for upkeep and unification.
        • Smith Mellon Houghton Family Foundation: $10,000 to Dedham Youth Commission for use where needed most.
      • Transient vendor license for Dedham Community House for sale of Christmas trees and wreaths (11/29/25 to 12/7/25, 10 AM to 3 PM).
      • One-day liquor licenses:
        • St. John Mascot's Church Bazaar: 11/7/25 (2 PM to 8 PM) and 11/8/25 (12 PM to 9 PM).
        • St. John Mascot's Church Christmas Concert: 12/6/25 (6 PM to 10 PM).
        • Mixon's Ice Cream for Mixon's Single Social: 11/14/25 (8 PM to 10 PM).
    • Vote:
      • For: All Select Board members present.
      • Against: 0
      • Abstentions: 0
    • Outcome: Approved unanimously.

Item Not on Agenda

  • Motion: To take an item not on the agenda.
    • Vote:
      • For: All Select Board members present.
      • Against: 0
      • Abstentions: 0
    • Outcome: Approved unanimously.
  • Motion: To approve the appointment of Capital Services LLC as a drain layer in Dedham.
    • Vote:
      • For: All Select Board members present.
      • Against: 0
      • Abstentions: 0
    • Outcome: Approved unanimously.

Facilities Master Plan Steering Committee Interviews

  • Brandon Westerling:
    • Expressed interest in being more involved in town affairs due to past dissatisfaction with town hall development.
    • Has 18 years of residency and experience in real estate development.
    • This would be his first time serving on a town committee.
  • Stephen Pauper:
    • Resident of Dedham for 12 years.
    • Previously served as Director of Design and Construction in Needham, facilitating two NASA plans over 18 years.
    • Offers experience in consensus building and master plan development.
    • Currently serves on other town committees.

Warrant Articles for the 2025 Fall Town Meeting

  • Nancy Baker, Assistant Town Manager, presented the Finance and Warrant Committee's recommendations for the 2025 Fall Town Meeting Warrant Articles. All votes were unanimous unless otherwise noted.
  • Article 1: Transfer of Unused Funds
    • Summary: Transfer of $500,000 from a prior capital project (Dedham High School turf) to the Maverick Street culvert project.
    • Recommendation: Concurrence with Finance and Warrant Committee.
  • Article 2: Line Item Transfers
    • Summary: Totaling $17,443.
    • Recommendation: Concurrence with Finance and Warrant Committee.
  • Article 3: Appropriation from Special Purpose Fund
    • Summary: For the Debt and Visionary Access Court, totaling $228,839.85.
    • Recommendation: Concurrence with Finance and Warrant Committee.
  • Article 4: Capital Request
    • Summary: Up to $250,000 from free cash to update the educational model for the schools.
    • Recommendation: Concurrence with Finance and Warrant Committee.
  • Article 5: Prior Year Bill
    • Summary: $670.24 for electric utilities through the facilities department.
    • Recommendation: Concurrence with Finance and Warrant Committee.
  • Article 6: Increase of Pool Revolving Fund
    • Summary: From $550,000 to $650,000.
    • Recommendation: Concurrence with Finance and Warrant Committee.
  • Articles 7-13: Zoning Amendments
    • Summary: The Board typically does not take positions on zoning amendments.
    • Recommendation: Concurrence with Finance and Warrant Committee.
  • Article 14: Amendment to Design Review Advisory Board Bylaw
    • Summary: Regarding timelines for application processing (changing from 60 to 35 days).
    • Discussion: Select Board Member Dennis J. Teehan, Jr. inquired about the rationale for the timeline change, noting it was likely to streamline the process.
    • Motion: To concur with the Finance and Warrant Committee's recommendation.
    • Vote:
      • For: All Select Board members present.
      • Against: 0
      • Abstentions: 0
    • Outcome: Approved unanimously.
  • Article 15: Non-Substantive General Amendment to Bylaw
    • Summary: By the Decennial Bylaw Review Committee.
    • Recommendation: Concurrence with Finance and Warrant Committee.
  • Article 16: Substantive Amendments by Decennial Bylaw Committee
    • Summary: Related to the County.
    • Recommendation: Concurrence with Finance and Warrant Committee.
  • Article 17: Fee Waiver for Dog Licenses for Senior Citizens
    • Summary: A 6-3 vote by the Finance and Warrant Committee to indefinitely postpone.
    • Discussion: Select Board Member Michelle Persson Reilly requested postponing the Select Board's vote until Town Meeting to gather more information on pros and cons.
    • Motion: To postpone the Select Board's vote until Town Meeting.
    • Vote:
      • For: All Select Board members present.
      • Against: 0
      • Abstentions: 0
    • Outcome: Approved unanimously.
  • Article 18: Municipal Decarbonization Designation by 2050
    • Summary: For the town to have the municipal decarbonization designation by 2050.
    • Discussion:
      • Select Board Member Dennis J. Teehan, Jr. expressed concerns about the timing, stating it might be "a couple years ahead of where we want to be" given current financial challenges and other pressing town needs (e.g., schools, fire station). He noted that while he supported the stretch code, this article felt premature.
      • Select Board Member Erin Boles Welsh requested Town Counsel to explain the purpose of a resolution at Town Meeting, as it is not a common item.
    • Motion: To postpone the Select Board's vote until Town Meeting.
    • Vote:
      • For: All Select Board members present.
      • Against: 0
      • Abstentions: 0
    • Outcome: Approved unanimously.

Appointments to Committees

  • Conservation Commission Associate Members (2 vacancies, 3-year terms expiring 2028):
    • Applicants: Lee Caffrey (incumbent), David Hildeman.
    • Motion: To appoint Lee Caffrey and David Hildeman.
    • Vote:
      • For: All Select Board members present.
      • Against: 0
      • Abstentions: 0
    • Outcome: Approved unanimously.
  • Conservation Commission Resource Members (3 vacancies, 2-year terms expiring 2027):
    • Applicants: Sophia McKinnon, Matthew Lane.
    • Motion: To appoint Sophia McKinnon and Matthew Lane.
    • Vote:
      • For: All Select Board members present.
      • Against: 0
      • Abstentions: 0
    • Outcome: Approved unanimously.
  • Human Rights Commission (1 vacancy, 3-year term expiring 2028):
    • Applicants: Tracy Franklin, John Sanders, Andrea Carlsberg.
    • Motion: To place all names in nomination.
    • Vote:
      • For: All Select Board members present.
      • Against: 0
      • Abstentions: 0
    • Outcome: Approved unanimously.
    • Roll Call Vote for Appointment:
      • Michelle Persson Reilly: Tracy Franklin
      • Dennis J. Teehan, Jr.: Tracy Franklin
      • Jim MacDonald: Tracy Franklin
      • Dimitria Sullivan: Tracy Franklin
      • Erin Boles Welsh: Tracy Franklin
    • Outcome: Tracy Franklin appointed.
    • Discussion: Board members acknowledged the high quality of all three candidates and encouraged John Sanders and Andrea Carlsberg to apply for future openings.
  • Facilities Master Plan Committee (1 vacancy):
    • Applicants: Brandon Westerling, Stephen Pauper, Eli Boston.
    • Motion: To place all names in nomination.
    • Vote:
      • For: All Select Board members present.
      • Against: 0
      • Abstentions: 0
    • Outcome: Approved unanimously.
    • Roll Call Vote for Appointment:
      • Michelle Persson Reilly: Eli Boston
      • Dennis J. Teehan, Jr.: Eli Boston
      • Jim MacDonald: Eli Boston
      • Dimitria Sullivan: Eli Boston
      • Erin Boles Welsh: Eli Boston
    • Outcome: Eli Boston appointed.
    • Discussion: Board members thanked all applicants for their interest and encouraged continued community involvement.

Old/New Business

  • Michelle Persson Reilly:
    • Expressed gratitude to residents and organizations for assisting with SNAP benefit challenges.
    • Suggested a future agenda item to discuss the town's role in coordinating and communicating resources, similar to the COVID task force, to address confusion and streamline efforts.
    • Leon Goodwin (Town Manager) Update: The town is collecting donations in partnership with the food pantry at Town Hall and libraries. Resources from the state and community organizations will be posted on the town website.
  • Dennis J. Teehan, Jr.:
    • Wished all veterans a Happy Veterans Day.
    • Emphasized the significant sacrifices made by service members and the ongoing challenges faced by veterans (e.g., burn pit exposure, PTSD).
    • Veterans Day Events:
      • 9:00 AM: Services at Barnes Memorial (corner of Eastern Avenue Street) and dedication of new US Flagpole.
      • 10:30 AM: Wreaths Across America procession from VFW post to American Legion post.
      • 12:00 PM (approx.): Community gathering at American Legion Post to celebrate and honor Dedham's veterans.
  • Dimitria Sullivan:
    • Echoed sentiments regarding Veterans Day, highlighting the ongoing struggles of veterans and the importance of continued support.
    • Commended Joe (VSO) for his work in listening and providing support to veterans.
    • Encouraged residents to attend events or reflect on memorials around town.

Adjournment of Select Board Meeting

  • Motion: To adjourn the Select Board meeting.
  • Outcome: Approved.
  • Recess: The Select Board recessed to convene a joint meeting with the School Committee and Finance and Warrant Committee at 6:45 PM.

Joint Meeting: Select Board, School Committee, and Finance and Warrant Committee

Topic: Presentation on the Deficit Reduction Report

Call to Order (Joint Meeting)

  • Select Board: Called out of recess by Erin Boles Welsh. All members present.
  • School Committee: Called to order by Laurie Toomey (Vice Chair). Roll call: Pia DeStefano (remote), Mr. Langley (present), Laurie Toomey (present).
  • Finance and Warrant Committee: Called to order by Mike Embry (Vice Chair). Roll call: Paul (remote), Cindy Barrett, Mike Capriaco, Mike Embry, Michael Leahy, Ed Dockum, Donald (absent).

Deficit Reduction Strategy Report Presentation

  • Erin Boles Welsh (Select Board Chair): Outlined the agenda: comments from Liz O'Donnell, presentation by Brady Winston, Q&A by board, public comments.
  • Liz O'Donnell (Finance and Warrant Committee, Budget Deficit Working Group):
    • Thanked town staff for their hard work.
    • Key Point: Dedham has a structural deficit (recurring expenses growing faster than revenue), a common issue across Massachusetts due to inflation and Proposition 2 1/2 limitations.
    • UMass Collins Center Report: Engaged through a grant to analyze budget gaps and outline options for fiscal stability.
    • Working Group Role: Reviewed the report, provided local context, and emphasized sensitivity to resident tax concerns.
    • Report Nature: A "menu of options," not recommendations. Not all suggestions are needed to close the gap. Some options are difficult (e.g., fee/tax increases, service cuts).
    • Next Steps: Move from analysis to action, align priorities, use resident survey data, share report with staff/Town Meeting, schedule public forums.
    • Goal: Encourage open dialogue, collaboration, and tough decisions to create a sustainable plan.
  • Leon Goodwin (Town Manager):
    • Thanked the Deficit Reduction Working Group and town staff.
    • Context: Dedham's situation is not unique; budget gaps are a widespread issue.
    • Report Basis: Town's long-range financial forecast (developed with Collins Center in 2023).
    • Past Actions: FY24 and FY25 saw budget reductions (e.g., yard waste, roads/sidewalks, 5.5 FTE positions). Dedham Public Schools budget adopted at lower than level service each year, leading to cuts in professional development, extracurriculars, and personnel.
    • Projected Budget Gaps: Presented a slide showing projected budget gaps for future fiscal years, noting slight increases due to new information (e.g., health insurance costs). These numbers include $1.5 million annual free cash use but no excess levy capacity.
    • Grant Funding: The report was funded by a $45,000 Community Compact grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
    • Options: Emphasized that the report provides a long list of options, not all of which need to be implemented.
    • Community Engagement: The report is one tool; the National Community Survey (to be presented 11/20) and upcoming community forums will gather broader input.
    • Report Structure (4 parts):
      1. Expenditure Reductions: Where to cut costs.
      2. Revenue Enhancements: Limited by Prop 2 1/2.
      3. Long-Term Strategic Actions: Multi-year efforts involving collective bargaining and extensive planning.
      4. Consensus Building: Improving the budget process.
    • "Everything in municipal government takes 18 months." Even short-term changes require significant time.
  • Brady Winston (Director of Finance):
    • Revenue Enhancement Examples:
      • Refuse Collection Fee: Identified as a best practice to increase revenue without diminishing services.
      • Sewer Administrative Charges: Collins suggests charging the sewer enterprise fund more (up to $213,000) for administrative services, though this impacts residents through sewer rates.
      • Building Department Fees: Adjusting fees to match service costs, an ongoing town-wide exercise.
      • Excess Levy Capacity: Using this would increase resident tax bills.
    • Expenditure Reduction Examples:
      • Level Funding Non-School Expenses: Instead of 2-3% inflation, could save some funds but not solve the deficit.
      • Delaying OPEB Investment: Could delay payments but not eliminate the obligation.
      • Aligning School COLA/Step Increases: Complex, involves contractual obligations, could save $200,000-$600,000 annually.
      • Closing Endicott Branch Library: Could save $200,000 annually, but acknowledged as a highly impactful decision requiring significant community dialogue.
    • Long-Term Strategic Actions (Expenditure Reductions):
      • Adjusting Health Insurance Contribution Rates/Benefit Levels: Requires negotiation with unions, impacts employee recruitment/retention.
      • Paid Parental Leave Program: Costly but a recruitment tool; adjusting it could save money but deter applicants.
      • Increasing Position Control: Already implemented (90-day hold on open positions unless extraordinary circumstances).
      • Regionalization of Town Services: Exploring options like the Norfolk County Weights and Measures Program.
      • Consolidated IT Department: Already implemented.
      • Re-evaluating Town Capital Planning Process: Streamlining infrastructure planning.
      • Reviewing Departments/Reducing Redundancies: Ongoing effort, but could impact resident access to services.
    • Long-Term Strategic Actions (Revenue Enhancements):
      • Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Program: For tax-exempt properties (schools, nonprofits). Select Board has already adopted a policy, and letters will be sent to high-value property holders. Target: 25% of tax bill, negotiated.
      • Ambulance Response within Fire Department: Could generate net revenue despite initial equipment costs; requires deeper analysis.
      • Rental of Publicly Owned Buildings: Utilizing assets like Endicott Estate for revenue generation.
      • Economic Development Strategy: Increase coordination between permit-granting bodies to maximize new growth, especially in commercial/industrial sectors, to reduce residential tax burden.
      • Recreation Enterprise Fund: Shifting 100% of recreation program costs to a fee-based system (current year shifted $130,000).
    • Consensus Building in Budget Process:
      • Past Issues: Late-stage budget cuts (e.g., $2 million cuts in April) caused consternation.
      • FY26 Success: Earlier collaboration between FinCom, School Committee, and Select Board led to a consensus budget recommendation for Town Meeting, simplifying the process.
      • Collins Recommendation: Establish a joint financial planning committee (representatives from FinCom, School Committee, Select Board, professional staff) to meet in the fall, update forecasts, and agree on a goal/recommended budget early.
  • Key Takeaways (Brady Winston):
    • Report is a menu of options, tailored to Dedham's priorities.
    • Strategic options can avoid short-term solutions that don't align with priorities.
    • Collaboration and consensus are crucial for future budgets.
  • Three-Pronged Approach:
    1. Collins Center Study (presented tonight).
    2. Community Survey (presented to Select Board 11/20).
    3. Community Forums (late 2025/early 2026).
  • Upcoming Dates:
    • Monday (next week): Presentation at Warrant Review Meeting.
    • 11/20: Community Survey presentation to Select Board by Polco.
    • Winter/Early 2026: Capital budget hearings, operating budget hearings, community forums.

Board Member Q&A

  • Dennis J. Teehan, Jr. (Select Board):
    • Question: Fiscal impact of PILOT program, especially with private schools.
    • Response (Leon Goodwin): Varies greatly based on negotiation. Target is 25% of tax bill, starting with highest-value exempt parcels. Select Board has adopted a PILOT policy, and letters will be sent soon.
    • Comments: Expressed concern that some revenue enhancements (e.g., trash fee, park/rec fees) are "just another way to tax somebody else" and shift the burden, potentially creating inequities for fixed-income families and renters. Called closing the Endicott Library "irrational." Advocated for supporting new commercial growth, citing a project that could bring in $6-10 million, covering the current deficit.
  • Dimitria Sullivan (Select Board):
    • Comments: Agreed with concerns about shifting burdens to residents. Suggested focusing on taxing non-residents/businesses using Dedham's land and services. Believed some families choose private schools because public schools are underfunded. Advocated for the Municipal Empowerment Act to increase local option taxes.
    • Response (Leon Goodwin): The Municipal Empowerment Act, if passed, would allow increased local option taxes (e.g., meals, occupancy) beyond current maximums.
  • Michelle Persson Reilly (Select Board, Working Group Member):
    • Comments: Acknowledged the report's value but expressed disappointment that most short-term revenue options are taxes/fees on residents. Noted that consultants often suggest Dedham has "room to raise taxes" compared to peers, but local context (capital needs, potential debt exclusions) makes this debatable. Emphasized the importance of community input.
  • Dennis J. Teehan, Jr. (Select Board):
    • Comments: Stated there are "no quick fixes or easy answers." Argued against the idea of a "spending problem" at Town Hall, noting past cuts have left little room before impacting essential services. Emphasized that new growth is the "only way to really move the needle," despite it representing change. Cited the need for new school buildings and the importance of commercial/industrial growth.
  • Jim MacDonald (Select Board):
    • Comments: Agreed with Dennis J. Teehan, Jr. and Chris (Polito). Stressed that enhanced economic development is the only way to find additional non-residential income. Explained that Dedham's residential tax rate is 175% of the commercial rate. Acknowledged that "fees" are effectively "taxes" for many residents, creating a difficult burden. Thanked the committee for the report, viewing it as a "beginning, not the end."
  • Michael Leahy (Finance and Warrant Committee):
    • Comments: Thanked the committee. Pleased that the report provides a "roadmap" of options, many of which have been discussed previously. Emphasized the need for earlier budget process engagement. Urged public to attend FinCom meetings to understand the budget process. Noted that the upcoming year will be "even more of a challenge."
    • Question: Impact if Proposition 2 1/2 was raised to 3%.
    • Response (Brady Winston): Dedham already taxes below the maximum. An increase would provide more flexibility and mitigate the "fiscal cliff" (running out of excess levy capacity), but Town Meeting would still approve the budget.
  • Cindy Barrett (Finance and Warrant Committee):
    • Comments: Emphasized that the report is one tool, and the community survey is another. Cautioned against reacting too quickly.
  • Michael Embry (Finance and Warrant Committee Vice Chair):
    • Comments: Thanked the committee. Agreed that new development is the "only significant tool." Encouraged seeking out and welcoming new commercial/industrial development. Asked about next steps for fleshing out ideas like the trash fee, considering unintended consequences.
    • Response (Leon Goodwin): The town has laid groundwork for discussing "Pay As You Throw" (PAYT) trash, as it's a common option with both unintended consequences and positive outcomes (e.g., waste reduction).
  • Catherine (Public):
    • Question: How was the shortlist of ideas developed, and what ideas were not included and why?
    • Response (Michelle Persson Reilly): The working group did not generate or remove recommendations. The Collins Center, as an impartial third party, developed the list based on their knowledge and experience. The working group's role was to provide local context for presentation.
  • Liz O'Donnell (Finance and Warrant Committee, Working Group Member):
    • Comments: Initial shock at the report, but realized that making challenging decisions now could lead to a better fiscal outcome in 3-5 years, addressing the structural deficit. Encouraged the public to read the report, attend meetings, and engage in dialogue.
  • Erin Boles Welsh (Select Board Chair):
    • Comments: Agreed with the need to remove emotion from decision-making. Acknowledged the difficulty of choices but stressed the need to lead for the benefit of all 25,000 residents. Highlighted the importance of consistent fees and evaluating staffing. Emphasized that the Facilities Master Plan is a good step. Stated that board members will need to learn to say "no."
  • Mr. Langley (School Committee):
    • Question: Status of the school budget review (Collins Report focused on town side).
    • Response (Leon Goodwin): While the Collins Report focused on the town, there are areas of collaboration (e.g., technology director position). The school department has expanded quarterly budget reporting for transparency and efficiency. Schools have made significant cuts in recent years. The town is advocating for an educational model review to find efficient ways to provide education without compromising quality.
  • Dan (Finance and Warrant Committee):
    • Comments: Noted that Collins focused on alleviating the structural deficit (paying recurring bills with non-recurring revenue), which their suggestions (e.g., fees) address. Argued that Dedham is not "bloated" and that past cuts have been significant. Stated that 85% of the budget is fixed (payroll, health insurance, interest, pension). Highlighted Town Meeting's role in adding to the school budget, emphasizing the need for Town Meeting members to understand their responsibility in the budget process.
  • Erin Boles Welsh (Select Board Chair):
    • Comments: Reiterated the value of an impartial review and the report as a strategy document. Pleased with the collaborative start and the multi-month discussion period before FY27 budget decisions. Acknowledged the challenging economic times and the need to balance community vision with budget realities. Encouraged community engagement in upcoming forums and emphasized that the options are tools, not magic wands.

Public Comments

  • Matt McGuire (Vice Chair, Library Trustees):
    • Comments: Emphasized the importance of trust, context, and clarity in decision-making, especially given the difficulty of achieving consensus on hard choices.
  • Emma Reilly (63 Lincoln Street):
    • Comments: Opposed further cuts to school budgets, noting that past cuts have already led to residents supplying basic classroom materials. Advocated for new school facilities as a long-term cost-saving measure.
  • Vivian Daly (Ames Street, Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member):
    • Comments: Encouraged board members to read the full report. Noted that Section 3.17 addresses shifting the tax burden to higher-value homes (over $1 million), which was not in the presentation. Suggested involving the Board of Assessors in discussions, citing a discrepancy between the sale price ($140 million) and assessed value ($40 million) of the Russcraft property.
  • Unnamed Public Speaker (Veteran):
    • Comments: Advocated strongly for maintaining the Veterans Services Officer (VSO) position, praising Joe's work in assisting veterans.
  • Unnamed Public Speaker:
    • Comments: Thanked the committee and encouraged neighbors to get involved. Cautioned against dismissing any suggestions.
    • Question: Regarding the Robin Reyes Fund, suggested it should be reserved for major capital projects and rebuilt.
    • Question: If the town taxed at its full capacity, what would be the average tax increase for an average household?
    • Question: Clarification on the $700,000 "increased local tax estimate" and its impact on the town's bottom line.
  • Carol L. Kurdi (34 Topfield):
    • Comments: Praised the report as an objective analysis. Stressed the importance of protecting educational tools and increasing them, projecting 20 years into the future. Acknowledged rising taxes but valued Dedham's safety and services. Recommended providing numbers for long-term suggestions to the community.
  • Emma Reilly (Online):
    • Comments: Reiterated opposition to closing the Endicott Library, citing its critical role in children's programming and the minimal $200,000 savings. Emphasized that data can counter emotional arguments. Encouraged residents to engage with the report and work towards solutions, rather than just complaining or expecting others to solve the problems.

Adjournment (Joint Meeting)

  • Motion: To adjourn the joint meeting.
  • Vote:
    • For: All Select Board members present.
    • Against: 0
    • Abstentions: 0
  • Outcome: Approved unanimously.

Last updated: Dec 8, 2025

Back to Meetings