Residents moved through a lengthy warrant at Town Meeting on May 11, approving a range of financial, infrastructure and school-related articles — including funding for a major high school feasibility study that officials say could position the town for significant state reimbursement in the future.

Finance Committee members emphasized the town’s strong AAA bond rating at the beginning of the meeting, noting that maintaining favorable credit helps support large-scale debt projects such as future improvements at the high school and Department of Public Works facilities.

The School Committee also presented updates on district successes, highlighting continued support from PTO initiatives and community engagement efforts.

A major focus of discussion centered on Article 25, the proposed feasibility study for a potential new school project. Superintendent Dr. Jordan described the study cost as a “reasonable and fiscally responsible number” when compared with similar districts.

“This feasibility study is proof to the state that there is a real need for a new school,” Dr. Jordan said.

Officials explained that participation in the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) process could result in approximately 50 percent reimbursement of eligible project costs if a future school project moves forward.

The feasibility study would include a broad team of consultants and specialists, including a project manager, architects, civil and structural engineers, educational programmers and cost estimators. Estimated costs presented at Town Meeting included:

•  Project manager: $400,000

•  Architect: $900,000

•  Civil engineering: $300,000

•  Educational programming: $200,000

•  Cost estimating: $200,000

•  Contingency, legal and administrative fees: $500,000

Officials clarified that MSBA-related administrative fees are owed to the state, though they are not charged directly by the MSBA itself.

Town leaders compared the proposal to recent feasibility studies completed elsewhere in Massachusetts, including Medford ($3 million), Milford ($2.75 million), Burncoat Senior High School ($3 million), West Boylston ($2 million), Norwell ($1.5 million) and Keefe Technical School ($2 million).

Several speakers warned that delaying action could substantially increase future construction and repair costs.

“The longer we wait, the more expensive it could get,” officials said during the presentation.

The town also reviewed the estimated cost of maintaining the current school building over the next five to 10 years. Officials projected approximately $31 million in needed repairs and upgrades, including HVAC systems, plumbing, roof work, generators, windows, doors, flooring, parking lots and septic infrastructure.

After discussion and amendments centering around funding sources, Article 25 ultimately passed with an amendment and was met with applause from attendees.

Residents also approved the town’s FY27 omnibus operating budget under Article 17 following discussion surrounding school spending and long-term planning.

Among other notable votes:

•  Article 4 “Revolving Fund Spending Limits” passed with an amendment reducing Pine Crest Golf Course funding from $400,000 to $250,000.

•  Article 16, a senior tax relief measure, passed with applause. Officials said 33 residents are currently eligible and qualifying seniors could save hundreds of dollars annually, while the average tax impact to others would amount to only a few cents per year.

“Who is lobbying for this? I am,” said the town’s principal assessor. “The people who benefit from this really do need it. We just want to keep people in their homes.”

•  Article 23 addressed preservation work on a historic rock pile dating back to the early 20th century. Officials said the structure has become a safety concern and proposed stabilization work and fencing to prevent further deterioration. They added that removing the feature could ultimately cost more than repairing it. The measure passed. 

•  Article 24 was approved, establishing a sewer district for the downtown area. 

Town officials said the meeting reflected continued efforts to balance fiscal responsibility with long-term investment in infrastructure, schools and community services.