Select Board

The Hopkinton Select Board meeting on October 7, 2026, addressed budget planning, capital needs, and several municipal actions. For the FY2028 budget, staff estimated revenues of $142.388 million, down 1.3%, and projected a deficit of approximately $5.7 million before accounting for some non-salary costs. The board adopted the proposed budget message 4–1, directing departments to generally level-fund expenses while accounting for contractual obligations and identifying required exceptions. Members discussed difficult choices, including service reductions, an override, or staffing impacts. The board also signed the October 26 special-town-meeting warrant and recommended approval of several town-sponsored financial articles and an article concerning a gift of land; it postponed a recommendation on the sidewalk master-plan petition pending more information on costs.

The board voted to purchase 280 Cedar Street—approximately 493,924 square feet—for $1.8 million for general municipal purposes, advancing a previously authorized acquisition connected to future water infrastructure. It also approved starting the process to develop a job description and prepare a posting for an economic development officer; formal adoption of the economic development plan was deferred for further review. The board approved posting three vacant municipal positions and appointed two police officers. No competitive bid or new vendor contract award was identified. The Main Street project contractor, Amarillo, was reported to be working toward closeout, with a project end date of November 9.