Blackstone 2025 Town Meeting Warrant: Article-by-Article Breakdown

Updated May 12, 2025: Budget is now available on the website here.

What’s on the Warrant? Breaking Down All 35 Articles for Blackstone’s 2025 Annual Town Meeting

📝 This article is part of a special Small Town Post series where we’re breaking down Blackstone’s Town Meetings—what’s on the warrant, what the budget means, and how it all impacts you. Our goal is to keep things clear, local, and easy to understand so more residents can feel informed and empowered to take part. You can catch up on our previous articles in this series [Town Meeting 101], [Budget Discussions], and [Special Town Meeting Warrant].

🚨 FIRST, A WAKE-UP CALL

At the 2024 Annual Town Meeting, only 126 residents voted “yes” to approve Blackstone’s entire $33.29 million operating budget. Out of 7,597 registered voters, that’s just 1.65% deciding the future of our town.

In our most recent local election (April 7, 2025), turnout was only 15%. That means a small group of people are making major decisions—about taxes, schools, roads, and more—that affect all of us.

It’s time more of us got involved.

📆 Key Dates:

• Public Hearing by Finance Committee: Monday, May 12, 2025 at 6:30PM
• Annual Town Meeting: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 7:30PM

You can ask questions, suggest changes, and—most importantly—vote.

This year, the Annual Town Meeting Warrant presents 35 crucial articles that will shape the direction of Blackstone. From funding our schools and public safety to investing in infrastructure and managing our finances, these decisions impact every corner of our town. Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be! We’re here to break it all down, article by article, in plain language.

It’s important to note some of these articles are the same year after year, as required by law.

Article 1: Giving Our Tax Collector More Tools

Town Governance and Administration

• What’s it about: This article proposes aligning the tax collection methods available to the Town Tax Collector with those of the Town Treasurer.
• Why it’s important: This aims to streamline tax collection, potentially making the process more efficient for both the town and taxpayers.
• Impact: Increased efficiency in tax collection helps ensure the town has the necessary funds to provide services.

Article 2: Approving the Town Budget and Salaries

Town Governance and Administration

• What’s it about: This article asks us to approve the town’s budget for the fiscal year (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026), including the salaries of town officials and funding for all departments. The total expenses are projected to be $34,601,710.
• Why it’s important: This is the foundational decision on how our tax dollars are allocated to essential services like schools, public safety, road maintenance, and employee compensation. It dictates the level and quality of these services.
• Impact: Our decisions on the budget directly influence the quality and availability of services in Blackstone.
• Additional Context: Many department budgets reflect union contracts, compensation studies, or statewide salary surveys. Proposed salary increases are based on these factors, and discussions center on balancing fair compensation with the town’s financial capacity. Key questions have been raised during the Finance meetings about how the town should respond to these various data sources, including whether to handle raises on a case-by-case basis or take a more comprehensive approach.  Balancing fairness to employees with the town’s financial capacity is a significant consideration in these discussions.  

Article 3: Compensating Town Boards and Committees

Town Governance and Administration

• What it’s about: This article asks the Town to vote on whether to compensate members of Blackstone’s boards and committees, and to set the compensation amount if approved.
• Why it’s important: Compensation acknowledges volunteers’ time and effort, potentially encouraging participation. Town Charter Article IX, §C9-14 requires Town Meeting to approve any remuneration for town officials.
• Impact:
  • Determines if/how board/committee members are paid.
  • If approved, payments are in four installments, with a 60% attendance requirement (exceptions for M.G.L. c. 268A).
• Some things to think about:
  • Blackstone has some stipends; this could expand/change them. Consider: Which boards/committees get them? Amounts? Rationale?
  • Boards/committees vary in activity; is a uniform stipend fair? Should stipends tie to workload?
  • A key transparency concern is whether residents are sufficiently aware of board/committee activities.

Article 4: Compensating the Regional School Committee

Town Governance and Administration

• What’s it about: This article specifically addresses compensation for members of the Blackstone-Millville Regional District School Committee who represent Blackstone. It proposes stipends of $1,500 per member and $1,800 for the Chair, paid with a 60% meeting attendance requirement.
• Why it’s important: Proponents argue that these stipends would fairly compensate Blackstone representatives for their time and dedication to overseeing our regional schools, potentially encouraging active and consistent participation.
• Impact: If approved by Blackstone, this would establish a stipend for Blackstone’s representatives on the Regional School Committee.
• Additional Context: As Blackstone is part of the Blackstone-Millville Regional School District, this article’s fate is intertwined with Millville’s decisions. Millville’s Selectmen and Finance committees have not recommended this article. Concerns raised in Millville include the fact that other Millville town committees do not receive stipends without formal employment agreements, and there’s apprehension about setting a precedent.
• Important to Note: It’s crucial to distinguish this article (4) from Article 3. While Article 3 deals with compensating members of town boards and committees, this article is specifically focused on compensating Blackstone’s representatives to the Blackstone-Millville Regional School Committee, which is a separate entity with its own governance structure.
  

Here are some important things for residents to think about and consider:

• Blackstone approves, Millville doesn’t:
  • It’s worth considering what might happen if Blackstone approves this funding but Millville does not.
  • Things to think about: How could this difference in approval affect the Regional School Committee’s operations? Would Blackstone’s funds be used? What are the potential implications for equity within the district?
• Neither town approves, but the BMRSD budget passes:
  • Even if these specific stipends are not approved, the overall school budget could still pass. In Millville meetings it was mentioned that stipends are already in the BMR school budget, so this would essentially be a symbolic vote. What happens to the budget then?
  • Things to think about: What are the arguments for and against these stipends being separate from the main budget? How do these proposed stipends align with the compensation structures in both towns for other elected or appointed officials?
• Blackstone’s existing stipend practices
  • Blackstone already provides stipends to some town committee members.
  • Things to think about: How does this existing practice inform our decision on these Regional School Committee stipends? Should we aim for consistency within Blackstone, or prioritize the regional context and Millville’s perspective?

It is crucial for residents to seek clarification from town officials and engage in discussion to fully understand the potential implications of their vote on this article. We encourage you to attend the public hearings and ask these important questions.

Article 5: Funding Street and Road Improvements

Infrastructure and Public Works

• What’s it about: This article seeks funding to maintain and improve the town’s streets and roads, including drainage systems. This is a general fund for ongoing road work throughout Blackstone.
• Why it’s important: Well-maintained roads and effective drainage are crucial for public safety, transportation, and preventing property damage.
• Impact: These improvements are essential for ensuring safe and efficient transportation throughout Blackstone.

Article 6: Authorizing Contracts for Road Work

Infrastructure and Public Works

• What’s it about: This article authorizes the Board of Selectmen to enter into contracts for the construction, reconstruction, and improvement of public ways, street drainage systems, and sidewalks.
• Why it’s important: This is the necessary step to allow the town to hire qualified professionals to carry out the road and infrastructure projects we’ve funded.
• Impact: This enables the town to implement the road improvements funded through Article 5.

Article 7: Acquiring Easements for Infrastructure

Infrastructure and Public Works

• What’s it about: This article authorizes the Selectmen to acquire easements (the legal right to use land) for essential infrastructure projects.
• Why it’s important: Easements are often necessary to build and maintain vital public infrastructure like drainage, sewer, water lines, and roadways.
• Impact: This is essential for the development and maintenance of vital town infrastructure.

Article 8: Funding Public Access Television

Town Services and Community

1. What it’s about: This article asks to appropriate $150,000 for the PEG Access and Cable Related Fund.
2. Why it’s important: Public access television provides a platform for community voices, educational programming, and government transparency. Maintaining this fund ensures these services continue.
3. Impact: This ensures continued funding for valuable community media resources.

Article 9: Establishing an Opioid Settlement Fund

Town Services and Community

• What’s it about: This article proposes creating a dedicated fund for money received from opioid settlements and transferring $21,122.99 into it.
• Why it’s important: Dedicating these funds ensures they are used specifically to address the opioid crisis in our community, supporting prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts.
• Impact: This dedicated funding will support efforts to combat the opioid epidemic locally.

Article 10: Bridge Design Services

Infrastructure and Public Works

• What’s it about: This article proposes allocating $300,000 for design services for the replacement of the structurally compromised Saint Paul Street bridge
• Why it’s important: The bridge is in poor condition, exacerbated by a past narrowing with jersey barriers. Design services are essential for a safe and functional replacement, especially considering the river crossing, which will require extensive study and permitting likely taking about a year. The timeline for the actual bridge repair is currently uncertain.
• Impact: This crucial first step initiates a project to replace a vital piece of town infrastructure.

Article 11: Baler Replacement at the Recycling Center

Infrastructure and Public Works

• What it’s about: This article proposes allocating $275,000 to replace the aging baler at the Recycling Center
• Why it’s important: The current cardboard baler, at least 15 years old and possibly older, is at the end of its lifespan and essential for the Recycling Center’s operation. Its failure would halt cardboard processing, as it’s the facility’s only baler. A replacement was considered last year but deferred.
• Impact: This investment is critical to maintain the town’s recycling capabilities and prevent a shutdown of cardboard processing. The existing baler is likely beyond repair.

Article 12: Skid Steer Replacement at the Recycling Center

Infrastructure and Public Works

• What it’s about: This article requests $57,965 to replace one of the two skid steer machines used daily at the Recycling Center.
• Why it’s important: This replacement, also deferred from last year, addresses a skid steer with a history of breakdowns and hydraulic leaks. These machines are vital for moving bales and equipment, as well as for snow removal to keep roads passable.
• Impact: This purchase will improve the reliability and safety of daily recycling operations and winter road maintenance. The town intends to purchase a new machine and will consider a trade-in option if available.

Article 13: Dam and Levee Maintenance

Infrastructure and Public Works

• What it’s about: This article proposes $50,000 for maintenance of the Lake Hiawatha dam and flood levee due to the State marking it as “high hazard” according to DPW.
• Why it’s important: Recent inspections revealed settling and animal intrusion, requiring immediate attention to meet safety regulations and prevent flood risks. Engineering findings identified 3-4 issues needing repair.
• Impact: This funding protects public safety, ensures compliance with environmental agencies, and addresses critical maintenance needs. Future annual maintenance costs are estimated at $3-5k, but may vary.

Article 14: Additional Funding for Truck Purchase

Infrastructure and Public Works

• What it’s about: This article requests an additional $60,000 to the previously approved $175,000 for a new truck with a sander and plow.
• Why it’s important: The original funding from last year is now insufficient due to significant price increases (to $225,000) since the order could not be placed in July. These increases are likely due to factors like emissions regulations, and future price stability due to tariffs and other factors is uncertain. Without this additional funding, the truck cannot be ordered.
• Impact: Securing this vehicle is crucial for reliable winter road maintenance and improved DPW response capabilities for Blackstone

Article 15: Road and Sidewalk Reconstruction

Infrastructure and Public Works

• What it’s about: This article proposes $300,000 for pavement reconstruction and sidewalk improvements on Residential Lane, Crestwood Drive, Federal Street, and Farm Street (from Summer Street to Hop Brook Lane). Federal Street is a primary focus due to its deteriorating condition and heavy use by motorists, buses, and students from the middle school. This is a specific fund for major repairs on these named roads.
• Why it’s important: These roads and sidewalks are in need of major repairs to improve safety and accessibility. Addressing Federal Street’s condition is particularly important given its high traffic volume and proximity to the school.
• Impact: Residents will benefit from safer, more durable roadways and pedestrian infrastructure.

Article 16: Water Meter Replacement

Infrastructure and Public Works

What it’s about: This article proposes allocating $1,500,000 for a town-wide water meter replacement program. This initiative involves replacing over 2,800 aging water meters and upgrading the associated software to enhance the town’s water infrastructure and billing accuracy.

Why it’s important:

• Addressing Inaccurate and Outdated Meters: During the Finance meetings it was said that the current water meters are significantly past their operational limit, with approximately 90% being around 20 years old and some even reaching 30 years of age. Only about 10% are under 10 years old. As these meters age, they tend to slow down, leading to underreporting of water usage and consequently, a financial shortfall for the town. This problem has persisted for the past decade.  
• Inefficient Manual Reading Process: For the last 20 years, while the town has been upgrading and updating the electronic components of the system, the process of manually reading meters remains time-consuming and resource-intensive. It currently takes approximately two and a half to three weeks to complete all readings. Furthermore, inaccuracies in manual readings have necessitated re-reading as many as 1,500 meters and correcting bills by hand, further highlighting the inefficiency of the current system.
• Benefits of Remote Reading: The new system will enable remote reading of water meters, completely eliminating the need for manual readings. This will result in significant savings in time and resources for the town’s Public Works department.  
• Improved Data and System Functionality: Upgrading the associated software is a crucial component of this program. The new software will provide better data management and enhanced system functionality, empowering the town to monitor and manage its water resources more effectively.

Impact:

• Modernized Water Infrastructure and Accurate Billing: This project will modernize the town’s aging water infrastructure, directly addressing the issue of inaccurate billing due to faulty meters. Residents will benefit from more precise water usage calculations.
• Resource and Time Savings: Implementing remote meter reading will free up significant time and resources for town personnel, allowing them to focus on other essential tasks.  
• Enhanced Water Resource Management: Improved data and system functionality will enable the town to gain better insights into water consumption patterns. This will facilitate quicker identification and resolution of water leaks, minimizing water loss and associated costs.  
• Cost Considerations for Certain Properties: While the vast majority of residential properties will not incur a direct charge for the new meter, properties with larger meter sizes may be subject to a replacement fee. These potential costs are estimated to be around $800 for a 1-inch meter and approximately $2,500 for a 2-inch meter. The replacement of all 2,800 meters will be contracted out to ensure efficient and timely completion of the project.

Article 17: Update Stormwater and Land Disturbance Bylaws

Infrastructure and Public Works

• What it’s about: A long but important update that brings town rules in line with state and federal laws. Helps prevent flooding, pollution, and erosion in new construction projects. The article information replaces the old bylaw with a rewrite showing all strikeouts, additions, and updates to show residents the changes needed, as advised by Town Counsel.
• Why it’s important: Clearly shows all changes to the public and modernizes stormwater rules. Developers must better manage runoff and erosion.
• Impact: Protects water quality, reduces erosion, and ensures compliance with state and federal standards.

Article 18: Funding for Police Vehicles

Public Safety

• What it’s about: This article requests $100,000 to fund the purchase of two new police vehicles to replace six aging vehicles.
• Why it’s important: Reliable police vehicles are essential for officers to perform their duties effectively and ensure public safety. Replacing aging vehicles reduces maintenance costs and potential safety risks.
• Impact: This funding will help ensure that the Police Department has reliable vehicles to serve the community.

Article 19: Give Planning Board More Time (65 Days)

Town Services and Community

• What it’s about: This article proposes amending Section 123-2 of the Zoning Bylaw, titled “Definitions,” specifically by amending subsection C(2) to change the number of days for Planning Board decisions on site plan reviews from forty-five (45) days to sixty-five (65) days.
• Why it’s important: The current 45-day timeframe may not always be sufficient for the Planning Board to conduct a thorough review of complex site plans. Extending the review period could allow for more careful consideration of potential impacts.
• Impact: This amendment would increase the timeframe the Planning Board has to make decisions on site plan reviews.

Article 20: Library Revolving Fund Limit

Town Services and Community

• What it’s about: This article seeks to set an expenditure limit of $3,000 for the Library Revolving Fund for FY2026.
• Why it’s important: State law requires this for revolving funds, ensuring transparency and accountability in how locally generated library funds are spent.
• Impact: This allows the library to use these funds while complying with state regulations.

Article 21: Library Webpage Funding

Town Services and Community

• What it’s about: This article requests $4,000 to fund the creation of a new webpage for the Blackstone Public Library and the migration of content, as the current vendor is going out of business and will no longer be providing services.
• Why it’s important: A functional website is essential for the library to provide information, resources, and services to the community in today’s world. Finding a new vendor and building a new site is now necessary.
• Impact: This will ensure the library maintains an online presence for the community.

Article 22: Investing Town Trust Funds

Financial Administration

• What it’s about: This article asks the town to accept a provision of Massachusetts General Law allowing trust funds to be invested under the “Massachusetts Prudent Investor Act.”
• Why it’s important: This act allows for a potentially wider range of investments, which could lead to higher returns on the town’s trust funds, benefiting future town needs.
• Impact: This could potentially increase returns on the town’s trust fund investments.

Article 23: Fire Alarm System Upgrade

Public Safety

• What it’s about: This article proposes allocating $40,185 to upgrade the fire alarm signal box in the Fire Department dispatch center.
• Why it’s important: An efficient and up-to-date fire alarm system is critical for receiving emergency calls and dispatching help quickly and accurately, potentially saving lives and property.
• Impact: This will enhance the Fire Department’s ability to respond to emergencies by replacing a critical NAR dispatch alarm box, which is at end-of-life and used for fire alarms in schools and multi-family buildings.

Article 24: Removing CORI Checks for Food Truck Permits

Public Safety

• What it’s about: This article proposes removing the requirement for a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check for food truck permits.
• Why it’s important: If the state already conducts CORI checks for the related Hawker and Peddler licenses, removing the town’s requirement can reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and streamline the permitting process for small businesses.
• Impact: Removing this redundant check would streamline the permitting process for food trucks.

Article 25: Roosevelt Park Lighting

Town Services and Community

• What it’s about: This article proposes $200,000 for the design, purchase, and installation of lighting at Roosevelt Park.
• Why it’s important: Lighting can extend the usability of the park into the evenings, making it more accessible for community events and recreation.
• Impact: This project aims to improve Roosevelt Park as a space for recreation and gatherings.
• Additional Context: There have been differing views on this article. Some have highlighted the need to consider electrical upgrades for safety in conjunction with the lighting project. Others have emphasized the potential benefits of lighting for community use (movie nights, evening sports), especially given the park’s new playground and the SNETT. More information about the Finance committee discussion here.

Article 26: Increase in Veterans’ Tax Exemptions

Financial Administration

• What it’s about: This article proposes accepting a Massachusetts General Law that allows for an annual increase in the amount of property tax exemptions for veterans.
• Why it’s important: This provides greater financial relief and recognition for those who have served our country. This change could effectively double the current tax break for eligible veterans under the HERO Act. The shift to a percentage-based calculation simplifies the process and offers more predictable benefits.
• Impact: This would provide greater financial support to veterans and acknowledge their service, while also easing the administrative work for the town assessors.

Article 27: Invest in State Retiree Benefit Trust Fund

Financial Administration

• What it’s about: This article proposes investing $250,000 in the State Retiree Benefit Trust Fund (SRBT Fund).
• Why it’s important: This is a responsible step towards funding the town’s future obligations to retired employees for benefits like healthcare.
• Impact: This investment would help the town fund its obligations to retired employees.

Article 28: Fund BMRSD OPEB Trust Fund

Financial Administration

• What it’s about: This article proposes allocating $75,350 to the Blackstone-Millville Regional School District’s OPEB Trust Fund.
• Why it’s important: Similar to the town’s OPEB fund, this helps the school district plan for and meet its future obligations to retired employees’ benefits.
• Impact: This appropriation would contribute to the school district’s obligations to its retired employees.
• Additional Context: As Blackstone is in a regional school district, it’s worth noting that the Millville’s Selectmen and Finance committees recommended this article.

Article 29: Fund Playground at Hartnett Middle School

Blackstone-Millville Regional School District

• What it’s about: This article proposes allocating $52,745 to the Blackstone-Millville Regional School District for a playground at Frederick W. Hartnett Middle School. This represents Blackstone’s share of the cost (75%)
• Why it’s important: Playgrounds are vital for children’s physical and social development, providing a safe and engaging space for recreation.
• Impact: If approved, this would provide funding for a new playground at the middle school, benefiting Blackstone students.
• Additional Context:
  • It’s crucial to understand that the Blackstone-Millville Regional School District serves both Blackstone and Millville. Funding for projects like this typically requires approval from both towns. Millville’s Selectmen and Finance committees have not recommended this article due to lacking information on the article itself..
  • Questions for Residents: What are the implications if Blackstone approves this funding but Millville does not? Would the project proceed? How would the lack of funding from Millville affect the project? Residents should seek clarification on the process for regional school district spending and project approvals.

Article 30: Fund Purchase of Plow/Utility Truck

Blackstone-Millville Regional School District

• What it’s about: This article proposes allocating $90,420 to the Blackstone-Millville Regional School District for the purchase of a plow/utility truck. This is Blackstone’s portion of the expense (75%)
• Why it’s important: A reliable plow/utility truck is essential for the school district to maintain its properties, especially during winter weather, ensuring safety and accessibility for students and staff.
• Impact: If approved, this would allow the school district to replace an existing vehicle, improving their capacity for winter maintenance.
• Additional Context:
  • Similar to Article 29, this article concerns funding for the Blackstone-Millville Regional School District, meaning it involves both Blackstone and Millville. Millville’s Selectmen and Finance committees have not recommended this article due to lacking information on the article itself.
  • Questions for Residents: How does Millville’s potential rejection of this funding affect Blackstone? Does Blackstone’s approval obligate the town to cover the entire cost, or does the purchase depend on both towns’ approval? Residents should inquire about the financial responsibilities and decision-making processes within the regional school district.

Article 31: Transfer to Stabilization Fund

Town Services and Community

• What it’s about: This article asks the Town to vote to transfer a sum of money to the stabilization fund.
• Why it’s important: Stabilization funds are like “rainy day” funds, typically used for unforeseen or high-cost expenditures. A two-thirds vote of Town Meeting is required to later transfer money out of such funds, which ensures careful consideration before spending.
• Impact: This vote will determine if the town adds money to its stabilization fund, influencing its financial reserves and ability to handle unexpected expenses.

Article 32: Repurpose Elm Street Bridge Funds

Infrastructure and Public Works

• What it’s about: This article proposes amending a previous Town Meeting vote to repurpose $105,902.65 originally allocated for the Elm St over Quickstream bridge.
• Why it’s important: This allows the town to be flexible and direct unspent funds to another identified infrastructure need, ensuring resources are used effectively.
• Impact: This would allow the town to redirect resources to a current infrastructure need.

Article 33: Acquire Land for Bike Path

Infrastructure and Public Works

• What it’s about: This article authorizes the Board of Selectmen to acquire land off Farm Street (identified as Assessors Map 16, Parcel 61) and grant an easement for the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT).
• Why it’s important: Expanding recreational trails provides opportunities for exercise, leisure, and can enhance the quality of life in our community.
• Impact: This project would expand recreational opportunities in Blackstone.

Article 34: BVT Stabilization Account

Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District

• What it’s about: This article seeks approval to establish a stabilization account for the Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District.
• Why it’s important: A stabilization account provides the school district with a mechanism to save funds for future capital needs, promoting better long-term financial planning.
• Impact: This is consistent with standard accounting practices and encouraged by state entities.

Article 35: Transfer of Properties for Conservation and Recreation

Town Services and Community

• What it’s about: This article authorizes the transfer of two properties to the parks and recreation commission for conservation and passive recreation.
• Why it’s important: Designating these properties for conservation protects natural resources and provides opportunities for public enjoyment. Article 97 protection ensures their long-term preservation.
• Impact: This would preserve valuable land for conservation and public enjoyment.

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Key Financial Note: Some Good News!

💰 At the May 6, 2025 Board of Selectmen meeting, officials shared:

“Because we have some funds remaining from last year’s Town Meeting and several revenue sources came in larger than expected, we have a large amount of free cash for use at this Town Meeting.“

That means:

• Every article except Article 16 (Water Meter Replacement) can be covered by free cash.
• Most articles will not raise taxes this year.

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Final Thoughts: Why Your Vote Matters

Just 1.65% of voters approved last year’s $33.3M budget. Only 15% voted in the April 2025 election.

🗣️ A small group of residents is deciding what happens with your tax dollars, roads, water, and services.

📆 Make your voice heard:

• May 12: Attend the Finance Committee Public Hearing
• May 27: Show up and vote at Town Meeting

Don’t let a handful of people decide for everyone. Be the difference.

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🔗 Also in this series:

• Town Meeting 101: What Every Blackstone Voter Needs to Know Before May 27
• Blackstone Finance Committee Recap: 2026 Budget Discussions, Department Requests & What Happens Next
• Blackstone 2025 Special Town Meeting: 6 Warrant Articles Explained

This summary is based on our review of the Town Meeting Warrant and our notes from the Selectmen and Finance Committee meetings in both Blackstone and Millville. We’ve worked hard to provide accurate information, so if you spot any mistakes, please let us know, and we’ll fix them. We encourage you to share your comments and questions below.