MassVoter.com← SomersetMunicipal votes · 2022–2023 Board
Somerset Board of Selectmen
How the Somerset Board of Selectmen voted, from the Board of Selectmen’s official minutes. 3 Selectmen elected townwide to 3-year terms, 1 seat each April. Elected April 11, 2022 (Jacob Vaught); board reorganized April 20, 2022. Covers 35 meetings, April 20 to April 5, 2023.
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
What does the Board of Selectmen do? It is the town’s executive board. It prepares the Town Meeting warrant (the list of articles voters decide), appoints members of many town boards, hires the town’s top staff, signs warrants to pay town bills, and grants licenses and permits.
Town Meeting, not the Board of Selectmen, votes the town budget and town bylaws.
Sources: Massachusetts Select Board Handbook (MMA) · Mass. Division of Local Services: the town budgetYour Somerset ballot: 15 quizzes, about a minute each.
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Coming up
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Under the state Open Meeting Law, boards post notice at least 48 hours ahead, not counting weekends and legal holidays.
What Town Meeting decided
In Somerset, Town Meeting — not the Board of Selectmen — votes the town budget, bylaws and zoning. Here is what it did with each article, in the Town Clerk’s own words. Any registered voter can take part, and most votes are by voice or show of hands, so there is no list of who voted which way.
Annual Town Meeting · May 30, 2026 25 votes: 22 passed, 2 indefinitely postponed, 1 other
- Art. 1 Consent calendar of routine articles (reports, collector powers, committees, state/county road funds) Passed “Article 1 carried by a unanimous voice vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 2 Set FY2027 revolving fund spending limits Passed “Article 2”
- Art. 3 Set FY2027 salaries of elected officers (Town Clerk $89,299) Passed “Article 3 carried by a”
- Art. 4A FY2027 general town budget, $32,966,990 from taxation Passed “the motion was carried by a nearly unanimous voice vote in the”
- Art. 4B FY2027 School Department budget, $26,889,305 from taxation Passed “the motion carried by a nearly unanimous voice vote”
- Art. 4C FY2027 Water and Water Pollution Control enterprise budget, $9,164,779 from enterprise receipts Passed “the motion carried by”
- Art. 22 Citizen petition: direct Water & Sewer Commissioners to seek a one-year NPDES permit deadline extension with Fall River Indefinitely postponed “Moderator declared that the motion carries · 189 votes cast; 134- yes, 55- no”
- Art. 23 Citizen petition: direct boards to hold a public meeting comparing town and regional (Fall River) sewer plans Indefinitely postponed “the motion carries by a nearly unanimous voice vote”
- Art. 5 Somerset Berkley Regional School District assessment, $11,303,135 from taxation Passed “the motion passes with a nearly unanimous voice vote”
- Art. 6 Greater Fall River Vocational Technical High School assessment, $2,758,175 from taxation Passed “the motion passes by a unanimous voice vote”
- Art. 7 Bristol County Agricultural School assessment, $297,510 from taxation Passed “the motion passed by a unanimous voice vote”
- Art. 8 Add Solid Waste Collection Program Revolving Fund to by-law, FY2027 limit $2,500,000 Passed “The Moderator declared that the motion”
- Art. 9 Solid waste and recycling collection, $1,396,400 from taxation Passed “The Moderator declared the motion”
- Art. 10 Appropriate $375,000 from PEG Access and Cable-Related Fund Passed “the motion passed by a unanimous vote”
- Art. 11 Appropriate $250,000 from Free Cash to the OPEB Liability Trust Fund Passed “the article carries by a nearly unanimous voice vote”
- Art. 12 Supplemental fuel funding for town vehicles and services, $50,000 from Free Cash Passed “the motion passed by a unanimous voice vote”
- Art. 13 Vehicles and equipment for Fire, Police, Highway and stormwater compliance, $1,559,375 from Free Cash Passed “items 1,2,5 and 10 passed with a unanimous”
- Art. 14 Expert and legal help on valuation and taxation of utility and power plant property, $100,000 from Free Cash Passed “the motion passed by a unanimous voice”
- Art. 15 Wastewater treatment plant work for NPDES permit, $3,500,000 from Wastewater Capital Stabilization Fund Other “the motion passed by a nearly unanimous”
- Art. 16 Repair and replace at least two clarifiers at Water Pollution Control facility, $1,500,000 from W&S retained earnings Passed “the motion carries by a nearly unanimous voice vote”
- Art. 17 Purchase one pickup truck for School Department maintenance, $79,659 from Free Cash Passed “the motion carries by nearly unanimous”
- Art. 18 Upgrade video surveillance at Chace, South and North Elementary Schools, $240,000 from Free Cash Passed “the motion carries by a unanimous voice vote”
- Art. 19 Zoning map: remove 266 Slades Ferry Blvd from overlay district; rezone Brayton Ave parcel to Business Passed “The Moderator declared that the motion carries · 105 votes cast; 98- yes, 7-no”
- Art. 20 New by-law banning cryptocurrency ATMs in town ($300 per day fine) Passed “that the motion carries by a unanimous voice vote”
- Art. 21 CPA projects (Meeting House $100,000, playground, two ballfields, bocce, cemetery signs) and FY2027 CPA admin/reserves Passed “items 2 thru 4 and 1 under Administrative”
Source: Town of Somerset: Annual Town Meeting May 30, 2026, as voted.
Special Town Meeting · January 17, 2026 11 votes: 9 passed, 2 indefinitely postponed
- Art. 1 Pay prior-year bills, $6,678 from Free Cash Passed “Moderator declared that Article 1 passes · 119 votes cast; 112- yes, 7- no”
- Art. 2 Pay prior-year bill from D.D.S. Industries, $524 from Free Cash Passed “The Moderator declared the motion passed · 203 votes cast: 188- yes, 15- no”
- Art. 3 Pay prior-year Water & Sewer bills, $19,347 from Water & Sewer retained earnings Passed “The Moderator declared the motion · 206 votes cast: 190- yes, 16- no”
- Art. 9 Petition for special act creating a Somerset Business Incentive Grants Trust Indefinitely postponed “Moderator declared that the motion carries · 153 votes cast; 142- yes, 11- no”
- Art. 5 North Elementary window and door replacement (MSBA), $2,290,471 from Free Cash Passed “Moderator · 184 votes cast; 152- yes, 32- no”
- Art. 4 ADA improvements at town facilities, $100,000 from Free Cash Passed “Moderator declared that the article passes · 145 votes cast; 127- yes, 18- no”
- Art. 6 Eight school zone flashing beacons with radar speed signs, $32,800 from Free Cash Passed “declared that the motion carries · 140 votes cast; 114- yes, 26- no”
- Art. 7 Fund FY2025-2026 Water/Water Pollution Control union contract costs, $164,000 from W&S retained earnings Passed “Moderator declared that the motion · 116 votes cast; 103- yes, 13- no”
- Art. 8 Town share of FY2023 Community Project Funding federal grant project, $800,000 from W&S retained earnings Passed “Moderator · 123 votes cast; 113- yes, 10- no”
- Art. 10 Replace Zoning By-law Section 9.5, Slades Ferry Crossing District Indefinitely postponed “The Moderator declared that the motion”
- Art. 11 Amend election/meeting date by-law: Annual Town Meeting on a May date set by the Board of Selectmen Passed “Moderator declared that the motion carries · 113 votes cast; 91- yes, 22- no”
Source: Town of Somerset: Special Town Meeting January 17, 2026, as voted.
Annual Town Meeting · May 19, 2025 50 votes: 45 passed, 2 failed, 3 indefinitely postponed
- Art. 1 Consent calendar of routine articles (reports, collector powers, committees, state/county road funds) Passed “the article carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 172 votes- 160 Yes- 12- No”
- Art. 2 Set FY2026 revolving fund spending limits Passed “Article 2 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 214 votes- 193 Yes- 21- No”
- Art. 3 Set FY2026 salaries of elected officers (Town Clerk $86,698) Passed “Article 3 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 218 votes- 185 Yes- 33- No”
- Art. 4A FY2026 general town budget, $32,077,458 from taxation Passed “Article 4A carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 217 votes- 162 Yes- 55- No”
- Art. 4B FY2026 School Department budget, $25,958,017 from taxation Passed “Article 4B carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 222 votes- 147 Yes- 75- No”
- Art. 4C FY2026 Water and Water Pollution Control enterprise budget, $8,603,983 from enterprise receipts Passed “Article 4C carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 231 votes- 166 Yes- 65- No”
- Art. 5 Somerset Berkley Regional School District assessment, $11,029,731 from taxation Passed “Article 5 carried by a majority · 231 votes- 164 Yes- 67- No”
- Art. 6 Greater Fall River Vocational Technical High School assessment, $2,537,335 from taxation Passed “Article 6 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 217 votes- 164- Yes 53- No”
- Art. 7 Bristol County Agricultural School assessment, $332,704 from taxation Passed “Article 7 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 221 votes- 196- Yes 25- No”
- Art. 8 Solid waste and recycling collection, $2,380,000 ($1,000,000 offset receipts, $1,380,000 taxation) Passed “Article 8 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 211 votes- 164- Yes 47- No”
- Art. 45 Citizen petition: special act to enlarge the Board of Selectmen from three to five members Failed “the majority to be in the negative · 208 votes- 68- Yes 140- No”
- Art. 46 Citizen petition: by-law setting town election on first Monday in June and Annual Town Meeting on third Monday in May Indefinitely postponed “the motion carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 187 votes- 159- Yes 28- No”
- Art. 47 Citizen petition: Town Meeting by-law with 100-voter quorum and a time limit on taking up new articles Indefinitely postponed “the motion carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 155 votes- 120- Yes 35- No”
- Art. 48 Citizen petition: ask Legislature for home-rule exemption so town could ban community water fluoridation Passed “Article 48 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 179 votes- 108 Yes- 71 No”
- Art. 9 Appropriate $375,000 from PEG Access and Cable-Related Fund Passed “Article 9 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 129 votes- 109- Yes 20- No”
- Art. 10 Town Office window replacement and HVAC units, $1,500,000 from Free Cash Passed “Article 10 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 135 votes- 107 Yes- 28 No”
- Art. 11 Appropriate $500,000 from Free Cash to the OPEB Liability Trust Fund Passed “Article 11 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 137 votes- 112 Yes- 25 No”
- Art. 12 Road and sidewalk improvements, $500,000 from Free Cash Passed “Article 12 · 135 votes- 121 Yes- 14- No”
- Art. 13 Purchase and equip one pickup truck for town employees, $59,958 from Free Cash Passed “Article 13 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 127 votes- 83 –Yes- 44- No”
- Art. 14 Purchase and equip a Class 1 ambulance, $110,000 from Free Cash Passed “Article 14 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 133 votes- 117 –Yes- 16- No”
- Art. 15 Replace firefighting equipment, $100,000 from Free Cash Passed “Article 15 carried · 131 votes- 112 –Yes- 19- No”
- Art. 16 Fire Department furnishings and space redesign, $45,000 from Free Cash Passed “Article 16 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 130 votes- 93 –Yes- 37- No”
- Art. 17 Feasibility study of Police and Fire Department operational needs, $150,000 from Free Cash Passed “Article 17 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 122 votes- 72 –Yes- 50- No”
- Art. 18 Purchase and equip one police cruiser, $70,000 from Free Cash Passed “Article 18 carried by a majority vote in the · 123 votes- 88 –Yes- 35- No”
- Art. 19 Asset management lockers for Police Department, $55,000 from Free Cash Passed “Article 19 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 116 votes- 79 –Yes- 37- No”
- Art. 20 Twenty-five body armor plates and carriers for police, $27,925 from Free Cash Passed “Article 20 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 120 votes- 101 –Yes- 19- No”
- Art. 21 Replace the by-law on door-to-door solicitation and canvassing (registration and operating rules) Passed “Article 21 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 106 votes- 93 –Yes- 13- No”
- Art. 22 Repeal the Sex Offender Residency and Restriction Zone By-law Failed “Article 22 failed · 108 votes- 54 –Yes- 54- No”
- Art. 23 New general by-law prohibiting unauthorized camping on public property Passed “Article 23 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 103 votes- 62 –Yes- 41- No”
- Art. 24 Repave Highway Department parking lot, $336,101 from Free Cash Passed “Article 24 carried by a majority vote in the · 103 votes- 70 –Yes- 33- No”
- Art. 25 Pay prior-year National Grid bills, $5,849.65 from Free Cash Passed “Article 25 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 98 votes- 87 –Yes- 11- No”
- Art. 26 Replenish School Department capital account, $500,000 from Free Cash Passed “Article 26 carried by a majority · 100 votes- 63 –Yes- 37- No”
- Art. 27 Two special education vans (10-passenger and wheelchair-accessible), $200,000 from Free Cash Passed “Article 27 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 95 votes- 84 –Yes- 11- No”
- Art. 28 Authorize historic preservation restriction on Friends Meeting House and Cemetery, Prospect Street Passed “the article carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 88 votes- 83 Yes- 5 No”
- Art. 29 Fund economic development sign/facade matching grant and business incentive grant programs Indefinitely postponed “the motion carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 79 votes- 66 –Yes- 13- No”
- Art. 30 Allow Water & Sewer Commissioners to lease land near 3256 County Street for agriculture, up to ten years Passed “Article 30 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 79 votes- 71 –Yes- 8- No”
- Art. 31 Pay prior-year BAL Laboratories bill, $1,261.70 from Water & Sewer retained earnings Passed “Article 31 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 78 votes- 74–Yes- 4- No”
- Art. 32 Create Wastewater Capital Stabilization Fund and transfer $3,500,000 from Water & Sewer retained earnings Passed “Article 32 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 74 votes- 56 –Yes- 18- No”
- Art. 33 Sludge processing improvements at Water Pollution Control Facility, $150,000 from W&S retained earnings Passed “Article 33 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 64 votes- 58 –Yes- 6- No”
- Art. 34 Engineering pilot study for Water Treatment Facility, $214,000 from Water & Sewer retained earnings Passed “Article 34 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 63 votes- 54 –Yes- 9- No”
- Art. 35 Personnel By-law: add Collection System Chief Operator position at Grade B Passed “Article 35 carried by a majority vote · 55 votes- 44 –Yes- 11- No”
- Art. 36 CPA: $11,250 for safety wood fiber at Pierce Beach, Ashton and Leahy Park playgrounds Passed “Article 36 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 64 votes- 57 –Yes- 7- No”
- Art. 37 CPA: $94,222 for a bike park at Pottersville School field Passed “Article 37 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 65 votes- 49 –Yes- 16- No”
- Art. 38 CPA: $55,000 to replace water shutoff valves at John F. Kennedy Terrace housing Passed “Article 38 carried by a majority vote in the · 64 votes- 62 –Yes- 2- No”
- Art. 39 CPA: $85,000 to design and replace two bocce courts at Louis Colon Amvets property Passed “Article 39 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 63 votes- 58 –Yes- 5- No”
- Art. 40 CPA: $175,000 for a fitness park at Pottersville Field Passed “Article 40 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 61 votes- 49 –Yes- 12- No”
- Art. 41 CPA: $100,000 for repair and renovation of the Friends Meeting House, Prospect Street Passed “Article 41 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 56 votes- 53 –Yes- 3- No”
- Art. 42 CPA: $10,000 for signage at ten town cemeteries Passed “Article 42 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 53 votes- 50 –Yes- 3- No”
- Art. 43 CPA: $50,000 for repairs to the Waterfront Park Boathouse Passed “Article 43 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 53 votes- 50 –Yes- 3- No”
- Art. 44 CPA: FY2026 administrative expenses $10,750 and reserves (historic, housing, open space, budgeted) Passed “Article 39 carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · 55 votes- 52 –Yes- 3- No”
Source: Town of Somerset: Annual Town Meeting May 19, 2025, articles as voted.
Special Town Meeting · February 8, 2025 13 votes: 11 passed, 2 failed
- Art. 1 Petition for special act allowing one more off-premises wine and malt license at 2756 County Street Passed “Article 1 carried by a majority voice vote”
- Art. 12 Ask Legislature for home-rule exemption so town could ban community water fluoridation Failed “article 12 did not pass · 154 in the affirmative and 192 in the negative”
- Art. 13 Petition for special act making the Town Clerk appointed by the Board of Selectmen instead of elected Failed “article 13 did not pass · 372 votes cast; 68- yes, 304 – no”
- Art. 2 Add $150,000 from Free Cash to the Unemployment Compensation Fund Passed “Article 2 carried by a nearly unanimous voice vote”
- Art. 3 Pay prior-year bills, $770.10 from Free Cash Passed “Article 2 carried by a unanimous voice vote”
- Art. 4 Purchase and equip a police cruiser, $40,000 from Free Cash Passed “Article 2 carried by a unanimous voice vote”
- Art. 5 CDL training for Highway Department employees, $12,000 from Free Cash Passed “Article 5 carried by a nearly unanimous voice vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 6 Personnel By-law: move water and wastewater plant manager positions from Grade B to Grade A, retroactive to July 1, 2024 Passed “Article 6 carried by a unanimous voice vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 7 Wastewater pumping station repairs, $50,000 from Water & Sewer retained earnings Passed “Article 7 carried by a unanimous voice vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 8 Wastewater treatment plant work for EPA/DEP NPDES permit, $2,500,000 from Water & Sewer retained earnings Passed “Article 8 carried by a unanimous voice vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 9 Raw water pumping station and water plant filter/clarifier repairs, $350,000 from Water & Sewer retained earnings Passed “Article 9 carried by a unanimous voice vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 10 Feasibility study of open-classroom design at North Elementary School, $70,000 from Free Cash Passed “article 10 passed · 104 in the affirmative and 47 in the negative”
- Art. 11 Window/door replacement feasibility study at North and South Elementary (MSBA), $75,000 from Free Cash Passed “article 11 passed · 117 in the affirmative and 6 in the negative”
Source: Town of Somerset: Special Town Meeting February 8, 2025.
Special Town Meeting · May 20, 2024 1 votes: 1 passed
- Art. 1 Appropriate $6,886,598 to complete and furnish the new Somerset Middle School, incl. athletic fields and solar array (MSBA grant-eligible) Passed “Article 1 carried by a majority voice vote”
Source: Town of Somerset: Special Town Meeting May 20, 2024, articles as voted.
Annual Town Meeting · May 20, 2024 37 votes: 34 passed, 1 passed as amended, 2 failed
- Art. 1 Consent calendar of routine articles (reports, collector powers, committees, state/county road funds) Passed “Article 1 carried by a unanimous voice vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 2 Set FY2025 revolving fund spending limits Passed “Article 2 carried by a unanimous voice vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 3 Set FY2025 salaries of elected officers (Town Clerk $83,336) Passed “Article 3 carried by a nearly unanimous voice vote in the”
- Art. 4B FY2025 School Department budget, amended up $122,500 to $25,072,623 from taxation Passed as amended “the amended article 4B carried by a majority vote in the affirmative · Yes – 218, No – 66”
- Art. 4A FY2025 general town budget, $31,701,384 from taxation Passed “Article 4A with the exception of line item 175 carried by a unanimous voice vote”
- Art. 4C FY2025 Water and Water Pollution Control enterprise budget, $8,225,541 from enterprise receipts Passed “Article 4C carried by a nearly unanimous vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 5 Amend Consolidated Personnel By-law (longevity pay schedule, sick leave, overtime rule, job grade tables) Passed “article 5 passes by a unanimous vote in the affirmative · Yes – 115, No – 0”
- Art. 6 Adopt FY2025 compensation plan pay tables for general government and public utility positions Passed “Article 6 carried by a unanimous vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 7 Additional FY2025 personnel appropriations for town departments, $49,133 from taxation Passed “Article 7 carried by a nearly unanimous vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 8 Somerset Berkley Regional School District assessment, $10,919,920 from taxation Passed “Article 8 carried by a nearly unanimous vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 9 Greater Fall River Vocational Technical High School assessment, $1,831,424 from taxation Passed “Article 9 carried by a unanimous vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 10 Bristol County Agricultural School assessment, $329,901 from taxation Passed “Article 10 carried by a unanimous vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 11 Solid waste and recycling collection, $2,280,000 ($900,000 offset receipts, $1,380,000 taxation) Passed “Article 11 carried by a unanimous vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 12 Appropriate $375,000 from PEG Access and Cable-Related Fund; allow agreements up to ten years Passed “Article 12 carried by a unanimous vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 13 Pay prior-year bills, $4,803 from Free Cash Passed “Article 13 carried by a unanimous vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 14 Appropriate $400,000 from Free Cash to the OPEB Liability Trust Fund Passed “Article 14 carried by a unanimous vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 15 Capital repairs to town buildings and grounds, $400,000 from Free Cash Passed “Article 15 carried by a unanimous vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 16 Raise tax work-off exemption to $1,000, allow approved representatives; program cap $15,000 Passed “Article 16 carried by a unanimous vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 17 Add Recreation Program Revolving Fund to by-law, FY2025 limit $200,000 Passed “Article 17 carried by a nearly unanimous vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 18 Repairs and maintenance of Old Town Hall, $150,000 from Free Cash Passed “Article 18 carried by a nearly unanimous vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 19 Playground equipment at Buffinton Park, $225,000 from Free Cash Passed “Article 19 carried by a unanimous vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 20 Two cardiac monitors for Fire Department, $50,000 from Free Cash Passed “Article 20 carried by a unanimous vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 21 Sig Com TRX50 radio box receiver for Fire Department, $125,000 from Free Cash Passed “Article 21 carried by a unanimous vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 22 Two police cruisers, $132,000 from Free Cash Passed “Article 22 carried by a nearly unanimous vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 23 Highway Department solar panel control diagnostics and repairs, $20,000 from Free Cash Passed “Article 23 carried by a unanimous vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 24 Replace underground fuel tanks at Highway Department, $350,000 from Free Cash Passed “Article 24 carried by a unanimous vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 25 Replace emergency generator automatic switch at Highway Department, $20,000 from Free Cash Passed “Article 25 carried by a unanimous vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 26 Library roof repair and six rooftop heating units, $300,000 from Free Cash Passed “Article 26 carried by a unanimous vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 27 Ballot tabulator for Town Clerk, $7,975 from Free Cash Passed “Article 27 carried by nearly unanimous vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 28 CPA: $40,000 for fencing and safety improvements at Ashton Field Passed “Article 28 carried by unanimous vote in the affirmative”
- Art. 29 CPA: $50,000 engineering study of Housing Authority land on Route 6 for housing expansion Passed “article 29 passes by a majority vote · Yes – 37, No – 22”
- Art. 30 CPA: $14,374 for two dugout roofs at Pottersville Baseball Field Passed “Article 30 carried by unanimous vote in the”
- Art. 31 CPA: $22,413 for a shed at Pottersville Baseball Field Passed “Article 31 carried by unanimous vote in the”
- Art. 32 CPA: $5,700 for beach sand replenishment at Pierce's Beach Passed “Article 32 carried by unanimous vote in the”
- Art. 33 CPA: FY2025 administrative expenses $11,880 and reserves (historic, housing, open space, budgeted) Passed “Article 33 carried by unanimous vote”
- Art. 34 Citizen petition: ask Legislature for home-rule exemption so town could ban community water fluoridation Failed “article 34 the motion does not carry · Yes – 20, No – 37”
- Art. 35 Citizen petition: $19,500 from Free Cash for Spirit of Somerset fireworks on a barge Failed “The Moderator declared the majority to be in the negative”
Source: Town of Somerset: Annual Town Meeting May 20, 2024, articles as voted.
Titles are short descriptions of each article from the official record; the quoted words are the Town Clerk’s. A vote at Town Meeting is not the final word on everything: some articles also need a ballot vote (such as a tax override) or the Attorney General’s approval (bylaws).
Members
Lorne K. LawlessChairman of the Board of Health · Elected townwide · at 35 of 35 meetingsJacob VaughtClerk · Elected townwide · at 32 of 35 meetings
"At X of Y meetings" counts the members the minutes list as present at the start of each meeting in this record. Members who step out are listed on each meeting page.
Meetings
About missing minutes
Not here yet: the town has posted minutes online only from January 2017. Some meetings have an agenda but no minutes online (for example April 14, 2021, when the board reorganized, and several 2021–2022 meetings), and three posted “minutes” files (June 30 and December 6, 2017, and May 9, 2018) are meeting notices. Minutes for September 2026 are not posted yet. A few motions in the minutes were made and seconded but no vote is recorded (for example the April 16, 2026 reorganization); those are left out. Votes taken by other boards at joint meetings are not included. Many 2017–2018 minutes say only that a motion was “approved by a roll call vote” without a count or names, so those show no individual votes. Where a count doesn’t match the Selectmen listed as present, the vote is noted; we will ask the town to confirm.
Votes where members disagreed
Most board votes are unanimous. These are the ones where at least one member voted no or abstained, newest first.
Mar 1New Business - Sign Town Election WarrantMotion: to appoint Principal assessor Pamela Lee as Employee Representative to the…Passed · see note
March 1, 2023: New Business - Sign Town Election Warrant
To appoint Principal assessor Pamela Lee as Employee Representative to the Somerset Health Plan Group
The minutes say only that the motion was approved, without a count or how each member voted.
From the minutes
“A motion to appoint Principal assessor Pamela Lee as Employee Representative to the Somerset Health Plan Group was made by Selectman Lawless, seconded by Selectman Smith and voted by Selectmen.” (Motion: Lawless, second: Smith)
Aug 16ApproveMotion: to authorize the Town Administrator to file a request for determination…Passed 2–1 · No: Vaught
To authorize the Town Administrator to file a request for determination of applicability with the Conservation Commission and once approved work with the Highway Superintendent to clear the path in conjunction with the Conservation Agent. Once the path is cleared there will be no parking signs and no loitering after dusk signs installed at the end of North Street. At the beginning of the path post
Yes: Lawless, SmithNo: Vaught
From the minutes
“A motion to authorize the Town Administrator to file a request for determination of applicability with the Conservation Commission and once approved work with the Highway Superintendent to clear the path in conjunction with the Conservation Agent. Once the path is cleared there will be no parking signs and no loitering after dusk signs installed at the end of North Street. At the beginning of the path posts similar in nature to cut telephone poles to be installed to a depth that they will not be easily disturbed by people walking past them was made by Selectman Chair Smith, seconded by Selectman Lawless and approved by a roll call vote of Selectmen 2-1. Selectman Lawless-aye, Selectman Vaught-nay Selectman Smith-aye.” (Motion: Smith, second: Lawless)
Aug 3ApproveMotion: to endorse the projectPassed 3–0 · see note
To endorse the project
The minutes record this vote as 3–0 but list 1 members as present, so we can’t say who voted.
From the minutes
“A motion to endorse the project was made by Selectman Vaught seconded by Selectman Lawless and unanimously approved by a roll call vote of Selectmen 3-0. Supporting Documents - no.” (Motion: Vaught, second: Lawless)
Aug 3ApproveMotion: to accept the resignation of Carolyn F. LazarisPassed 3–0 · see note
To accept the resignation of Carolyn F. Lazaris
The minutes record this vote as 3–0 but list 1 members as present, so we can’t say who voted.
From the minutes
“A motion to accept the resignation of Carolyn F. Lazaris was made by Selectman Vaught, seconded by Selectman Lawless and unanimously approved by a roll call vote of Selectmen 3-0.” (Motion: Vaught, second: Lawless)
Aug 3ApproveMotion: to accept the above resignationPassed 3–0 · see note
To accept the above resignation
The minutes record this vote as 3–0 but list 1 members as present, so we can’t say who voted.
From the minutes
“A motion to accept the above resignation was made by Selectman Lawless, seconded by Selectman Vaught and unanimously approved by a roll call vote of Selectmen 3-0.” (Motion: Lawless, second: Vaught)
Jun 22Vote Annual Appointments (see attached list)Motion: to approve the list as readPassed 2–0 · see note
June 22, 2022: Vote Annual Appointments (see attached list)
To approve the list as read
The minutes record this vote as 2–0 but list 3 members as present, so we can’t say who voted.
From the minutes
“Selectman Vaught made a motion to approve the list as read, seconded by Selectman Lawless and unanimously approved by a roll call vote of Selectmen 2-0.” (Motion: Vaught, second: Lawless)
Jun 22ApproveMotion: to approve the Committee Assignments as readyPassed 2–0 · see note
To approve the Committee Assignments as ready
The minutes record this vote as 2–0 but list 3 members as present, so we can’t say who voted.
From the minutes
“A motion to approve the Committee Assignments as ready was made by Selectman Vaught, seconded by Selectman Lawless and unanimously approved by a roll call vote of Selectmen 2-0.” (Motion: Vaught, second: Lawless)
May 4ApproveMotion: to ratify the Memorandum of Agreement between the Town of Somerset…Passed 3–0 · see note
To ratify the Memorandum of Agreement between the Town of Somerset and the International Association of Firefighters Local 2649
The minutes record this vote as 3–0 but list 2 members as present, so we can’t say who voted.
From the minutes
“A motion to ratify the Memorandum of Agreement between the Town of Somerset and the International Association of Firefighters Local 2649 was made by Selectman Vaught, seconded by Selectman Lawless and unanimously approved by a roll call vote of Selectmen 3-0.” (Motion: Vaught, second: Lawless)
May 4AppointMotion: to appoint the following nine ((9) individuals to the Veterans Advisory…Passed 3–0 · see note
To appoint the following nine ((9) individuals to the Veterans Advisory Board: Bruce Aldrich; Lisa Ahaesy; George Andes; David Aubry; Edward Faria; Stephen Souza; Charles Diogenes; Glenn N. Doup; Gary Pavao &Thomas Santos
The minutes record this vote as 3–0 but list 2 members as present, so we can’t say who voted.
From the minutes
“A motion to appoint the following nine ((9) individuals to the Veterans Advisory Board: Bruce Aldrich; Lisa Ahaesy; George Andes; David Aubry; Edward Faria; Stephen Souza; Charles Diogenes; Glenn N. Doup; Gary Pavao &Thomas Santos was made by Selectman Lawless, seconded by Selectman Vaught and unanimously approved by a roll call vote of Selectmen 3-0.” (Motion: Lawless, second: Vaught)
May 4ApproveMotion: to acknowledge receipt and review complaint; authorize response by Town CounselPassed 3–0 · see note
To acknowledge receipt and review complaint; authorize response by Town Counsel
The minutes record this vote as 3–0 but list 2 members as present, so we can’t say who voted.
From the minutes
“A motion to acknowledge receipt and review complaint; authorize response by Town Counsel was made by Selectman Smith, seconded by Selectman Lawless and unanimously approved by a roll call vote of Selectmen 3-0 Supporting Documents: Copy of Open Meeting Law Complaint Discuss complaint regarding trespassing on private property adjacent to Pierce Beach Selectman Smith read an email from the owner of the property.” (Motion: Smith, second: Lawless)
From the Somerset Board of Selectmen’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Agenda Center. Most votes since 2019 are roll calls with each Selectman named; we check every count against the names and quote the exact wording. The Selectmen also sit as the town’s Board of Health, so Board of Health votes are included. MassVoter never grades officials; votes and attendance are shown exactly as the minutes record them. Member photos: Allen Smith and Todd Costa from Fall River Reporter; Joseph Bednarik from his Somerset Access TV candidate statement (2026).
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