Somerset Board of Selectmen

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.