MassVoter.com← WarehamMunicipal votes · 2022–2023 Board
Wareham Select Board
How the Wareham Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide. Judith Whiteside chaired the board and Patricia Wurts was Clerk. MassVoter has loaded minutes from January 3, 2023 on; this board organized in 2022, and the town website does not post Select Board minutes from before 2023. Judith Whiteside was re-elected in May 2023. Covers 12 meetings, January 3 to July 11, 2023.
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
What does the Select Board 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 Select Board, votes the town budget and town bylaws.
Sources: Massachusetts Select Board Handbook (MMA) · Mass. Division of Local Services: the town budgetBoard years
Coming up
No upcoming meeting is posted yet. Check the official calendar →
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 Wareham, Town Meeting — not the Select Board — 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 · April 27, 2026 19 votes: 16 passed, 2 no action, 1 referred
Sessions: April 27, 2026 (election May 5, 2026)
- Art. 1 Elect town officers (two Select Board, two School Committee, two Assessors, two Sewer Commissioners) at the May 5, 2026 election Passed “APPROVED IN THE CONSENT AGENDA”
- Art. 2 Recurring business: accept state/federal grants, FY2027 compensating balance agreements, use septic loan interest for program costs Passed “APPROVED IN THE CONSENT AGENDA”
- Art. 3 Set compensation of the Town Moderator at $150 per diem Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 4 Set FY2027 spending limits for revolving funds Passed “APPROVED IN THE CONSENT AGENDA”
- Art. 5 Receive occasional reports from town boards and committees (no reports were given) Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 6 FY2027 capital plan No action “PASSED OVER IN THE CONSENT AGENDA”
- Art. 7 FY2027 town operating budget: raise $74,548,975 plus transfers from sewer, CPA, harbor and wetlands funds Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 8 FY2027 Emergency Medical Services budget: $1,619,680 salaries and $327,500 expenses, offset by EMS receipts Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 9 Raise $3,973,330 for Wareham's FY2027 share of Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School costs Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 10 FY2027 Water Pollution Control Facility enterprise budget: $7,063,613 plus $1,134,683 from betterment reserves Passed “FAVORABLE ACTON, UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 11 Rescind unissued balances of eight prior bond authorizations for completed projects Passed “APPROVED IN THE CONSENT AGENDA”
- Art. 12 Reserve FY2027 Community Preservation revenues: $75,000 admin, $150,000 each to open space, historic and housing reserves Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 13 Community Preservation grant of $300,000 to NeighborWorks Housing Solutions for 40 affordable senior units at Cranberry Manor Phase II Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 14 Appropriate $700,000 in Community Preservation funds to buy a conservation restriction on about 98 acres at Beaverdam Creek Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, 2/3 MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 15 Amend town bylaws to delete the rule that articles go to the Finance Committee 35 days before Town Meeting Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 16 Rescind the April 28, 2025 Special Town Meeting vote on Article S20 and restore deleted bylaw language (Div. I, Art. IV, Sec. 11A.1, 11B.1) Passed “UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 17 Dissolve the Minot Forest Committee and move its duties to the Open Space Committee No action “UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 18 Citizen petition: general bylaw banning thin-film single-use plastic checkout bags Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 19 Citizen petition: zoning change counting nearby public parking toward business parking requirements (Section 952A) Referred “REFFERD IN CONSENT AGENDA”
Source: Town Clerk's minutes, Spring Town Meeting April 27, 2026 (scanned).
Special Town Meeting · April 27, 2026 16 votes: 13 passed, 3 no action
- S1 Transfers within the FY2026 budget lines voted at the 2025 Spring Annual Town Meeting No action “PASSED OVER IN THE CONSENT AGENDA.”
- S2 Transfer $130,000 from Onset Pier parking receipts to fund the parking program and Onset projects Passed “APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- S3 Spring 2026 capital plan: transfer $2,845,000 from free cash (IT, police body cameras and vehicles, Fearing Hill Bridge, school doors) Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- S4 Transfer $3,200,000 from free cash to reserves and funds (capital stabilization, snow and ice deficit, OPEB, others) Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- S5 Pay unpaid bills of prior fiscal years No action “PASSED OVER IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- S6 Transfer PEG access receipts to Wareham Community Television, as printed in the Finance Committee Report Passed “APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- S7 Accept G.L. c.44 s.54(b) (Prudent Investor Rule) for investing town trust funds Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- S8 Transfer $76,169 in McKinney-Vento homeless transportation reimbursement to the School Transportation Revolving Account Passed “APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- S9 Accept G.L. c.59 s.5 Clause 22G (disabled veterans keep property tax exemptions when home is held in a trust) Passed “APPROVED IN THE CONSENT AGENDA”
- S10 Appropriate $92,500 from overlay surplus for cyclical real estate data collection Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- S11 Return $40,520 in unused funds from two completed projects to the Community Preservation Open Space Reserve Passed “APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- S12 Rescind 2022 Fall Town Meeting Article 19 ($6,000,000 to line the Narrows Pump Station force main) Passed “UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- S13 Borrow $26,000,000 for a Sandwich Road force main sewer line and Minot Ave sewer improvements Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, 2/3 MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- S14 Borrow $16,500,000 for a Sandwich Road force main sewer line No action “FAVORABLE ACTION, UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- S15 Transfer $3,500,000 from sewer (WPCF) retained earnings to offset sewer project costs Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- S16 Transfer $1,500,000 from sewer (WPCF) retained earnings to the Sewer Capital Stabilization Fund Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
Source: Town Clerk's minutes, Spring Special Town Meeting April 27, 2026 (scanned).
Annual Town Meeting · October 27, 2025 25 votes: 20 passed, 2 failed, 2 no action, 1 referred
Sessions: October 27, 2025 (Fall Town Meeting)
- Art. 1 FY2026 capital plan: borrow $4,500,000 to replace the Fearing Hill Road Bridge Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, 2/3 MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 2 Transfer available funds to reserves No action “PASSED OVER IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- Art. 3 Pay unpaid bills and deficits of prior fiscal years No action “PASSED OVER IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- Art. 4 Transfer $257,272.40 in PEG access receipts to Wareham Community Television Passed “APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- Art. 5 Harbor services: transfer $68,000 (dockage, permit software, supplies) and borrow $189,000 by capital lease for two 4x4 vehicles Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, UNANIMOUS”
- Art. 6 Receive occasional reports from town boards and committees Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, UNANIMOUS (There were no additional reports)”
- Art. 7 Approve payment-in-lieu-of-tax (PILOT) agreements with owners of listed solar projects Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, UNANIMOUS”
- Art. 8 Authorize a lease/easement with Boston Gas (National Grid) for gas lines on the sewer plant land at 6 Tony's Lane Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 9 Authorize a land damage agreement with MassDOT, including takings, for Route 6 (Marion Road) corridor work Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, UNANIMOUS”
- Art. 10 Community Preservation grant of $640,000 to the Wareham Historical Society to restore the Fearing Tavern exterior Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 11 Community Preservation grant of $19,000 to First Congregational Church to restore Groezinger Hall's exterior Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 12 Community Preservation $620,000 to Wareham Public Schools to replace lighting at Spillane Field Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, UNANIMOUS”
- Art. 13 Return unused funds from completed projects to Community Preservation accounts Passed “APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- Art. 14 Transfer $54,730 in Community Preservation undesignated funds to the Community Housing Reserve Passed “APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- Art. 15 Zoning amendment to Article 15 (Land Use Permitting): add a new sub-section under Section 1520 Boards Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY OF 2/3, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 16 Zoning amendment standardizing setbacks in Section 815.4 (sent to further study) Referred “FURTHER STUDY, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 17 Zoning amendment on multi-family housing waivers in the Commercial General district Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 18 Zoning amendment defining and regulating contractor bays Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, UNANIMOUS”
- Art. 19 Transfer $150,000 within the FY2026 budget from debt principal to short-term interest Passed “APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- Art. 20 Buy about 10.57 acres at 0 Kings Highway/0 Cranberry Highway in Rochester (transfer station) and borrow $750,000 Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, 2/3 MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 21 Non-binding referendum to dissolve the Carver Marion Wareham Regional Refuse Disposal District Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, UNANIMOUS”
- Art. 22 Appropriate $300,000 from sewer retained earnings to upgrade five remaining 'air' pump stations Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, UNANIMOUS”
- Art. 23 Citizen petition: require posting term expiration dates of elected and appointed positions on town web pages Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 24 Citizen petition: require town email addresses for each elected official and each appointed board Failed “FAILED, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 25 Zoning amendment (Sections 830-837): Local Initiative Program local action units for affordable housing Failed “FAILED, VOICE VOTE”
Source: Town Clerk's minutes in the 2026 Wareham Town Report.
Annual Town Meeting · April 28, 2025 16 votes: 15 passed, 1 no action
Sessions: April 28, 2025 (election May 6, 2025)
- Art. 1 Elect town officers at the May 6, 2025 annual town election Passed “APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- Art. 2 Recurring business: accept state/federal grants, compensating balance agreements, use septic loan interest for program costs Passed “APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- Art. 3 Set compensation of elected officials, including the Town Moderator at $125 per diem Passed “APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- Art. 4 Set FY2026 spending limits for revolving funds Passed “APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- Art. 5 Receive occasional reports from town boards and committees (Capital Planning report given) Passed “APPROVED BY MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 6 FY2026 capital plan No action “PASSED OVER IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- Art. 7 FY2026 town operating budget: raise $72,665,656 plus transfers from sewer, CPA, harbor and wetlands funds Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 8 FY2026 Emergency Medical Services budget: $1,573,380 salaries and $320,550 expenses, offset by EMS receipts Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 9 Raise $3,632,191 for Wareham's FY2026 share of Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School costs Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 10 FY2026 Water Pollution Control Facility enterprise budget: $7,202,411 plus $1,134,683 from betterment reserves Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 11 Reserve FY2026 Community Preservation revenues for administration and open space, historic and housing reserves Passed “APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- Art. 12 Transfer $79,080 in McKinney-Vento funds to the School Transportation Revolving Account Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 13 Approve and fund contracts between the Town and its employee unions Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 14 Amend the general bylaw defining 'capital improvement' (new dollar thresholds of $100,000 to $250,000) Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 15 Petition the Legislature to change the Charter's Capital Planning Committee membership (7 voting, 1 non-voting) Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 16 Citizen petition: bylaw phasing out second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) in town Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
Source: Town Clerk's minutes in the 2025 Wareham Town Report.
Special Town Meeting · April 28, 2025 20 votes: 17 passed, 1 no action, 1 referred, 1 other
- S1 Transfers between FY2025 budget lines ($12,600 and $230 from Town Planner salary; $60,000 within sewer accounts) Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- S2 Transfer $70,000 from Onset Pier parking receipts to fund the parking program and Onset projects Passed “APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- S3 Spring 2025 capital: $1,770,000 from free cash and $260,000 from retained earnings (incl. $1,000,000 Fearing Hill Bridge) Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION”
- S4 Transfer $350,000 from free cash: collective bargaining reserve, Bayview Park/Onset Pier, emergency operations Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE”
- S5 Pay unpaid bills of prior fiscal years No action “APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- S6 Transfer $246,209.48 in PEG access receipts to Wareham Community TV (Wareham Media) Passed “APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- S7 Transfer $47,000 from harbor services permit receipts to the Harbormaster's maintenance and improvements account Passed “APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- S8 Let the Select Board lease part of Memorial Town Hall, 54 Marion Road, for up to 30 years Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- S9 Amend bylaws on Council on Aging membership (seven members plus two associate members) Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- S10 Community Preservation $60,000 for an engineering assessment of the Hammond School Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- S11 Community Preservation $1,200,000 to buy a conservation restriction for the River Walk acquisition Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION · HAND COUNT: 123 AYE, 30 NAY”
- S12 Community Preservation $250,000 to restore the entrance to the Swifts Beach recreation area Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- S13 Return unused funds from completed projects to Community Preservation accounts Passed “APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- S14 Zoning amendment on site plan review authority (sent to Planning Board for further study) Referred “FURTHER STUDY, UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- S15 Zoning amendment allowing accessory dwelling units under the state Affordable Homes Act Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE”
- S16 Zoning amendment allowing large-scale ground-mounted solar in the Business Development Overlay District and other solar changes Passed “2/3 MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- S17 New bylaw letting the Town Clerk make non-substantive editorial revisions to the Town By-Laws Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- S18 Amend the Town By-Laws to use gender-neutral language throughout Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- S19 Add new divisions and sections to the Town By-Laws (By-law Review Committee additions) Other
- S20 Delete specified language from the Town By-Laws (By-law Review Committee deletions, Charts 1-5) Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
Source: Town Clerk's minutes in the 2025 Wareham Town Report.
Special Town Meeting · January 13, 2025 5 votes: 3 passed, 2 referred
- Art. 1 Transfer $100,000 from free cash for solar experts to be used for litigation Passed “APPROVED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE, UNCOUNTED”
- Art. 2 Transfer $600,000 from free cash to buy land and buildings at 80 Marion Road Passed “APPROVED, 2/3 MAJORITY, UNCOUNTED”
- Art. 3 Zoning moratorium Jan 13, 2025 - Jan 13, 2026 on permitting non-deed-restricted accessory dwelling units Passed “APPROVED 2/3 MAJORITY, COUNTED: 110-29 · COUNTED: 110-29”
- Art. 4 Zoning change to allow large-scale ground-mounted solar in the Business Development Overlay District (sent to further study) Referred “FURTHER STUDY, MAJORITY, COUNTED 66-53 · COUNTED 66-53”
- Art. 5 Zoning bylaw allowing accessory dwelling units (sent to further study) Referred “FURTHER STUDY, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE, UNCOUNTED”
Source: Town Clerk's minutes in the 2025 Wareham Town Report.
Annual Town Meeting · October 28, 2024 19 votes: 15 passed, 2 no action, 1 referred, 1 other
Sessions: October 28, 2024 (Fall Town Meeting)
- Art. 1 FY2025 capital plan: transfer $2,288,000 from free cash (ambulance, school buses, police vehicles, building repairs) Passed “UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 2 Transfer $950,000 from free cash to stabilization, OPEB, collective bargaining, benefits, code enforcement and grant reserves Passed “UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 3 Pay unpaid bills and deficits of prior fiscal years No action “PASSED OVER IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- Art. 4 Transfer $286,836.93 in PEG access receipts to Wareham Community Television Other “PASSED OVER IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- Art. 5 Transfer $52,150 from harbor services permit receipts to the Harbormaster's maintenance and improvements account Passed “UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 6 Transfer $120,000 from Onset Pier parking receipts to fund the parking program and Onset projects Passed “MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 7 Accept a gift of about 3.28 acres of land at 46 Minot Avenue from the Depot Realty Trust Passed “MAJORITY, 2/3 VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 8 Discontinue portions of 11th Street and Elm Street as public ways Passed “MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 9 Accept G.L. c.59 s.5 Clause 22I (HERO Act veterans' exemption option) effective FY2026 Passed “UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 10 Senior exemption (Clause 41C): raise exemption from $500 to $750 and raise income and asset limits Passed “UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 11 Accept G.L. c.90 s.17C (lets the Select Board set 25 mph speed limits in thickly settled areas) Passed “MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 12 Receive occasional reports from town boards and committees Passed “UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 13 Community Preservation grant of $400,000 to South Shore Community Action Council to restore the East Wareham School exterior Passed “UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 14 Community Preservation $80,000 for engineering study of Town Hall exterior wall and windows Passed “MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 15 Community Preservation $375,000 to buy a conservation restriction on about 215 acres along the Weweantic River Passed “MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 16 Community Preservation grant of $33,800 to The Family Pantry-Damien's Place for a community garden (phase 2) Passed “UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 17 Community Preservation $750,000 to rebuild Lopes Playground and build a perimeter pathway Passed “UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 18 Accept a 'Seasonal Community' designation under the Affordable Homes Act No action “PASSED OVER IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- Art. 19 Amend zoning bylaws to allow accessory dwelling units (referred to the Planning Board) Referred “REFERRED TO PLANNING BOARD FOR FURTHER STUDY IN”
Source: Town Clerk's minutes in the 2025 Wareham Town Report.
Annual Town Meeting · April 22, 2024 14 votes: 11 passed, 3 no action
Sessions: April 22, 2024 (election May 7, 2024)
- Art. 1 Elect town officers at the annual town election Passed “APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- Art. 2 Recurring business: accept state/federal grants, compensating balance agreements, use septic loan interest for program costs Passed “APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- Art. 3 Set compensation of the Town Moderator at $125 per diem Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY 2/3”
- Art. 4 Set FY2025 spending limits for revolving funds Passed “APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- Art. 5 Receive occasional reports from town boards and committees Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 6 FY2025 capital plan No action “PASSED OVER IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- Art. 7 FY2025 town operating budget: raise $69,808,460 plus transfers from sewer, CPA and harbor funds Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 8 FY2025 Emergency Medical Services budget: $1,543,542 salaries and $310,550 expenses, offset by EMS receipts Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 9 Raise $3,783,059 for Wareham's FY2025 share of Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School costs Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 10 FY2025 Water Pollution Control Facility enterprise budget: $7,012,056 plus $1,143,775 from betterment reserves Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 11 Appropriate $250,000 principal and $15,207.64 interest from CPA funds on the Tremont Nail Factory cleanup bond Passed “APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- Art. 12 Reserve FY2025 Community Preservation revenues for administration and open space, historic and housing reserves Passed “APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- Art. 13 Citizen petition: amend zoning to remove the limit of three licensed marijuana retailers No action “DISMISSED, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- Art. 14 Citizen petition: $25,000 for the John B. Dixon Recycling Center expense budget No action “PASSED OVER IN CONSENT AGENDA”
Source: Town Clerk's minutes in the 2024 Wareham Town Report.
Special Town Meeting · April 22, 2024 18 votes: 14 passed, 2 no action, 2 referred
- S1 Transfers within FY2024 budget lines No action “PASSED OVER IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- S2 Transfer $68,600 from Onset Pier parking receipts to fund the parking program and Onset projects Passed “APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- S3 Spring 2024 capital plan: transfer $5,670,000 from free cash Passed “FAVORABLE, UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- S4 Transfer $850,000 from free cash to the Stabilization Fund, OPEB Trust Fund and other reserves Passed “FAVORABLE, UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- S5 Pay unpaid bills of prior fiscal years No action “PASSED OVER IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- S6 Transfer $325,066.26 in PEG access receipts to Wareham Community Television Passed “APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- S7 Approve and fund collective bargaining agreements with town employee unions Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- S8 New bylaw letting the Town Clerk make non-substantive editorial revisions to the General Bylaws (motion: further study) Referred “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- S9 Transfer $15,000 from harbor services permit receipts to the Harbormaster's maintenance account Passed “APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- S10 Appropriate $76,000 principal and $19,937.62 interest from CPA funds on the Tremont Nail Factory cleanup bond Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- S11 Return unused funds from completed projects ($20.76 and $8,465.86) to Community Preservation accounts Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- S12 Appropriate $400,000 from sewer retained earnings for two aeration blowers and three pickup trucks Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- S13 Transfer McKinney-Vento homeless transportation reimbursement to the School Transportation Revolving Account Passed “APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA”
- S14 Delete several General Bylaws (motion: further study) Referred “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- S15 Petition the Legislature to amend Charter Section 5-3, changing a January 25 date to February 28 Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- S16 Amend bylaws to reduce the Finance Committee from nine to seven members Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
- S17 Amend the Wetland Protective Bylaw regulations section, deleting language limiting regulations to administrative matters Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, UNANIMOUS, VOICE VOTE”
- S18 Transfer $140,000 from overlay surplus for the state-mandated property revaluation Passed “FAVORABLE ACTION, MAJORITY, VOICE VOTE”
Source: Town Clerk's minutes in the 2024 Wareham Town Report.
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
Ronald S. BesseMember · Elected townwide · at 11 of 12 meetings
Jared S. ChadwickMember · Elected townwide · at 11 of 12 meetingsAlan H. SlavinMember · Elected townwide · at 12 of 12 meetingsPatricia A. WurtsClerk · Elected townwide · at 12 of 12 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
Loaded: Select Board minutes from January 3, 2023 through September 1, 2026, as posted in the town’s online Agenda Center, which starts in January 2023. Not here: minutes from before 2023 (the Agenda Center does not post them), executive-session minutes, and minutes the town has not posted: June 13, June 27, July 18, August 8, October 24, October 25, December 7 and December 12, 2023; December 16, 2024 (a joint meeting with the Planning Board); October 8, 2025 (a joint executive session with the Planning Board); and meetings after September 1, 2026. Wareham’s posted minutes are scanned paper copies with no searchable text, so MassVoter read them with text-recognition software and checked the votes by hand. Most votes are a roll call that names each member’s yes or no; the rest give a count such as 5-0-0 (yes-no-abstain), often marked unanimous. When the minutes say a vote was unanimous, or the count matches the members present, we show every member present as voting yes; when they give a roll call, or a count with the members who voted no or abstained named, we show each member’s vote as recorded. Where the minutes give only a split count without names, a roll call names a member the minutes list as absent, or the names and the count do not match, we show the count only and add a note. Votes by other boards at joint meetings (such as the Sewer Commissioners and Planning Board) are not included. We will ask the town to confirm any noted vote.
Votes where members disagreed
Most board votes are unanimous. These are the ones where at least one member voted no or abstained, newest first.
Jul 11Recommend favorable action on Article 1- Construction cost for…Motion: to recommend favorable action on Article 1- Construction cost for WPCF…Failed 2–3 · No: Besse, Chadwick, Slavin
July 11, 2023: Recommend favorable action on Article 1- Construction cost for WPCF Projects clarifier and headwork's upgrade
To recommend favorable action on Article 1- Construction cost for WPCF Projects clarifier and headwork's upgrade
Yes: Whiteside, WurtsNo: Besse, Chadwick, Slavin
From the minutes
“MOTION: Ms. Wurts made a motion to recommend favorable action on Article 1- Construction cost for WPCF Projects clarifier and headwork's upgrade. Mr. Besse seconded. Roll call: Mr. Slavin-no, Mr. Chadwick-no, Mr. Besse-no, Ms. Wurts-yes, Ms. Whiteside-yes. VOTE: 2-3-0.” (Motion: Wurts, second: Besse)
Jul 11Recommend favorable action on resend Article 15-2022 Spring Town…Motion: to recommend favorable action on resend Article 15-2022 Spring Town MeetingFailed 0–5 · No: Besse, Chadwick, Slavin, Whiteside, Wurts
July 11, 2023: Recommend favorable action on resend Article 15-2022 Spring Town Meeting
To recommend favorable action on resend Article 15-2022 Spring Town Meeting
No: Besse, Chadwick, Slavin, Whiteside, WurtsThe minutes call this vote unanimous but record 0-5-0.
From the minutes
“MOTION: Ms. Wurts made a motion to recommend favorable action on resend Article 15-2022 Spring Town Meeting. Mr. Besse seconded. Roll call: Mr. Chadwick-no, Mr. Slavin-no, Mr. Besse-no, Ms. Wurts-no, Ms. Whiteside-no. VOTE: 0-5-0 (Unanimous).” (Motion: Wurts, second: Besse)
Jul 11Recommend favorable action on Article 3- Engineering plans Swifts…Motion: to recommend favorable action on Article 3- Engineering plans Swifts Beach…Failed 0–4 · No: Besse, Chadwick, Whiteside, Wurts · Abstained: Slavin
July 11, 2023: Recommend favorable action on Article 3- Engineering plans Swifts Beach into Ruggle's pump station
To recommend favorable action on Article 3- Engineering plans Swifts Beach into Ruggle's pump station
No: Besse, Chadwick, Whiteside, WurtsAbstained: SlavinThe roll call lists Judith Whiteside without a vote; the minutes record the vote as 0-4-1 (Mr. Slavin abstained), so this member is shown as voting no.
From the minutes
“MOTION: Ms. Wurts made a motion to recommend favorable action on Article 3- Engineering plans Swifts Beach into Ruggle's pump station. Mr. Besse seconded. Roll call: Ms. Wurts-no, Mr. Besse-no, Mr. Chadwick-no, Mr. Slavin-abstained, Ms. Whiteside VOTE: 0-4-1 (Mr. Slavin abstained).” (Motion: Wurts, second: Besse)
Jul 11Recommend favorable action on Article 4- Transfer of retained…Motion: to recommend favorable action on Article 4- Transfer of retained earningsFailed 0–4 · No: Besse, Chadwick, Whiteside, Wurts · Abstained: Slavin
July 11, 2023: Recommend favorable action on Article 4- Transfer of retained earnings
To recommend favorable action on Article 4- Transfer of retained earnings
No: Besse, Chadwick, Whiteside, WurtsAbstained: Slavin
From the minutes
“MOTION: Ms. Wurts made a motion to recommend favorable action on Article 4- Transfer of retained earnings. Mr. Besse seconded. Roll call: Mr. Chadwick-no, Mr. Besse-no, Ms. Wurts-no, Mr. Slavin-abstained, Ms. Whiteside-no. VOTE: 0-4-1 (Mr. Slavin abstained).” (Motion: Wurts, second: Besse)
Jul 11Recommend favorable action on Article 5- Amend Article 15,…Motion: to recommend favorable action on Article 5- Amend Article 15, 2022…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Slavin
July 11, 2023: Recommend favorable action on Article 5- Amend Article 15, 2022 Spring Town Meeting
To recommend favorable action on Article 5- Amend Article 15, 2022 Spring Town Meeting
Yes: Besse, Chadwick, Whiteside, WurtsAbstained: Slavin
From the minutes
“MOTION: Ms. Wurts made a motion to recommend favorable action on Article 5- Amend Article 15, 2022 Spring Town Meeting. Mr. Besse seconded. Roll call: Mr. Chadwick-yes, Ms. Wurts-yes, Mr. Besse-yes, Mr. Slavin-abstained, Ms. Whiteside-yes. VOTE: 4-0-1 (Mr. Slavin abstained).” (Motion: Wurts, second: Besse)
Jun 6Appoint Ms. Whiteside and Mr. Besse to the Wareham…Motion: to appoint Ms. Whiteside and Mr. Besse to the Wareham Redevelopment…Passed 3–0 · see note
June 6, 2023: Appoint Ms. Whiteside and Mr. Besse to the Wareham Redevelopment Authority, terms to expire May, 2024
To appoint Ms. Whiteside and Mr. Besse to the Wareham Redevelopment Authority, terms to expire May, 2024
The minutes give the result as "3-0-2 (Mr. Besse and Ms. Whiteside abstained)", but the roll call reads: Jared S. Chadwick yes, Alan H. Slavin yes, Patricia A. Wurts yes, Ronald S. Besse no, Judith Whiteside no. The names and the count do not match, so individual votes are not shown.
From the minutes
“MOTION: Ms. Wurts made a motion to appoint Ms. Whiteside and Mr. Besse to the Wareham Redevelopment Authority, terms to expire May, 2024. Mr. Besse seconded. Roll call: Mr. Chadwick-yes, Mr. Slavin-yes, Ms. Wurts-yes, Mr. Besse- no, Ms. Whiteside-no. VOTE: 3-0-2 (Mr. Besse and Ms. Whiteside abstained).” (Motion: Wurts, second: Besse)
Apr 4Close the evidence part of the hearingMotion: to close the evidence part of the hearingPassed 4–0 · see note
April 4, 2023: Close the evidence part of the hearing
To close the evidence part of the hearing
Yes: Besse, Chadwick, Slavin, WhitesideThe roll call does not list Patricia A. Wurts, who was present.
From the minutes
“MOTION: Mr. Chadwick made a motion to close the evidence part of the hearing. Mr. Besse seconded. Roll call: Mr. Besse-yes, Mr. Slavin-yes, Mr. Chadwick-yes, Ms. Whiteside-yes VOTE: 4-0-0 (Unanimous).” (Motion: Chadwick, second: Besse)
Apr 4Include recommendations 1-4 presented to the BoardMotion: to include recommendations 1-4 presented to the BoardPassed 4–0 · see note
April 4, 2023: Include recommendations 1-4 presented to the Board
To include recommendations 1-4 presented to the Board
Yes: Besse, Chadwick, Slavin, WhitesideThe roll call does not list Patricia A. Wurts, who was present.
From the minutes
“MOTION: Mr. Slavin made a motion to include recommendations 1-4 presented to the Board. Mr. Chadwick seconded. Roll call: Roll call: Mr. Besse-yes, Mr. Slavin-yes, Mr. Chadwick-yes, Ms. Whiteside-yes. VOTE: 4-0-0 (Unanimous).” (Motion: Slavin, second: Chadwick)
Apr 4Mr. Slavin is appointed as SRPEDD commission representative for…Motion: Mr. Slavin is appointed as SRPEDD commission representative for 2023-2024 yearPassed 4–0 · Abstained: Slavin
April 4, 2023: Mr. Slavin is appointed as SRPEDD commission representative for 2023-2024 year
Mr. Slavin is appointed as SRPEDD commission representative for 2023-2024 year
Yes: Besse, Chadwick, Whiteside, WurtsAbstained: Slavin
From the minutes
“MOTION: Ms. Wurts made a motion that Mr. Slavin is appointed as SRPEDD commission representative for 2023-2024 year. Mr. Besse seconded. Roll call: Mr. Besse-yes, Mr.Slavin-abstain, Mr. Chadwick-yes, Ms. Wurts-yes, Ms. Whiteside-yes VOTE: 4-0-1 (Slavin).” (Motion: Wurts, second: Besse)
Mar 14Recommend favorable action on the WPCF Enterprise Fund article…Motion: to recommend favorable action on the WPCF Enterprise Fund article (Article…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Slavin
March 14, 2023: Recommend favorable action on the WPCF Enterprise Fund article (Article 10) for the 2023 Annual Spring Town Meeting Warrant
To recommend favorable action on the WPCF Enterprise Fund article (Article 10) for the 2023 Annual Spring Town Meeting Warrant
Yes: Besse, Chadwick, Whiteside, WurtsAbstained: Slavin
From the minutes
“MOTION: Ms. Wurts recommended favorable action on the WPCF Enterprise Fund article (Article 10) for the 2023 Annual Spring Town Meeting Warrant. Mr. Besse seconded. Roll Call: Mr. Besse-yes, Mr. Chadwick-yes, Mr. Slavin-abstained, Ms. Wurts-yes, Ms. Whiteside-yes. VOTE: 4-0-1 (Mr. Slavin abstained).” (Motion: Wurts, second: Besse)
From the Wareham Select Board’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Agenda Center. We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos of current members: Wareham Week candidate profiles (Jared Chadwick and Joseph Still 2025; Marcus Gomes 2025; Sarah Corbitt and Judith Whiteside 2026). Former members show initials.
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