Scituate to Vote on Budget, Bylaws and Digital Notices

SCITUATE – Scituate residents will gather Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, for a Special Town Meeting to vote on a 12-article warrant that includes financial transfers, bylaw updates, and new rules for public notices. The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. in the Scituate High School Gymnasium.

Budget and Funding Articles

The first four articles ask voters to approve fiscal adjustments and reserve transfers. Article 1 proposes raising or transferring $9,594.54 to pay prior-year bills, while Article 2 seeks to reconcile the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

Article 3 would authorize $200,000 for a sewer project addressing inflow and infiltration measures. Article 4 requests transferring $1,656,812 to various reserve funds, including $1.25 million for capital stabilization, $68,360 for the SPED reserve fund, $50,000 for the waterways enterprise stabilization fund, with the remainder going to the OPEB Trust for various liabilities. 

Community Preservation and Open Space

Under Article 5, residents will decide whether to approve $750,000 for a land acquisition referred to as “Dishpan” open space. Article 6 allocates $35,000 for the maintenance and protection of open spaces, to be overseen by the Conservation Commission.

Article 7 would authorize $120,000 for a desalination technology study, exploring the potential of using desalination to augment the town’s water supply.

Revolving Funds and Foreclosure Procedures

Article 8 proposes increasing the annual spending limits for the revolving funds for the next fiscal year from $400,000 to $500,000 for school transportation and from $515,000 to $545,000 for recreation programs. Article 9 outlines new procedures for the disposition of tax-foreclosed properties, including timeframes for sale or retention and appraisal requirements.

Animal Control Bylaw Changes

Article 10 proposes significant amendments to the town’s Animal Control Bylaw (Section 30400). The updates clarify definitions of kennels, breeder licenses, and commercial boarding facilities. The bylaw specifies that kennels must meet safety, public health, and neighborhood standards, with annual licenses issued by the Select Board.

The article also allows for inspection and enforcement actions by the Animal Control Board.

Digital Legal Notices

Article 11 asks voters to authorize the Select Board to petition the state legislature to allow print-free digital legal notices. If approved, this measure would permit Scituate and its subdivisions to meet state publication requirements through approved digital news websites rather than print newspapers.

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