Stoughton Finance Committee Recommends Fire Engine, Housing Units, Field Renovations for May Vote

STOUGHTON -- March 30, 2026, Stoughton Finance Committee recommends more than 30 warrant articles for the May 4 town meeting, including a $1.23 million fire engine and $800,000 in new low-income housing. Meeting for nearly four hours on March 30, the 14-member committee voted to recommend a $1,230,000 fire engine purchase from free cash (13-0-1), $666,330 for school capital from free cash (12-0-2), and $800,000 in Community Preservation Act funds for eight new low-income housing units along Drake Avenue and Memorial Drive to replace seven older scattered-site Stoughton Housing Authority units (13-1-0). The committee also recommended the $1,250,000 snow and ice deficit transfer and approved enterprise fund budgets totaling more than $16 million across sewer, water, Cedar Hill Golf Course, and cable public access. Two articles were tabled to April 6: a $150,000 request to restore an 1850s antique hand pumper truck, pending clarification of who holds legal custody, and a $400,000 roundabout design study at Park Street and Turnpike Street, pending answers from Town Engineer Mark Tisdale about the town's leverage over MassDOT's design plans. The committee rejected 0-11-3 a $190,000 CPA request for brick repointing and facade stabilization at privately owned 810 Washington Street, with multiple members citing the developer's ability to retain all resale profits.