ADAMS, Mass. — Officials say the unanimous approval of all warrant articles at the district's annual meeting reaffirms citizen support for the district's efforts and well positions the district to address future challenges faced by many communities. 

 

Nearly 40 voted at Wednesday's meeting, which lasted 20 minutes, approving all items with no discussion, including a $3.6 million budget, a petition to the state for a special legislation retirement age exemption, and a bylaw change making the clerk and treasurer positions appointed.

 

Voters approved the appropriation of $808,295.81 to the general fund for operational expenses. The general fund covers fire services, administration, and street lighting. They also approved the appropriation of $1,721,144.92 to fund the enterprise fund expenses. This fund supports the Water Department. 

 

The budget is anticipated to raise the district tax rate by 30 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, resulting in a new rate of $1.17, however, the exact amount will not be known until the town determines on property valuations in the fall.

 

"I think it is forward thinking. It's an immense leap forward to try to sustain all of our emergency services that the district, as an umbrella company, holds, whether it be fire or water," Water Superintendent John Barrett said. 

 

"Neither of us can sustain each other without it, and that just everything in [the warrant] summarizes all of our efforts throughout the year to continue sustaining our services."

 

Some articles have been years in the making by former Chief John Pansecchi, who had raised them years prior, Chief Engineer David Lennon said.