About this Video

• Video Title: 2025 Dalton, Ma. Annual Town Meeting_ part 1 of 2
• Channel: Dalton Community Television
• Speakers: Anthony Doyle (Town Moderator), Heather Hunt (Town Clerk), Robert Collins, Mark Stout, John Bole, Daniel Esco, Robert Bishop, Tom Hutchinson (Town Manager), Timothy Zessen, William Droine, Tom Irwin, Bruce Luster, Joe Diver, Henry Rose, Diane Low, Dan Filio, Tony Paggley, Joe Sheen, Cheryl Rose, Lucas Molton, Monnique Allinger, James Cafrey, George Shoemaker, Jimbo Ducet, Donald Davis, Zack, Chris Furlong, Sandy, Moren Jean Gingris, Kathy Karen Phillio, Jane, David Wesleski, Carolyn Valley, Chief (Police Chief), John Bartell, Judy Duville, Tom Town, Richal, Sally Langondorf, Hank Langondorf, Jean Jingris, Amy Misanti, Morin Mitchell, Charlotte Green, Maxine Tedro, Rachel Branch, Becky Bisa, Kathleen Ransky, El Nato, Dennis Crockwell.
• Duration: 03:37:36

Introduction

This video records the first part of the 2025 Dalton, Massachusetts Annual Town Meeting. The meeting covers various topics, including the budget, compensation for elected officials, and a proposal to potentially repurpose the old high school site. A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to discussion and debate surrounding the budget, particularly concerning the allocation for the police department and the use of free cash reserves.

Key Takeaways

• Budget Approval: The town meeting voted on and approved various budget items, including the general operating budget (excluding the police department), the police department budget (after some debate and a secret ballot), and allocations for the school district.
• Taxpayer Concerns: Significant concerns were raised by residents regarding high taxes, increasing property valuations, and the overall burden on taxpayers, especially seniors. Several motions were made to reduce spending.
• Police Department Budget Debate: A substantial portion of the meeting focused on the police department budget. Residents debated the allocation, questioning the justification for the amount and requesting more transparency. A motion to separate the police budget from the overall budget for separate voting was passed.
• Free Cash Usage: The use of free cash reserves sparked considerable debate. Residents questioned the transparency and accountability of how these funds were used in previous years and how they would be utilized in the future.
• Old High School Site Repurposing: A motion was made to reconsider the 2017 decision regarding the old high school site, which was originally slated for residential development. This motion was ultimately defeated, leaving the site's future unclear.

The following budgets were questioned during the Dalton town meeting:

1. Overall Town Operating Budget: Concerns were raised about the overall budget's 9% increase and the high tax burden on residents. A motion to reduce it by 3% was made and voted on.

2. Police Department Budget: This budget faced the most significant scrutiny. Residents questioned the allocation amount, requested more transparency about its composition, and debated the justification for the proposed spending.

3. Health Insurance Budget: The 30% increase in health insurance costs was a major point of contention. Residents questioned the lack of shopping for better rates and suggested employees should bear a larger portion of the cost.

4. Vocational Education Budget: A substantial increase (over 40%, approaching 50%) in vocational education spending was noted and questioned. Concerns were raised about the town's limited control over these costs.

5. Town Audit Budget: A 643% increase in town audit expenses was questioned. Town officials explained this was due to a federal audit conducted that year.

6. Free Cash Allocation: While not strictly a budget, the allocation of free cash reserves faced significant questioning. Residents sought more transparency and accountability regarding past and future use of these funds.