Town Garage Project, Operational Budget Approved at Medfield Town Meeting

There were 32 articles presented in the 2011 Warrant but two that demanded the most attention and discussion at the 360th Medfield Town Meeting held Monday night in the Medfield High School gymnasium. 

(Article 17) passed the 2/3 requirement by a show of hands as Moderator Scott McDermott could not determine the result of the vote verbally through the traditional "aye" or "no" after both responses filled the room. When the vote went to a show of hands, the majority was clearly in favor of the override and building of the Town Garage. 

The other override presented at Monday's Town Meeting was for the operational town budgets (Article 15). After discussion over the school department's proposed budget and a failed motion by Selectman Ann Thompson to reduce the proposed school budget from a 3 percent increase to a 1 percent increase, the town voters approved the override, again by a show of hands and again, by a 2/3 majority. 

Medfield Board of Selectmen, at its April 19 meeting, called for a Special Town Election to be held on May 23 if either of the two overrides were passed at Town Meeting. Both were passed by voters and both will appear as questions on a paper ballot for voters. The deadline for registering to vote for the May 23 election is on Tuesday, May 3. Town Hall offices will be open until 8 p.m. on May 3 for residents to register. 

Of the 32 articles in the 2011 Warrant, articles 22, 25, 30 and 31 were voted to be dismissed from the Warrant. All other articles were passed by voters. 

Check back Tuesday for updates on this story and more coverage from Monday's Town Meeting.