Groton Select Board Raises Stormwater Fee 15 Percent, Defers Representative Town Meeting Decision

Select Board · Meeting of July 27, 2026

Groton Select Board raises stormwater fee to $69 and sidesteps a push to study representative town meeting. The board voted unanimously at its July 27 meeting to increase the annual stormwater fee 15 percent — from $60 to $69 — affecting 4,086 parcels, ending a four-year freeze; bills go out in October. Town Manager Mark reported a fiscal year 2026 Country Club revenue record of approximately $1.1 million, returning roughly $31,000 to the general fund, and previewed a fall town meeting warrant article to fund an automated irrigation system through club revenues.

The board also appointed Charlotte Weagle to the Affordable Housing Trust to fill the vacancy left by Carolyn Perkins. The lengthiest discussion involved a proposal by Clerk Nick Degaitas to explore representative town meeting; after public comment from resident Bud — who called open town meeting "pure democracy" — and skepticism from Members John Reilly and Becky Pine, Chair Peter Cunningham proposed scheduling a future public information session rather than forming any committee, and no motion was made. The Commonwealth's Winter Recovery Assistance Program will deliver $275,894 to Groton, and a proposed $100 million statewide flexible education appropriation could add $253,000 in Chapter 78 aid for the Groton-Dunstable Regional School District if the legislature acts.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 2,960 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of July 27, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.