Select Board previews 19-article fall town meeting warrant

Select Board · Meeting of August 17, 2026

Groton previews a 19-article fall warrant led by a citizen petition to kill its license plate reader cameras. Town Manager Mark told the Select Board the petition, backed by residents demanding an immediate ban, was moved to the front of the warrant given expected turnout, while police liaison Rachel said the cameras have aided cases including breaking and entering, embezzlement, and assault and battery. The board voted 5-0 by roll call to ratify Anna Elliott's appointment to the Historical Commission, approve a letter backing the $4.2 million Cow Pond Brook Fields project, a cut from the $4.8 million version defeated in the spring, and authorize 30 days of warrant signatures.

Two competing senior tax-relief articles, a Marblehead-style income-based exemption and a 35-year residency tax freeze, drew debate after Vice Chair Becky Pine warned the freeze's same-house requirement "is problematic the way it's written." A public hearing on the full warrant is set for August 31.

In the full story:

• Substantive content, article by article
• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 3,193 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of August 17, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.