Voters will meet at Northbridge High School to consider a wide-ranging annual town meeting warrant that includes a proposed $57.29 million operating budget for fiscal year 2027, a potential school spending override, and a series of capital and community investments.

The Annual Town Meeting warrant outlines 25 articles covering municipal operations, infrastructure, and long-term planning initiatives.

Budget and School Funding

At the center of the meeting is Article 3, which seeks approval of the town’s FY27 budget totaling $57,290,718 to fund general government, public safety, public works, and other municipal services.

In a closely watched measure, Article 4 asks voters to approve an additional $3.39 million for the School Department. The funding is contingent on a successful Proposition 2½ override vote, allowing the town to exceed state tax levy limits to support education expenses. An override is a permanent increase in taxing authority. To pass, the measure must be approved by two thirds of the voters at the town meeting and by the same margin at the annual town election.

Infrastructure and Public Works

Several articles focus on infrastructure improvements, including road repairs funded through state Chapter 90 aid and local borrowing (Article 6). Sewer and water system investments also feature prominently, with funding proposed for wastewater treatment upgrades, infiltration mitigation, and equipment purchases.

A major allocation under Article 16 would direct more than $1.1 million toward addressing contaminated drinking water wells and securing alternative water sources, following identification by health and environmental officials.

Capital Projects and Facilities

Voters will also consider a $1.7 million capital plan (Article 19) funded through free cash. Proposed projects include emergency vehicle replacements, roadwork, police equipment upgrades, and school transportation vehicles.

Another significant request, Article 22, seeks $1.52 million in additional funding for the planned Senior Center/Community Center at the former Northbridge Elementary School site on Cross Street.

Building maintenance projects are included in Article 17, with funding earmarked for Town Hall repairs, school rooftop units, and recreational facility improvements.

Community Preservation and Recreation

Through the Community Preservation Fund, residents will weigh funding for local initiatives, including $294,000 for a Habitat for Humanity housing project and $375,000 for new playground equipment at the Cross Street Tot Lot.

Additional funds are proposed for historic preservation, open space, and community housing reserves.

Policy and Planning Articles

The warrant also includes several policy-related measures. Article 23 would allow certain alcohol license conversions, while Article 25 proposes a bylaw to study the feasibility of a municipally owned utility system. The study would examine electric and natural gas options but would not authorize implementation without further Town Meeting approval.

Other articles address revolving fund limits, financial agreements, and stabilization fund contributions.

Community Participation Encouraged

Registered voters are urged to attend, noting that decisions made at the meeting will shape Northbridge’s financial and infrastructure priorities for the coming year.

The meeting will take place at Northbridge High School on Linwood Avenue in Whitinsville.