Residents will gather for the Annual Town Meeting on Monday, May 18, at 7 p.m. at Charlton Middle School on Oxford Road, where a wide-ranging warrant will guide decisions on spending, bylaws, and future development.

A central focus of the meeting will be capital planning, with voters asked to approve funding for town buildings, infrastructure improvements, and equipment purchases. The article also authorizes town officials to enter into contracts and complete necessary projects.

The proposed fiscal year 2027 town budget appears under Article 7. Voters will determine funding levels for municipal operations beginning July 1, including setting salaries for elected officials. Separate enterprise budgets for the water and sewer departments will also be considered, covering operating expenses supported by user fees and other revenues.

Financial management articles include potential transfers to and from the town’s stabilization fund, as well as acceptance of $18,675 in cemetery perpetual care funds. Another article seeks to reauthorize a series of revolving funds used by departments such as inspectional services, recreation, planning, and public health. These accounts allow certain fees and revenues to directly support related services, with limits on how much can be spent annually.

Property and infrastructure matters are also on the agenda. One article proposes the acceptance of an easement on Stevens Park Road, while another would increase fines for handicapped parking violations, raising the penalty for a first offense from $50 to $100.

Several zoning bylaw amendments are scheduled for review, including updates to definitions, use regulations, and special provisions such as reduced frontage lots and large energy systems. Full details of the proposed changes are available through the Town Clerk and Planning Board offices.

The warrant concludes with a citizen’s petition seeking to rescind the town’s Stretch Energy Code, originally adopted in 2016 to promote energy-efficient construction standards.

Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the decision-making process that shapes Charlton’s budget, policies, and long-term planning.