Selectmen Preview $11.2M School Bond, Override Vote

Other Committee · Meeting of September 14, 2026

Dudley selectmen preview a $11.2 million school bond and reduced $747,000 override ahead of a Sept. 29 special vote. Town Administrator Ruta told the joint Board of Selectmen/Finance Advisory session that a debt exclusion tied to the Dudley-Charlton Regional School District's $11,183,734 capital request would add 19 cents to the tax rate in year one, versus roughly $344,000 from the operating budget if it fails. The separate public safety and highway override, cut two-thirds from a failed $1.9 million ask, would add 39 cents to the tax rate and protect two police and two firefighter paramedic positions.

"We respect the right of the voter," Chair Chris Starcheski said. Financial advisor Mr. DeSantis said the district's 2024 facilities assessment found more than $139 million in building needs.

The board voted 3-0 to approve a Nichols College parking waiver and unanimously adopted Ruta's contingency-planning memo for either ballot outcome.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 2,911 words

Source: the Other Committee meeting of September 14, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.