There’s no way to put together an annual budget without making assumptions about what’s likely to happen 12 months from now, and at Tuesday’s Finance Committee meeting, Finance Director Jared Mullane explained the assumptions behind his preliminary forecast of a nearly $1 million deficit in fiscal 2025.

Starting next month, owners of rental properties will be required to provide water quality test results to occupants upon request.

This year’s review of capital requests got off to a rocky start on Sept. 21, when Capital Planning and Investment Committee members balked at the price tag and questioned the urgency of updating the town’s Master Plan. 

With fewer and fewer people available to serve as reserve police officers, Police Chief James Babu has proposed hiring civilians to manage and direct traffic at work sites along public roads.

Sharlene Cronin resigned from the School Committee effective Aug. 31. Cronin was first elected to the School Committee in 2018 and reelected in 2021.

A draft report by Gale Associates concluded that town athletic fields, while in fair condition, are overused. Gale’s suggestion is to convert at least one rectangular playing field to synthetic turf, which will withstand heavier use, and possibly add lighting to extend availability.

Next year’s cost-of-living adjustment recommendation of 5.48%, approved by the Personnel Board last week, was met with skepticism at the Sept. 19 Select Board meeting.