The Appropriations Committee of Northborough, Massachusetts convened on April 4, 2025, to discuss the potential for a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) agreement related to a new project at 9 Goddard Road. The meeting highlighted the procedural aspects of TIF negotiations and the involvement of various town bodies.

The discussion began with clarification that the Select Board serves as the negotiating body for TIFs, requiring Town Meeting approval to enter into any agreements. It was noted that typically, TIF details are largely negotiated before reaching Town Meeting, but in this case, the process is still in its early stages.

Committee members expressed concerns about the transparency of the negotiation process, with some fearing that discussions might occur in executive sessions, limiting public involvement. One member emphasized the importance of including the Appropriations and Financial Planning Committees in the negotiation process to ensure broader oversight.

The committee debated whether to proceed with a vote on the TIF agreement, with some members advocating for more information before making a decision. It was suggested that additional details could be presented at the upcoming Town Meeting, allowing for a more informed discussion.

Ultimately, the committee decided to defer the vote on the TIF agreement, opting to wait for further information that could be available before Town Meeting. This decision reflects a cautious approach to ensure that all necessary details are considered before committing to the agreement.

The meeting concluded with a motion to finalize the report summarizing the discussions, ensuring that all comments and recommendations would be incorporated. The committee plans to reconvene before the Town Meeting to finalize their stance on the TIF agreement and ensure that all members are aligned on the report's content.