Charlton's Special Town Meeting on October 21, 2024, kicked off with a decisive vote to address unpaid bills from previous fiscal years, showcasing the town's commitment to financial responsibility. The meeting saw unanimous approval for the appropriation of funds totaling $5,000 from various departmental accounts to settle outstanding expenses, including payments for fire equipment and sewer maintenance.

The motion, presented by town officials, highlighted the importance of clearing these debts to maintain the town's financial health. "These bills were not paid due to an insufficiency of appropriation," explained the moderator, emphasizing the need for this financial rectification. The Finance Committee and Board of Selectmen both endorsed the motion, leading to a swift vote that concluded with 53 in favor and none opposed.

Following this, the meeting shifted focus to Article 2, which proposed intra-departmental transfers and appropriations for the FY 2025 budget. A significant portion of the discussion centered on funding for police wages and the establishment of a capital stabilization fund. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of the proposed salaries for police dispatchers and officers, which were noted to reflect only half-year funding for new hires.

The Finance Committee confirmed that the funding would come from taxation, prompting questions about potential future tax increases. Town officials reassured attendees that the budget was structured to avoid unexpected tax hikes.

In a notable discussion, the meeting addressed the replacement of police firearms, with Chief Dandau explaining that the department plans to replace approximately 24 firearms as part of an upgrade to improve officer safety and efficiency. The old firearms will be sold back to the vendor, offsetting some of the costs of the new purchases.

The meeting concluded with a series of motions related to miscellaneous capital items, including funding for structural repairs to the Number 2 Schoolhouse and improvements to the town's public safety radio system. Each motion received strong support from both the Finance Committee and the Board of Selectmen, reflecting a collaborative effort to enhance town services and infrastructure.

Overall, the Special Town Meeting underscored Charlton's proactive approach to managing its finances and investing in community safety and infrastructure, setting a positive tone for the fiscal year ahead.