Raynham Schedules Special Election for $3.9 Million School Budget Override
Board sets June 24 vote date, plans informational session with school officials
RAYNHAM - May 27 - The Raynham Select Board has scheduled a special town election for June 24 to decide on a $3.9 million Proposition 2-1/2 override to fully fund the Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District budget.
The board voted unanimously at its May 27 meeting to set the election date and approve ballot language for the override question, which follows voters' approval of Article 6 at the annual Town Meeting held May 19.
"Shall the town of Raynham be allowed to assess an additional $3,938,017 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purposes of fully funding the assessed share of the Bridgewater-Raynham School District operating budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025," the ballot question will read.
The override vote represents the second step in a three-part process that began with Town Meeting approval and will conclude with the special election.
Selectman Joseph Pacheco made a three-part motion that included setting the election date, approving the ballot language, and directing the Town Administrator and Finance Director to update the town website with relevant override information within two weeks.
"I would motion to accept the election on June 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with polling at the middle school," Pacheco said.
The board also approved a recommendation to allow the Board of Registrars to determine whether to offer in-person early voting for the special election.
Town Clerk Marsha Silvia informed the Board that the Registrars will hold a special meeting on June 4 at 5 p.m. to discuss recommending early voting options.
"If the Board of Registrars votes to recommend it, it would be to the Board of Selectmen for you to authorize holding in-person early voting for a week before the election," Clark said.
Silvia assured residents that absentee ballots will be available regardless of the early voting decision. Applications for absentee ballots are available online on the town clerk's page, at the Secretary of State's office, or by contacting the Town Clerk's office directly.
"We'll have them here. Every option for this election," Silvia said.
The board plans to host an informational session about the override at its next meeting on June 10. Superintendent Ryan Powers will be invited to make a presentation similar to the one he delivered at the annual Town Meeting.
"We invite our Bridgewater-Raynham Superintendent Ryan Powers to make a presentation as he did at the annual Town Meeting," said Chair Pat Riley. "We invite our finance director, Mr. Chris Lavalette, to attend and give a financial perspective, what it means, what the override means."
The board also plans to invite a representative from the Board of Assessors to explain senior and veteran tax abatements available to residents.
Board members expressed appreciation for the strong turnout at the annual town meeting, which they described as one of the largest in recent memory.
"It was, I think, the biggest I've ever been to in about 20 years," Pacheco said. "I think I can speak for all of us when I say we hope that type of participation and engagement continues."
Riley echoed these sentiments, noting the respectful tone of the discussions.
"People discussed, respectful, none of the negativity that sometimes creeps into Facebook," Riley said. "It was excellent and just proud of everybody that attended and participated."
The board also recognized town staff for their efforts in organizing the meeting, particularly Town Clerk Marsha Silvia, Town Moderator John Donahue, Town Administrator Gregory Barnes, Finance Director Chris Lavalette, and RayCam Director Mike Hale.
"They even had an overriding overflow area in the gymnasium if the overflow area in the cafeteria overflowed," Riley noted, highlighting the extensive preparations made to accommodate the large turnout.
In other business, the board denied a request from Rancho El Malaro Entertainment, LLC for a rodeo and one-day alcohol permit at Rosina's Field on Elm Street East. Police Chief David LaPlante opposed the event, citing concerns about an incident at a previous rodeo in North Attleboro where eight bulls escaped.
The board also approved the town administrator's request to enter into an agreement with the Massachusetts Health Officers Association for a tobacco cessation and prevention program at no cost to the town.
Board members concluded the meeting by thanking all who participated in the town's 11th annual Memorial Day parade, including veterans, police, fire department personnel, and the Community Emergency Response Team, despite occasional rain during the three-mile route.
Watch the complete meeting courtesy of the Raynham Channel.
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