Town of Merrimac Encourages Voters to Attend Oct. 16 Special Town Meeting

MERRIMAC – The Town of Merrimac encourages all residents to take part in their local democracy and attend the Special Town Meeting on Monday, Oct. 16.

Town Meeting convenes at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria of Sweetsir School, 102 Church St.

In Article 4, voters will be asked to consider amendments to the Town’s Water Supply Conservation bylaw as submitted by the Department of Public Works Director.

Suggested amendments include:

• New language clarifying the Town’s role in protecting the water supply to meet the needs of the community.
• Recommendations that owners of private wells follow conservation measures required by the Town.
• Empowering the Public Works Director to declare a State of Water Supply Conservation, subject to ratification by the Board of Selectmen.
• Expanding allowable restrictions to outdoor water use during a State of Water Supply Conservation.
• Expanding exceptions to mandatory restrictions.

Voters also will be asked to consider three other articles:

• Article 1: Revisions to balance the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, reflecting actual costs that were more than or less than initial estimates.
• Article 2: A request to raise $30,000 to collect and dispose solid waste, to recycle, and to offset costs through the sale of Trash Bags. This reflects the new tipping fees contract and additional expenses related to ongoing inflation of costs of goods and services.
• Article 3: A request to raise $5,568 to enter a three-year lease for copier machines in town buildings.

The Town Meeting warrant is available on the Town website. Print copies are available at Merrimac Town Hall.