Board approves Nov. 23 special town meeting warrant

Select Board · Meeting of October 13, 2026

NEWBURY — The Newbury Select Board voted to set a Special Town Meeting for Nov. 23 despite Finance Committee cost concerns. The board unanimously approved a warrant covering two advisory citizen-petitioned articles, historic preservation of 25 High Road and a transfer station lease RFP, after Finance Committee members Richard Keys and Michael Volpone flagged roughly $15,000 in costs, including $9,000 for voting clickers. Keys called turnout at the May annual town meeting "385" at most, while Volpone said clickers prevent voter "intimidation" but questioned spending on items drawing likely under 5 percent of the town's 5,800 registered voters.

The board also appointed interim fire leaders Wally Ziehler and Captain John Duxbury, ratified a new police union contract after executive session, and reported free cash certified at $3,524,469, up $238,000 from last year.

In the full story:

• Public Comment: Rodenticide Transparency, a Mystery Speed Sign and Early Cost Warnings
• Remarks from the Chair: Byfield Fire Station Talks Stall, Triton Building Process Continues
• Public Hearing: National Grid Pole Petition
• Routine Approvals: Appointments, Property Use and Licensing
• Student Police Officers and Donations
• Recreation Committee Facilities Use Policy Revision
• Border to Boston Trail Committee Update
• Open Space and Recreation Plan: First Update Since 2010
• Short-Term Rental Applications
• Special Town Meeting: Setting the Date Amid Cost Concerns
• Town Administrator Report: Personnel Transitions and Finances
• Meeting Updates and Old Business
• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report: 2,947 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of October 13, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.