Hello All ~ Happy July. I can’t believe we are more than half way through 2025. I also can’t believe twelve full years have passed since I became your Town Clerk. Thank you for another exciting, interesting, challenging, and informative year!
STREET LISTINGS
We received the Annual Street Listings based on the 2025 Census data we gathered this year. If you would like a copy, there is a $15.00 charge. You may purchase at town hall; 2024 Street Listings are available FREE while supplies last.
NON-RESPONDENTS TO THE 2025 REHOBOTH ANNUAL TOWN CENSUS
As per Massachusetts General Law, if you have not responded to the yearly census, your voter status must legally change to inactive as of the first Monday in June. Therefore, the Clerk’s Office sent out 2,432 voter confirmation cards last month to reinstate those voters who did not return their 2025 Census. We are required by law to either receive your yearly signed census or the recently mailed confirmation card must be completed, signed (very important) and returned to us in order to reactivate your “active” voting status. We did place return postage on the return confirmation card, as required by law. Please either mail (postage stamp is already on the reply card) or drop off your signed confirmation card at the Town Hall drop box, or our office, as soon as possible so we may reactivate your voting status. Please note, unless you returned your yearly census or the signed confirmation card you received stating you still live in the Town of Rehoboth, you will need to provide proof of continuous residency before being allowed to vote in any federal, state, or town election and/or town meeting. Last year we mailed 2,063 voter confirmation/inactivation cards to those Rehoboth voters who did not complete their Annual Town Census. Unfortunately, we increased that number this year by an additional 369; total of 2,432 voters who did not return their 2025 Census. For those individuals who feel the confirmation cards are a waste of Town money, please know we are required to send them by law. Those cards are only sent after two 2nd request census forms are mailed and our Board of Registrars called your home informing you we did not receive your yearly Census due by January 31st. If you don’t want to receive a voter confirmation/inactivation card in the future, simply return your completed yearly census by January 31, each year. Thank you.
BUSINESS CERTIFICATES
Business owners are reminded that the application fee for a business certificate and/or business certificate renewal is $50.00 and that your certificate is valid for four years. If your business license is expiring within the next six months, you should have received your renewal letters and applications during the month of June. Please send in your notarized business certificate renewal, along with payment or stop by so we can notarize your signature and provide you with an updated business certificate. Thank you and we wish you well with your business.
DOG LICENSES
All dog licenses were due and payable by April 1st. Unfortunately, a $15.00 late fee was assessed for any licenses that were not renewed by May 15th. We still have 356 dogs that are unlicensed for this year, which is down 67 from last year. Total licensed dogs so far in 2025 is 1,973 as of July 1, 2025; thank dog owners who licensed your dogs this year. Please Note: A non-criminal citation with an additional charge of $25.00 was issued for any dogs that are not licensed by July 1st, so please, license your dog(s) to avoid any further late charges. If your dog has a valid rabies vaccine, you may register your dog online at www.RehobothMA.gov – click on “Online Payments” or go directly to: https://permiteyes.us/rehoboth/publichome.php
to renew your dog(s) 2025 license. If you prefer to pay in person or drop off your payment in the drop box at Town Hall, 340 Anawan Street, that is also an option. If, unfortunately, your dog has moved or passed away, please let us know by phone 508-252-6502 X-3112 or X-3109, email TownClerk@RehobothMA.gov or by checking the Permiteyes website listed above and check off the box moved/deceased to update our database; we are so sorry for your loss! Thanks so much.
JUNE 3, 2025 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING UPDATE
Rehoboth June 3, 2025 Annual Town Meeting (ATM) - Francis Farm Community Complex - Museum Building 7:00 PM ~ 9:45 PM
(To refer to the 6-3-2025 ATM Warrant, please go to: https://www.rehobothma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif4911/f/uploads/rehoboth_june_3_2025_warrant_da_final_copy_5-13-2025-_to_printer.pdf )
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: Town Meeting-Convened @ 7:00 p.m.
Article # 1: Annual Town Surplus Equipment Auction Authorization - Voted unanimously to authorize the disposal of surplus Town equipment and materials from any Town departments by bid, auction or scrap pursuant to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 30B, or by donation or other disposition pursuant to applicable laws.
Article #2: Set Salaries and Compensation of Elected Officials - Voted unanimously to fix the salary and compensation of the elected official as printed in the Warrant
Article #3: Board of Health Transfer Station Offset Receipts - Voted unanimously to reauthorize an “Offset Receipts” account for the solid waste handling facility and recycling area and its operation. The fiscal year 2026 expenditures shall be limited to $147,800.00.
Article #4: Reauthorize Revolving Accounts Expenditures - Voted unanimously to authorize the total expenditure limits for the revolving funds as printed in the warrant.
Article # 5: Community Preservation Budget & Appropriation of Monies from Community Preservation Fund Annual Revenues - Voted unanimously to approve the Community Preservation Budget & Appropriation of Monies from Community Preservation Fund Annual Revenues as printed in the warrant.
Article #6: Acceptance of Report - Approved unanimously to accept the reports of the Board of Health, Blanding Library and Housing Authority
Article #7: Fiscal Year 2026 Town Budget Recommendations from the Finance Committee – Acceptance of Report - Voted by majority vote to receive the report of the Finance Committee, and to raise from taxation the amount of $14,807,270 as described in the Report of the Finance Committee to defray the expenses of Town government and for the ensuing fiscal year and to make all appropriations, therefore.
Article #8: Fiscal Year 2026 Dighton Rehoboth Regional School Budget - Voted by majority vote, to receive the report of the Finance Committee, and to raise from taxation, the sum of $24,191,236, as described in the Report of the Finance Committee, to pay the assessments of the Dighton/Rehoboth Regional School System, for the ensuing fiscal year and to make all appropriations therefore.
Article #9: Fiscal Year 2026 Bristol Plymouth Regional Technical High School Budget - Voted unanimously, to receive the report of the Finance Committee, and to raise from taxation, the sum of $885,608, and transfer from free cash the amount of $201,779 for a total of $1,087,387 as described in the Report of the Finance Committee, to defray the expenses of Bristol Plymouth Regional Technical High School for the ensuing fiscal year and to make all appropriations therefore.
Article #10: Fiscal Year 2026 Bristol County Agricultural High School Budget - Voted unanimously, to receive the report of the Finance Committee, and to raise from taxation, the sum of $215,860, and transfer from free cash the amount of $189,601 for a total of $405,470 as described in the Report of the Finance Committee, to defray the expenses for Bristol County Agricultural High School for the ensuing fiscal year and to make all appropriations therefore.
Article #11: PEG Access and Cable Fund Pursuant to MGL C.44 S. 53F 3/4 - Voted unanimously to approve the appropriation, pursuant to MGL Chapter 44, Sec. 53F¾, the amount of $362,500 from the PEG Access and Cable Fund for the operation and capital budget for the PEG and Cable Access Department
Article #12: Fiscal Year 2026 – Capital Budget - Town - Voted by majority vote, to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds the amount of $1,285,986 ($471,269 Free Cash and $814,717 Capital Stabilization), for the purpose of funding FY26 Capital Improvements, as listed in the Warrant
Article #13: Contribute to Capital Stabilization Fund - Voted by majority vote to appropriate from free cash the amount of $150,000 into the Town’s capital stabilization fund.
Article #14: Authorization to Pay Bills from a Prior Year - Voted unanimously to appropriate from free cash the amount of $625 for the purpose of paying a bill from Fiscal Year 2024.
Article #15: CPC Funds from the Undesignated Fund for related expenses of the 11 acres on Sprague Road, map 63, lot 16 - Voted unanimously to approve the expenditure of $53,000 from the Town’s undesignated community preservation funds, for the related expenses for the purchase of 11 Acres on Sprague Road, Map 63, Lot 16, and to authorize the Selectboard to convey conservation restrictions in such property; and further to authorize the town to enter into any agreements or to apply for any grants in association with such purchase.
Article #16: CPC Funds from the Historical Preservation Reserve for the repair of Hornbine School and Outhouse Roof Project - Voted unanimously, to approve the expenditure of $16,000 from the Town’s Historical Preservation Reserve of the Community Preservation Funds, for the related expenses for roof replacement on Hornbine School and outhouse.
Article #17: Meeting House Memorial Garden-Lake Family Lot - Voted by majority vote, and as amended, to approve the expenditure of $2,950 from the Town’s Historical Preservation- Community Preservation Funds, for the installation of a center patio at the Meeting House Memorial Scattering Garden on Lake Street
Article #18: Street Acceptances: Ciana Road and Chelsea Circle - Voted by two-thirds vote, as declared by the Moderator, to accept as Town public ways Ciana Road and Chelsea Circle, as described in the warrant and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to accept or take by eminent domain deeds or easements to use such public way for all purposes for which public ways are used in the Town of Rehoboth and further to acquire related drainage, utility and other related easements, as may be necessary. Further, to authorize the transfer from free cash of $4,000 to pay for title and other expenses that may arise
Article #19: To Amend Town of Rehoboth General Bylaws-Chapter7-Part-2 Article III Town Officials Section 1 - Voted by majority vote, to amend the Town’s General Bylaws Chapter 7, Part 2 Article III Town Officials, as described in the warrant.
Article #20: Rehoboth Zoning Bylaw Amendment to Section 270-6.7 Accessory Dwelling Units - Town voted, by majority* vote, to amend its Zoning Bylaws Section 270-6.7 by adding Section 270-4.11 Accessory Dwelling Units and to delete Section 270-4.1(a)(3), as described in the handout provided to Town Meeting. Meridia Electronic EZ-Vote 5 Keypad Count: YES = 140 NO = 41 TOTAL = 181
Article #21: Rehoboth General Legislation Bylaw Amendment to Adopt a Vernal Pool Protection Zone- -Voted unanimously to table article 21 for further review.
Article #22: Rehoboth General Legislation Bylaw Amendment to Ch 210-Stormwater Management-Article III Land Disturbance and Post Construction Runoff Control - Voted unanimously to amend its General Bylaws by adding a new section to Chapter 210 Stormwater Management, Article III Land Disturbance and Post Construction Runoff Control for property that is less than one acre, as described in the warrant.
Article #23: Rehoboth Zoning Bylaw Amendment to Chapter 270-Article II-Definitions and Article IV-Use Regulations Helicopter Pad - Voted by two-thirds* vote to amend Article 2.0 and 4.0 of the Town of Rehoboth Zoning Bylaw, as described in the warrant. Meridia Electronic EZ-Vote 5 Keypad Count: *2/3RDS VOTE RECEIVED: YES = 76 NO = 24 TOTAL = 100
Article #24: Administrative Legislation Bylaw Amendment Chapter 60-Personnel Bylaw - Voted by majority vote, as declared by the Moderator, to amend Chapter 60 Personnel Board section 60-3a, as described in the warrant.
Article #25: General Legislation Bylaw Amendment Chapter 200 Scenic Roads – Add Section 200-7 Current Designated Roads - Voted by majority vote, to amend the Town’s General Bylaws by adding section 200-7 Scenic/Historical Road Listing, as described in the warrant.
Article #26: General Legislation Bylaw Chapter 200 Scenic Roads Section 7-Add Additional Roads - Voted by majority vote, to amend the Town’s General Bylaws Section 200-7 Scenic/Historical Road Listing by adding new roads, as described in the warrant.
Article #27: General Legislation Veterans’ Clause 22I Hero Act - Voted by majority voice vote, as declared by the Moderator, to accept the provisions of G.L Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 22I, as described in the warrant.
Article #28: General Legislation Veterans’ Clause 22J Hero Act - Voted unanimously, to accept the provisions of G.L Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 22J, as described in the warrant.
Article #29: Transact Other Business as May Legally Come Before Said Meeting - Voted unanimously to dissolve the June 3, 2025 Annual Town Meeting at 9:45PM.
MASSACHUSETTS TOWN CLERK’S ASSOCIATION – MTCA CLASSES – JUNE 4-6
Well, Jenn, Kerrie and I have certainly been busy with our Massachusetts Town Clerk’s training sessions in Plymouth. On Wednesday, June 4th through Friday, June 6th the Town Clerk’s Office attended a 3-day workshop learning how to better serve the public through the expertise of several State Officials. Thank you Charlotte Castro and Maureen Whittemore for running the Town Clerk’s Office, while we were at the Massachusetts City and Town Clerk’s Association (MTCA) conference, so we did not have to close the office. The residents and I thank you very much!! The MTCA held its Summer 2025 Conference where Jenn, Kerrie and I were able to take the following courses:
Voter List Maintenance and Voter Challenges– Presenter – Michelle Tassinari – Director and Legal Counsel, Elections Division of the Commonwealth and Lauren Goldberg, Attorney, KP Law. This class offered a comprehensive understanding of the processes and procedures related to maintaining accurate voter lists and managing voter challenges in accordance with state and federal law. It explored the critical tasks involved in registering voters, keeping voter rolls up-to-date, and addressing disputes or challenges to voter registration.
A Clerk’s View of Parliamentary Procedure, Town Meeting Time, and Participatory Democracy– Presenters: Mark DiSalvo, North Andover Town Moderator & Attorney Lisa L. Mead of Mead, Talerman & Costa - This course provided a study and interactive opportunity to explore the parliamentary procedures and open meeting requirement that guide decision-making processes within formal meetings across all municipalities. The second half of the class focused on the newly published fourth edition of “Town Meeting Time” (TMT), a set of authoritative practices and procedures used in most Massachusetts Town Meetings, Rehoboth uses Town Meeting Time and Roberts Rules to run our Town Meetings. We learned the key principles of parliamentary procedures in community meetings and the conduct of Town Meeting including best practices to ensure orderly debate, making motions, voting, and maintaining transparency in public decision making. The course examined the historical roots of parliamentary procedures including the intersection of the requirements of the open meeting law, and how they evolved to ensure fairness and efficiency in decision-making bodies. “Town Meeting Time” and “Roberts Rules” in concert with statute, by-laws, rules, traditions and practices remain central to the operation of municipal governments in New England, focusing on governing the actions of elected boards, committees, appointees, and Town Meetings. Emphasis was placed on understanding the roles of elected officials, town meeting members, and the public in the decision-making process, and how this system empowers citizens to effectively take part in local participatory democracy. The latter half of the session afforded significant interaction among the Clerks, with Mr. DiSalvo sharing compelling real-life case studies of particular interest to Clerks and their relationship with Town Moderators, the public and other municipal officials.
Back to Basics – Speed Learning ~ Presenter: Donna Foley, State Gaming Commission, Matthew Murray, Flammables, State Vitals, and knowledgeable Clerks who were willing to share their experience. This dynamic class provided us with essential skills, tricks, and resources to enhance our daily operations and ensure compliance with state regulations. The session covered a range of topics from, raffles and bazaars, flammables, navigating State vital records to understanding records retention requirements.
AI in Town Records and Information: What’s Smoke, What’s Mirrors, and What’s Real ~
Presenter: Steve Weissman, Founder of The Info Gov Guy and CEO at the Holly Group – Information Governance Consulting Services. This session delved into the complexities and possibilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in municipal operations, specifically in managing town records and information. We learned as AI continues to evolve, it’s essential to separate the myths from the realities in its application to local government services. This class provided a foundational understanding of AI, its potential, and the challenges it presents for municipalities
All the classes were informative and helpful to the Town Clerk’s Office. What an awesome experience. We will share the helpful information we learned with other Departments, Boards and Committees.
In closing, Kerrie, Jenn and I hope you had a wonderful 4th of July and wish you a happy, healthy, safe, and memorable summer! Please stay healthy and safe!! I look forward to chatting with you again in August. Speaking of August, please do not forget taxes are due Friday, August 1st .
Sincerely,
Laura
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