Editor: Town Manager John Mangiaratti responded to questions from the Acton Exchange about Town Meeting 2024 with the following letter:
The 2024 Annual Town Meeting had the highest attendance in Acton’s history. The voters approved an operating budget and school assessments supported by additional revenue from an operational override, MBTA and other important zoning changes, a new fuel depot, a new ladder truck for the fire department and other critical capital investments, important CPA projects, a TIF agreement, and authorization to support a lease for the food pantry. Passing just one of these significant articles alone would be considered a major accomplishment for a Town Meeting.
I am thankful for the leadership of the Select Board in taking on these important issues and presenting them to the voters. Also for the thoughtful and engaged residents that participated in the Town Meeting and the many meetings and public hearings leading up to it.
The moderator, along with three deputy moderators, skillfully kept order and facilitated participation of 2,579 voters on Monday night. Select Board members, committee members and staff made clear and effective presentations and provided thorough answers to voter questions.
I am thankful to the election workers and volunteers from town staff who helped the Operations Department and Town Clerk’s office with the smooth running of the meeting. We basically had four town-meeting sized rooms going at once and the team made it look easy. The seamless coordination of parking, transportation, check-in, voting administration, technology, presentations, and broadcasting was the product of extensive planning by town and school officials. We also implemented remote participation for the first time ever as a necessary accommodation to provide access to the meeting.
I am grateful for the hard work and dedication of the staff and volunteers that make Acton a special community to work in.
Thank you.