Hello All ~ Happy July. I can’t believe we are more than halfway through 2026. I also can’t believe thirteen 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 2026 Census data we gathered this year. If you would like a copy, there is a $15.00 charge. You may purchase it at town hall; 2025 Street Listings are available FREE while supplies last.
NON-RESPONDENTS TO THE 2026 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 1,935 voter confirmation cards last month to reinstate those voters who did not return their 2026 Census and were inactivated. 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 2,432 voter confirmation/inactivation cards to those Rehoboth voters who did not complete their Annual Town Census; a decrease of 497mailed this year. 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 June 1st. We still have 381 dogs that are unlicensed for this year, which is up 25 from last year. Total licensed dogs so far in 2026 is 1,935 as of July 1, 2026; thank you dog owners who licensed your dogs this year. Please Note: A non-criminal citation with an additional charge of $25.00 will be issued for any dogs that are not licensed by July 15th, 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. Town offices are open from 8-4 Monday-Thursday; 8-12-noon on Friday. 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.
Rehoboth June 2, 2026 Annual Town Meeting (ATM)
Francis Farm Community Complex – Heritage Meeting Hall
7:05 PM ~ 10:33 PM
(To refer to the 6-2-2026 ATM Warrant, please go to: https://www.rehobothtv.org/show/annual-town-meeting-06-02-2026/ )
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: Town Meeting-Convened @ 7:05 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 pursuant to MGL C.44, §53E. The fiscal year 2027 expenditures shall be limited to $150,000.00.
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. Voted by majority vote to accept the reports of the Board of Health, Blanding Library and Housing Authority
Article #7 - Fiscal Year 2027 Town Budget Recommendations from the Finance Committee – Acceptance of Report. Voted by majority vote, as amended, to receive the report of the Finance Committee, and to raise from taxation the amount of $15,093,790 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 2027 Dighton Rehoboth Regional School Budget. Voted unanimously, as amended, to raise from taxation, the sum of $24,312,073, 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 2027 Bristol Plymouth Regional Technical High School Budget. Voted unanimously, to raise from taxation, the sum of $1,037,723, and transfer from free cash the amount of $335,848 for a total of $1,373,571 as described in the Report of the Finance Committee, to pay the assessments of Bristol Plymouth Regional Technical High School for the ensuing fiscal year and to make all appropriations therefore.
Article #10 - Fiscal Year 2027 Bristol County Agricultural High School Budget. Voted unanimously, as amended, to raise from taxation, the sum of $203,148, and transfer from free cash the amount of $233,200 for a total of $436,348 as described in the Report of the Finance Committee, to pay the assessments for the 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 ¾. Voted unanimously to approve the appropriation, pursuant to MGL Chapter 44, Sec. 53F¾, the amount of $339,036 from the PEG Access and Cable Fund for the operation and capital budget for the PEG and Cable Access Department
Article #12 - Fiscal Year 2027 – Capital Budget – Town. Voted unanimously, to transfer from Free Cash the amount of $1,080,826 for the purpose of funding FY27 Capital Improvements, as listed in the Warrant
Article #13 - Increase PFAS Remediation FY2026 Budget Line. Voted, as amended, by Majority Vote, to raise and appropriate or transfer from Free Cash the amount of $120,000 for the purpose of funding the PFAS budget for FY2026 and to make all appropriations therefore.
Article #14 - Establish & Fund Special Purpose PFAS Stabilization Account. Voted, by two-thirds* vote to establish a Special Purpose Stabilization account for PFAS Remediation as well as Raise and Appropriate or Transfer from Free Cash the amount of $500,000 for the purpose of funding the PFAS Special Purpose Stabilization Account. Meridia Electronic EZ-Vote 5 Keypad Count: *2/3rds VOTE RECEIVED: YES = 254 NO = 28 TOTAL = 282
Article #15 - Fund FY2027 PFAS Remediation. Voted by majority vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from Free Cash the amount of $300,000 for the purpose of funding PFAS budget for FY2027 and make all other appropriations therefore
Article #16 - Fund Snow Deficit $477,199 for FY26. Voted unanimously, to raise and appropriate or transfer from free cash the amount of $477,199 for the purpose of funding the snow deficit for FY2026 and make all other appropriations therefore.
Article #17 - Fund Palmer River Fire Panel. Voted unanimously to raise and appropriate or transfer from the Education Stabilization Fund the amount of $28,000 and from Free Cash the amount of $52,000 to fund the replacement of the Palmer River Fire Panel and make all other appropriations, therefore.
Article #18 - Engineering Study for Affordable Senior Housing. Voted by majority vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from the Affordable Housing Stabilization Fund a sum of $70,000 for the purpose of partnering with a consultant and pursuing engineering studies for the development of Affordable Senior Housing at 51 Bay State Road.
Article #19 - Contribute to Capital Stabilization Fund. Voted by majority vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from Free Cash the amount of $150,000 into the Town’s Capital Stabilization Account, or take any other action relative
Article #20 - Establish Revolving Account Expenditure for Fair Committee and Authorize Fair Committee Expenditure for Revolving Account. Town voted, by majority* vote, to amend Section 22-10 of the General Bylaws by adding a new revolving fund to the revolving fund table, and establish an expenditure limit, therefore, as printed in the warrant. Meridia Electronic EZ-Vote 5 Keypad Count: *MAJORITY VOTE RECEIVED: YES = 263 NO = 29 TOTAL = 292
Article #21 - Local Acceptance, Creditable Service by On-Call Firefighters. Voted unanimously to accept Chapter 32, Section 4, Sub-Section (2) Paragraph (2)(B) of Massachusetts General Laws, as printed in the warrant.
Article #22 - Accept the Provisions of Chapter 138, Section 12D regarding the municipalities’ ability to allow transfer of on-premises wine and malt liquor licenses to all-alcohol beverages licenses. Voted by majority vote to accept the provisions of Chapter 138, Section 2D allowing the Town to approve on-premises wine and malt beverage license holders to trade their existing licenses for non-transferable on-premise all-alcohol beverage licenses.
Article #23 - Amend Chapter 270 Zoning Bylaw – to Create New Multi-Family Overlay District (MOD). Voted by majority* vote to amend its Zoning Bylaws by adding a Multi-Family Overlay District Bylaw at Section 270-4.12, to Amend Section 270-3.1 of its Zoning Bylaws to incorporate said new district, and further to amend section 270-5.4 of its Zoning Bylaws to include the Multi-Family Overlay District and to Update the Zoning Map, all as otherwise stated in the warrant, and to Authorize the Town Clerk to make any necessary changes to the numbering of such bylaw amendments as may be necessary. Meridia Electronic EZ-Vote 5 Keypad Count: *MAJORITY VOTE RECEIVED: YES = 194 NO = 81 TOTAL = 275
Article #24 - Amend Rehoboth General Legislation Bylaw Chapter 210-Stormwater Management. Voted by majority* vote, to amend Chapter 210 of its General Bylaws in order to correct typographical errors, as printed in the warrant. Meridia Electronic EZ-Vote 5 Keypad Count: *MAJORITY VOTE RECEIVED: YES = 143 NO = 1 TOTAL = 144
Article #25 - Amend Administrative Legislation Bylaw Chapter 7 Boards and Officials – Communications Committee, Computer Committee and Industrial Commission. Voted by majority* vote, to amend the Town’s General Bylaws Chapter 7, Article III, Appointed Officials, Commission and Committees to disband the Communications Committee, the Computer Committee, and the Industrial Committee. Meridia Electronic EZ-Vote 5 Keypad Count: *MAJORITY VOTE RECEIVED: YES = 141 NO = 6 TOTAL = 148
Article #26 - Amend Administrative Legislation Bylaw Chapter 76 Town Meeting Section 3A – Delivery and Publication of Warrant. Voted by majority* vote, to amend the Town’s General Bylaws Chapter 76 Town Meetings, Section 3A, as printed in the warrant. Meridia Electronic EZ-Vote 5 Keypad Count: *MAJORITY VOTE RECEIVED: YES = 91 NO = 17 TOTAL = 108
Article #27 - Add Chapter 216-Prohibition of Cryptocurrency Automatic Teller Machines. Voted by majority* vote, to amend its General Bylaws, Part II, General Legislation, to add a new Chapter 216, Prohibition of Cryptocurrency Automatic Teller Machines, as printed in the warrant. Meridia Electronic EZ-Vote 5 Keypad Count: *MAJORITY VOTE RECEIVED: YES = 79 NO = 45 TOTAL = 124
Article #28 - Transact Other Business as May Legally Come Before Said Meeting. Voted unanimously to dissolve the June 2, 2026 Annual Town Meeting at 10:33 PM.
MASSACHUSETTS TOWN CLERK’S ASSOCIATION – MTCA CLASSES – JUNE 3-5
Again, this year I attended the Massachusetts Town Clerk’s training sessions in Plymouth. The 3-day workshop specialized in Elections this year. Below is a quick update of the classes.
Session A: Comprehensive Voter Management & Election Operations
Presenters: Michelle Tassinari of the State Elections Division and Lauren Goldberg, KP Law (CMMC Credit Course & CMC = 0.75/MMC) This three-hour training session provided Municipal Clerks and election staff with a practical, systems-focused deep dive into the core responsibilities that shape accurate voter rolls, efficient vote-by-mail processing, and effective poll worker preparation. Designed for both new and experienced municipal clerks, the session blended procedural guidance, real-world examples, and hands-on strategies to strengthen election administration in every community.
Session B/C: Election Day Operations: EV Processing, Central Tabulation & Ballot Processing
Presenters: Michelle Tassinari of the State Elections Division and Lauren Goldberg, KP Law (CMMC Credit Course & CMC = 1.50/MMC) This six-hour session offered Municipal Clerks a detailed, practice focused exploration of the core processes that support accurate, compliant, and efficient Election Day operations. The class covers early voting in person, central tabulation procedures, and advance processing workflows, the proper handling of provisional ballots and residency affirmations, and the transparent process of hand counting ballots. Participants gained clarity on statutory requirements, documentation standards, and coordination strategies that keep Election Day running smoothly.
Session D: Election Security & De-escalation for Election Officials
Presenters: Mike Ste. Marie, and the ESP Election Security Team Michelle Tassinari of the State Elections Division and Lauren Goldberg, KP Law (CMMC Credit Course & CMC = 0.75/MMC) This session provided Municipal Clerks and election staff with a comprehensive practice of maintaining a secure, calm, and professionally managed election environment. The class blends legal requirements, operational safeguards, and human centered communication strategies to help officials prevent disruptions, respond effectively to tense situations, and protect the integrity of the voting process. A key component of this session includes troubleshooting Election Day issues through an interactive tabletop exercise. Participants worked through realistic scenarios to apply security protocols, communication strategies, and incident response procedures in a controlled, discussion-based setting.
All the classes were informative and helpful to the Town Clerk’s Office. What an awesome experience.
In closing, 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 Monday, August 3rd .
Sincerely,
Laura
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