Debt Exclusion on April 2025 ballot

The Seekonk Select Board voted 3 to 2 Wednesday to place a debt exclusion question on the April 2025 town election ballot.

Members Chris Zorra, Michael Healy, and Justin Sullivan were in favor, with Chairperson Michelle Hines and Pam Pozzi in opposition.

On April 1, the debt exclusion was defeated with 1101 in favor and 1164 in opposition. The non-binding referendum was to approve a temporary tax increase to pay the town’s share of the new Tri-County Regional Vocational High School.

Town Administrator Shawn Cadime said if the debt exclusion was rejected, over $1 million would be cut from the town’s operating budget, which would impact several departments, including the schools.

“We have to figure out a way to educate the townspeople about this project,” Healy noted. “I truly believe it should be a debt exclusion.”

Hines had hoped to place the issue before the voters in November, which would likely feature a larger turnout due to the Presidential race.

Zorra said the additional time would allow residents to become better informed about the significance of the debt exclusion.

Last October, voters from 11 communities across three counties approved funding construction for the $286 million project.

The regional school district is composed of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

Some reimbursement of the cost would be paid by the Massachusetts School Building Association. The remaining $200 million will be paid by the 11-member communities.

The meeting can be viewed on the Town of Seekonk’s You Tube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zzkglBNtSs.