Pembroke Town Meeting Approves $75.3 Million Operating Budget for FY2025

Voters Allocate Funds for Various Town Departments, Including Police, Fire, Public Works, and Education

PEMBROKE, MA - May 14 - The Pembroke Town Meeting voted to appropriate $75,361,337 to fund the town's operating expenses for the 2025 fiscal year. The budget, which was approved on May 14, includes funding for various departments and services, such as police, fire, public works, and education.

The meeting, which had a record attendance of over 700 residents, began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Dan Tribucco, the chairman of the select board. The town moderator, who presided over the meeting, welcomed the attendees and recognized several individuals for their service to the community.

One of the main items on the agenda was the town's operating budget for fiscal year 2025. The budget was presented by Linda Peterson, the chairperson of the advisory committee, who moved to appropriate the sum of $75,361,337 to fund the town's operating expenses.

The budget includes funding for various departments, such as the police department, which will receive $4,403,587 for personal services and $328,930 for general expenses. The fire department will receive $4,123,315 for personal services and $175,315 for general expenses.

The budget also includes funding for public works, with $1,087,897 allocated for personal services and $375,079 for general expenses. The town's schools will receive $38,580,000 from the general fund.

"We have about 20-plus articles, plus three in the special," said the town moderator. "Anyone new, first-timers? Raise your hand, that's great. Welcome, we hope to see you again."

The town meeting also recognized several individuals for their service to the community, including Peg Struzik, who is retiring after 31 years of working for the town. Struzik started with the Treasurer-Collector's Office in 1993, became Assistant Town Clerk, and was elected in her own right in 2018.

"I know she does not like to be fettered publicly and we have no flowers or presentation, but I do want to take a moment on behalf of the town, Peg, to thank you for your years of service and for your friendship and wise counsel," said the town moderator.

The town meeting also discussed the opening of the new community center, which is set to take place in the coming weeks. Bill Cianari, the town manager, gave a quick update on the progress of the project.

"I am incredibly pleased and excited to announce that we are coming to the conclusion of the new community center," said Cianari. "The building is beautiful. You'll have an opportunity to walk through. And I want to formally invite everyone to an open house at the new community center on Saturday, June 15th from 10 to 1."

The town meeting also approved several other articles, including the establishment of the position of Lieutenant Paramedic within the Fire Department, the amendment of several town bylaws, and the appropriation of funds for various capital projects.

"I want to welcome you to the 2024 Annual Town Meeting," said the town moderator. "We have some people here, and I'm gonna call them out because I just talked to them. Our former selectman, Ed Quill, who served in the 60s, thinks this is his 60th town meeting."

The town meeting concluded with a motion to dissolve, which was approved by the attendees. The town moderator thanked everyone for their attendance, attention, and participation, and reminded them to vote on Election Day.