The TA Bulletin has gone digital! To stay informed, subscribe to News and Announcements on the Town’s website and receive the Bulletin directly in your inbox each month. The Employee Spotlight will be returning in the March, 2025 edition of the TA Bulletin.

As we move into February, preparations are underway for the upcoming Special Town Meeting on March 3rd, with the Select Board, Planning Board, and Town Clerk working to ensure a smooth process. Residents can stay informed by reviewing meeting materials as they become available on the town website.

Please also note that Town Hall will be closed on Monday, February 17th, in observance of Presidents’ Day.

Select Board News and Initiatives:

Aid to the Elderly and Disabled Taxation Fund - On November 20th, Special Town Meeting accepted a provision of state law that allows for the formation of an Aid to the Elderly and Disabled Taxation Fund. Donations made to the Fund will be overseen by a 5-member committee (Treasurer, Assessor and 3 residents), and will be used to offset the property taxes of eligible applicants. While the Committee is still being formed, and will finalize eligibility and the application process, it is the intent of the Select Board and the Senior Tax Relief Working Group that any donations received between now and March 2025 would be distributed via applications that would be due by April 1, 2025, and would offset the final FY2025 tax bill.

The Select Board would therefore like to encourage residents to donate to the fund by writing a check payable to the Town of Belmont, noting Taxation Aid Fund in the memo field, and mailing it to the Treasurer’s Office at 19 Moore St., or dropping it off at the window. Thank you in advance for your support! We will provide updates in future editions of the TA Bulletin, including information about how residents can apply for support.

Property Tax Relief Programs - The Town of Belmont is committed to supporting our seniors and veterans by offering a range of property tax relief programs within the limit of State Law. A summary of existing programs is contained in an overview document (PDF) published each year by the Board of Assessors. These initiatives help eligible residents reduce their tax burden. The annual application deadline is April 1st.

Town Administrator's Preliminary Budget Recommendation - On January 17th, the Town Administrator published her preliminary budget recommendation for FY2026. The preliminary budget recommendation outlines key priorities and financial considerations for the town. This serves as the starting point for the budget review process, with further discussions and adjustments to come. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in upcoming meetings as the budget is finalized.

The next Budget Summit is scheduled for Thursday, March 27 at 7:00 PM.

Community Announcements:

Office of Planning and Building

The Office of Planning and Building (OPB) is working on a series of projects that are significant for Belmont. These include the Accessory Dwelling Unit By-Law, the Belmont Center Zoning project, the Comprehensive Plan, and the Brighton Area Zoning Project.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Spurred by the state’s passage of the 2024 Affordable Homes Act, OPB and the Planning Board have been working to draft Zoning By-Law amendments to comply with the new state law requiring communities to allow ADUs by-right in single-family zoning districts. These amendments will be voted on by Town Meeting in March. The public can read more about this project on this page.

Belmont Center Zoning Project - OPB and the Planning Board have been working with consultant Able-City to draft preliminary zoning for Belmont Center. So far, a design workshop and several focus group sessions have been held and the Planning Board is proposing at least three public information sessions to provide more information about the project and receive feedback. On the project website there is a listserv for news on the project and a public comments form planned for the project page.

Comprehensive Plan - It has been over 15 years since Belmont sought to adopt a Comprehensive Plan and over 60 years since the Town had an adopted and implemented Plan. Now, a new Comprehensive Plan process is underway with consultant VHB taking the lead on developing the Plan. The Select Board has authorized a new Comprehensive Plan Update Advisory Committee that is expected to be fully appointed and seated by February 10. The project will formally kick off on the 13^th of February and the first Public Meeting will follow shortly thereafter. Please visit the project page for more information.

Brighton Area Zoning Project - Similar to the Belmont Center project, the Brighton Street Area will also be drafting new zoning for a yet to be determined project area but centered on the intersection of Brighton and Hittinger Streets. This project is expected to commence in May or June and be preceded by planning and visioning tasks. Interested residents are encouraged to follow the Planning Board web pages for upcoming news and announcements about this project.

Community Announcements: Fire Department

Last month, the Belmont Fire Department conducted department-wide training on new rescue equipment. A harness system allowing us to quickly and safely rescue victims from locations above and below grade and secure them efficiently in a basket stretcher was placed in service. The Belmont Fire Department also assisted our mutual aid partners in Waltham at their 3^rd alarm fire at the former Ferland School property and Watertown at their 2^nd alarm house fire.

The Department also celebrated several career milestones at a badge pinning and promotional ceremony held at Fire headquarters. Michael Madruga was promoted to captain and Dennis Maher was promoted to lieutenant. Firefighters on Probation (FFOP) Nicholas Brown, Dylan Heurtelou, Derek Ashline, and Kyle O’Riordan had their badges pinned. FFOP Corey Flodstrom was given his oath of office and was also pinned.

Community Announcements:

Town Clerk

Annual Town Census – The annual town census was mailed to every Belmont household. All people (adults & children) living in the house should be listed. Please complete, sign, and return it as soon as possible. Any change to a voter’s information must have the voter’s signature. Thank you for helping to keep Town records accurate & complete.

Annual Town Election – APRIL 1, 2025 – See website for more information regarding what offices are on the ballot here

2025 Dog and Cat Licenses - 2025 dog and cat licenses are now available. All dog and cat owners are required to license their pets by March 15^th. Paper application is included with census form or renew online here or visit our office in Town Hall.

Special Town Meeting – February’s Special Town Meeting has been rescheduled to March 3 & 5 by remote access only – Topic: Accessory Dwelling Units

Town Clerk Secure Drop Box – The Town Clerk’s green drop box is located on left side of driveway at the base of the stairs at Town Hall entrance at parking lot level. You may deposit voted ballots, pet license applications, census forms. Only material for the Town Clerk should be placed here; taxes and parking ticket payments should be put in the silver Treasurer’s drop box on the right side of the driveway outside the Homer Building.