Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Select Board wants resident input for FY 26 budget 

Chief Financial Officer Kyla LaPierre discussed the headwinds facing the town’s budget during a Select Board meeting in August. PHOTO/HCAM SCREENSHOT

Hopkinton residents have the chance to voice their opinions on the town budget for fiscal year 2026 via an online survey.

The survey, released at the end of November, will provide the Select Board ideas and recommendations for the upcoming budget.

“It’s helpful to those of us who are working on the budget to know what people recommend and think about the future of the town, and how that can be reflected in the budget next year,” stated Town Manager Elaine Lazarus.

“It’s great to know people’s priorities,” she added.

The survey is open-ended, so residents can submit any appropriate feedback or recommendations. There is no firm deadline to submit a comment, but Lazarus noted that the budget will move to the Appropriation Committee in March.

She also said the feedback could have an impact on certain budgetary choices. Concerns over the town’s finances were discussed in a Select Board meeting back in August.

“Some things will be funded, and some things will not be funded,” Lazarus noted.

Those interested in submitting feedback on the FY 26 budget can find the Google Forms link here.

Latest News

During Tuesday’s Select Board meeting, a review of the Police Department and the school district’s handling of a swatting incident that occurred in October highlighted both the rapid police response and the need for increased communication.

Permanent Building Committee chair Dan McIntyre and Community Preservation Committee chair Ken Weismantel appeared before the Select Board Tuesday night to discuss a strategy for financing renovations to the Center School building.

This week’s Police Log features reports of a car rollover on West Main Street, illegal hunting and trespassing, and a swan blocking traffic on Interstate 495 in Hopkinton.

The Hopkinton Trails Committee and the Hopkinton Trails Club are hosting a workday on Saturday at the Center Trail’s Chamberlain extension.

Town meetings tonight include the School Committee (7) and the Open Space Preservation Commission (7).

Photo of the Day

An employee from Under Pressure installs lights on the gazebo at the Town Common on Wednesday morning.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR