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.

‘No doubt’ tax assistance needs will increase, says Tax Relief chair

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

Hopkinton’s Tax Relief Committee spends time and effort keeping track of economic factors impacting the town as it supports people who are elderly and/or on fixed incomes.

“We keep track of what’s going on in terms of taxes, overrides [and] debt levies,” chair Sue Kurys explained. She added that the committee routinely looks at cost-of-living adjustments for Social Security and Disability, housing cost indicators from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and more.

This work is aimed at providing adequate tax relief to those Hopkinton residents who need it. The committee recently opened up its application period for this year, which extends to Feb. 20. The application form can be found online.

Kurys reported about two dozen families in Hopkinton apply for aid annually. She said the award amounts can be impactful in an area where the average income is around $30,000 a year.

“When you apply that aid, there are a fair number of people in town whose tax bills represent a significant portion of their income,” she said.

Added Kurys: “Fixed incomes just don’t increase as quickly as the costs you incur when you live in a lovely town like ours.”

The Tax Relief Committee relies solely on donations. According to Kurys, it lost a major donor a few years ago and is bracing for the impact of that lost money as need increases.

“We definitely expect that in the next two years, we’re going to see more applications,” said Kurys. “There’s no doubt.”

Still, she said the committee is thankful for those who donate to the tax relief program. “We’re really amazed and thrilled people do support it,” she said.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

School Committee vice chair Susan Stephenson on Thursday addressed concerns over her attendance at meetings in recent months, disclosing that she has been undergoing cancer treatments.

Hopkinton Public School administrators announced last week that Marathon School assistant principal Eric Mitchell was placed on administrative leave as the district looks into an incident that occurred outside of school hours.

The School Committee on Thursday reviewed its proposed fiscal year 2027 budget, which would increase nearly $4 million from the previous year’s budget.

A Hopkinton man will be arraigned in Framingham District Court on Monday for an alleged assault in Ashland last week that resulted in the victim being MedFlighted for advanced care.

Greater Boston Trout Unlimited volunteers will teach a free Introduction to Fly Tying workshop Jan. 24 at the Hopkinton Public Library.

Photo of the Day

A colorful winter hat sits on a fence post outside Hopkinton Middle School.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR