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.

Senior residents now eligible for school building property tax exemption

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

Hopkinton seniors now are eligible for a new property tax exemption for school building construction projects.

Town Manager Elaine Lazarus announced the availability of the exemption in a recent email to residents. According to the email, qualified seniors can access the means-tested exemption starting in fiscal year 2026.

The property tax exemption will be “equal to or less than the actual cost of borrowing (including principal and interest) in any fiscal year, for a specific school building construction project,” the email states. The Board of Assessors will determine exemption amounts annually.

This program was conceptualized by the Select Board and voted on by the town in 2024. After it was approved at the 2024 Annual Town Meeting, a petition was submitted to Rep. James Arena-DeRosa and filed in July. Gov. Maura Healey signed the petition on Monday.

Qualifications for the new tax exemption will mirror the existing circuit breaker program. The Senior Solutions Guidebook will be updated with more information and program guidelines.

Latest News

Hopkinton Water-Sewer manager Eric Carty announced that the use of fire hydrants Thursday night because of a fire in Legacy Farms South may cause discoloration in residents’ water.

During Tuesday night’s Conservation Commission meeting, the Department of Public Works presented a request for a townwide vegetation management plan involving the use of herbicides.

This week’s Baypath Adoptable Animal is Edgar, a “gentle and sweet” dog who enjoys exploring and has a “big, affectionate heart.”

Photo of the Day

The American flag outside Hopkinton Middle School flies at half-mast in honor of former President Jimmy Carter, whose funeral was Thursday.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR