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.

Balanced budget, capital requests focus of tonight’s ATM

FILE PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Tonight’s Annual Town Meeting will cover 41 warrant articles spanning the fiscal year 2026 budget, capital requests, bylaw amendments and more. 

According to an Appropriation Committee report, the FY 26 budget is balanced and would total $137.9 million — up 12% from FY 25. Two major changes noted in the new budget are a 5.8% increase in funding for Hopkinton Public Schools and an 11.3% increase for town and school employee benefits and insurance.

The report states that this budget helps sustain municipal services as funded for FY 25. Free cash will be used to provide capital funding, which “eliminates any further tax impact to the residents of Hopkinton.”

The Department of Public Works is looking to fund some of its capital expenses, with three articles in the ATM warrant referring to Water Department vehicle replacements. The DPW also is looking to fund design work on a Grove Street water tank and the continued connection agreement to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority through Southborough.

One article that could generate debate is the funding of an adaptive playground at Marathon Elementary School. If approved, the request would allocate $943,000 toward the $1.2 million total project estimate. The Community Preservation Committee would fund $300,000 if the playground is approved at ATM.

Other articles of interest include the reuse plan for Center school, setting up an economic development account and a proposed date change for future Town Meetings. The Independent recently published a more in-depth primer on this year’s ATM warrant, which can be found here.

Tonight’s ATM will begin at 7 p.m. at Hopkinton Middle School. The meeting warrant and other supporting documentation can be found on the town’s website.

Latest News

Hopkinton High School assistant principal Justin Pominville has been named interim principal as Evan Bishop moves to transition into the role of district superintendent.

During a meeting with the chair of the Trails Committee on Thursday, members of the School Committee voiced safety concerns regarding proposed trails that would connect to school district properties.

Jessica Beattie was named the new Hopkinton Public Schools director of student services by the School Committee, replacing outgoing director Abigail Hanscom.

Donald Harris, 92, passed away at his Hopkinton home April 27.

Beatrice McMullen, 93, passed away April 29. She lived in Hopkinton for 71 years and served for many years as the secretary of the Lake Maspenock Preservation Association.

Florence Higgins, 86, passed away May 1. She worked as a cook for the Hopkinton school system and was active in Hopkinton PolyArts.

Town meetings tonight include Annual Town Meeting (7).

Photo of the Day

Eric Sonnett stands in front of the Town Common fountain after he and Ken Weismantel, with assistance from Paul Sonnett, Quinn Comiskey, John Coutinho and some neighbors, reinstalled the plugs, piping, pump and filter in order to have the fountain up and running on Saturday (which, coincidentally, was Eric Sonnett’s birthday). Weismantel noted that the fountain might be off and on over the next several days until the connection to the Town Common irrigation has been optimized. Flowers have been provided by the Hopkinton Garden Club.