Select Board Meeting Recaps: April 23 and April 30, 2026

The Select Board met on Thursday, April 23 via Zoom. Here are the key highlights:

Town Borrowing: $3,050,000 Bond Sale

Town Treasurer/Collector Jason Caravaggio presented the results of the Town's bond sale, which was conducted on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Bond Sale Highlights:

• Town sold $3.2 million in general obligation bonds and received 11 competitive bids
• Bonds earned a AAA credit rating from S&P Global, the highest possible rating. S&P pointed to Dedham's strong local economy, steady finances, healthy development activity, and well-managed pension obligations as reasons for the top rating.
• Loop Capital Markets LLC submitted the winning low bid with a true interest cost (TIC) of 2.44%, which included a premium of $282,000
• Cover bid came from Raymond James Associates (TIC: 2.46%); third bid was from TD Financial Products (TIC: 2.49%)
• Town was able to resize the principal amount of the bonds to $3,050,000 thanks to the bond premium of $282,000
• Bonds are set to be repaid over 10 years. The Town intentionally avoided longer 20- to 30-year bonds, which have seen more interest rate swings recently.

The Select Board voted 5–0 to approve the bond sale. This included authorizing the Town Treasurer to handle required legal and financial paperwork and to maintain the bonds' tax-exempt status going forward.

The Select Board met on Thursday, April 30 at Town Hall and via Zoom. Here are the key highlights:

Two neighbors from Westfield Street came before the Select Board to ask the Town to take action against an illegal short-term rental operating at 427 Westfield Street. They described ongoing noise, trash, trespassing guests, corporate parties, and general disruption to their neighborhood.

Short-term rentals like “Airbnb” are not permitted in Dedham's residential zones. Residents noted that the State Department of Revenue has already given the Town a list of roughly 44–45 properties operating as short-term rentals.

Town Manager Goodwin responded the new Building Commissioner will be signing a cease-and-desist letter that has already been drafted and will send it out as soon as possible. Town Manager Goodwin also confirmed the Town plans to ultimately send notices to all known operators on the state's list, starting with those that have received complaints.

Select Board members discussed the broader issue, including whether the Town should eventually hold a policy conversation about whether short-term rentals should be permitted. The Select Board agreed to add a short-term rental policy discussion to a future agenda.

• Town Green: The new covered structure on the Town Green is now substantially complete and community events have already been approved by the Select Board for the coming weeks and months.
• Fire Chief Retirement: May 1 was Chief Spillane's last day after 42 years of service to Dedham, including 14 years as Fire Chief. His leadership in firefighter health and safety, including launching a wellness program, cancer screening initiative, and the new Public Safety Building, was recognized by the Select Board. A public retirement celebration is planned for Monday, May 4, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. at the Endicott Estate. The community is welcome to attend.

• Select Board voted 5-0 to approve a request for use of the Town Green for the Dan O'Neill Juneteenth Celebration on June 20, 2026, from 9–11 a.m.
• Select Board voted 5-0 to approve placement of Facilities Master Plan lawn signs on town properties until the plan is complete.

The Select Board held a public hearing for a request to change the manager of record at Tequila Cantina (part of the Rebel Restaurant group) to Wagner Vieira de Lima, who has 20 years of hospitality experience and has been with the company for several years, most recently as an executive chef. Select Board voted 5-0 to approve the change of manager.

Mike Butler, Dedham resident and former member of the State Debt Affordability Board, presented his annual review of Dedham's financial health compared to other Norfolk County communities.

• Dedham is in solid shape, but the road ahead is tight: The Town's overall balance (assets minus liabilities) is around $2,400 per person, which is healthy compared to most neighboring communities. Several towns in the county are in the red; Dedham is not.
• Debt is declining: Dedham was once among the highest-debt towns in the county (due to building the school and Public Safety Building), but that debt is being paid down each year.
• Pension obligations are manageable: Dedham started funding its pension earlier and at higher rates than many other communities, which is why it's in relatively good shape.
• Retiree health insurance (OPEB) is a larger, long-term challenge: The Town is 32% funded on this obligation, which is better than it used to be, but health care costs keep rising. Butler recommended the Town continue making some level of contribution toward this fund each year, even in tight budget years.
• Excess tax levy is nearly gone: Under state law, towns can raise taxes up to a certain limit each year. Dedham has been drawing down that cushion. After the FY27 budget, only about $768,000 remains, meaning an operating override is likely needed in the near future to avoid cutting services.
• Big decisions are coming: The Facilities Master Plan and the Educational Model Review will have a major impact on the Town's finances. Select Board members emphasized the importance of being transparent with residents now, before those decisions arrive under pressure.

Town Finance Director Brady Winsten presented a mid-year budget check-in that included the following highlights:

• Revenues are on track, coming in about 4% higher than the same time last year. Building permit revenue is down (smaller projects this year), and the Endicott Estate is having a lower revenue year, a trend seen across the events industry.
• Spending is on track, with departments 70% through their budgets, consistent with prior years. The Fire and Police Departments will request budget transfers for overtime due to injuries and leave. Snow and ice removal cost over $2 million this year, with roughly $1.5 million to be funded from Free Cash.
• After fee increases were implemented last year for Parks and Recreation, the department is covering its costs and will not need a budget transfer.
• Meals Tax is up 1%; room occupancy tax is down 14%. Despite the decline, revenues are tracking with the Town's conservative projections and are expected to come in around $2.5 million for the year.

The Select Board also raised a question about whether Dedham is capturing local option tax revenue from short-term rental properties. Staff will follow up with the Department of Revenue on this.

Planning, Zoning, and Natural Resources Department Director Jeremy Rosenberger returned with a follow-up request. The Planning Board has since voted unanimously to support the project.

Select Board voted 5-0 to approved a letter of support for the Town's MassWorks Grant application for a new traffic signal at the intersection of Elm Street and National Drive. The estimated $2 million project would be fully funded by the state, no local tax dollars required. If awarded, the project would also need Planning Board and Select Board public hearings, and potentially Town Meeting approval for any easements.

Select Board voted 5-0 to appoint Select Board Member Stephen Acosta to the Senior Property Tax Study Committee.

• Facilities Master Plan Community Listening Session: A session held Tuesday, April 29 drew 93 participants in person and online. The event was well-received and included interactive table discussions. A public survey is now live on the Town's Be Heard Dedham page, and is available both English and Spanish.
• Paper copies are available at Town Hall and the Ames Senior Center.
• Survey will remain open through May 24
• Educational Model Review Survey: A separate survey is also open to all Dedham residents, including those without children in the schools, and can be found on the school website by searching "Educational Model Review” and through the following link: https://bit.ly/EdModelSurvey
• Paper copies are available at Town Hall and the Ames Senior Center.
• Survey will remain open through May 24
• Public Safety Building Parking: A Select Board member raised a concern that visitors to the Public Safety Building are confused by signage suggesting parking is reserved. Staff will look into clearer signage.
• National Grid Noise: Residents near the National Grid facility have been experiencing significant noise from trucks and operations. Town Manager Goodwin confirmed that the Town is working with the Board of Health, the MassDEP, and our state representatives to address the issue. A meeting with National Grid's legislative liaison is being scheduled.

More Information

• Watch full meeting: April 30, 2026 (Courtesy of Dedham TV)
• Next meeting: Tuesday, May 12, 2026
• Subscribe: www.dedham-ma.gov/subscribe

This document is a summary/recap of a public meeting and does not replace official meeting minutes.