Belmont Warrant Committee Schedules July 16 Meeting Ahead of Special Town Meeting

BELMONT -- July 9, 2025, Belmont Warrant Committee schedules emergency pre-meeting on rink name and alcohol license petitions set for July 23 special town meeting. Chair Paul Richter announced at the July 9 meeting that the committee would convene July 16 to consider taking positions on two citizens petitions, one non-binding measure to affirm a 1998 vote on the name of the town's ice rink, and one binding home rule petition to expand restaurant alcohol licenses and eliminate seating requirements, after Town Administrator Patrice Garvin explained the Select Board had no legal option but to hold the special meeting within a 45-day window triggered by over 250 petition signatures filed while no town meeting warrant was open. The committee also received the Belmont Public Schools fiscal year 2025 third-quarter budget report, presented by School Committee member Meg Moriarty, which showed a projected year-end general fund deficit of approximately $185,000, about 0.3 percent of budget, while special education transportation circuit breaker reimbursement came in at 75 percent, yielding more than $450,000, compared to the 40 to 45 percent range of recent years. The June 18 minutes were approved 8 to 0, with Matt Taylor, identified as both Select Board chair and new Warrant Committee member, abstaining.