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.