February 2025
Town Administrator’s Corner
Message from the Town Administrator
Budget Season is in Full Swing!
As we enter budget season, it’s important to understand how the General Fund supports the Town’s essential operations. The General Fund is the primary operating fund, used to account for all financial resources except those allocated to other funds, such as the Water and Sewer Enterprise Funds.
The estimated available revenue for the General Fund in Fiscal Year 2026 is $24,209,921. This figure reflects the predicted revenue, minus $201,938 for Assessor’s Overlay, Overlay Deficits, Cherry Sheet Assessments, and Library State Aid Offsets.
Budget Request for General Fund Services
The Fiscal Year 2026 budget request for General Fund services totals $24,209,880, which will support core municipal services, including Police, Public Works, Fire, Library, and School estimates, as well as Non-Appropriated Expenses such as Cherry Sheet Assessments and Assessor’s Overlay provisions.
For the Pentucket Regional School District (PRSD), a 3% increase ($346,992) has been applied to the assessment. The proposed PRSD budget request totals $12,394,581, reflecting an increase of $828,183 over the previous fiscal year (a 7% rise). This increase cannot be managed within the current budget without pursuing an override.
The Town is limited to a 2.5% increase in taxes based on last year’s levy, which was $18,464,435. As a result, the Town will collect an additional $461,611 in property taxes. This amount does not include the debt exclusions approved by voters for the Town’s capital projects and the new middle/high school.
Revenue Allocation
Of the total $24,209,921 in revenue, $15,125,999 is allocated to education. This leaves the Town with $9,083,922 to fund all other operations, including Public Safety, Highway, Human Services, and more.
- General Government includes the Town Administrator, Town Treasurer/Collector, Board of Assessors, Town Clerk, Economic Development, Planning and Conservation Department, Technology, Legal Counsel and Building and Facilities (which will hopefully be transferred to Public Works once official actions are taken). It also includes Health Insurance and Property Casualty Insurance.
- Public Safety encompasses Police, Fire, Emergency Management, and the Building Inspector.
- Human Services covers the Board of Health, Council on Aging, and Veterans Services.
- Unclassified includes employee retirement appropriations, Medicare tax, OPEB appropriation, unemployment, and street lights.
Balancing Community Needs
Balancing the community’s needs is a complex and challenging process. We recognize that residents have varying priorities, and we strive to make thoughtful decisions, understanding that the funds available are limited.
To dive deeper into the budget process, we encourage you to tune into the Finance Board meetings, where they discuss the budget in detail, or attend the Select Board meetings. If you are looking for more information or have specific questions, please feel free to reach out to me directly.
Upcoming Events
Check out the Langley-Adams Library Event Calendar.
Project Updates
Shanahan Parking Lot/Pines Ramp – The binder coat of pavement is in place at Shanahan Field, with the final topcoat to be applied when the temperature warms. Work on the ramp connecting the Town Hall Complex and the Pines is ongoing. We anticipate both project to be complete in early spring.
Whittier Tech Regional Vocational School and Northern Essex Community College Municipal Working Group. Municipal leaders, including mayors and town managers, are collaborating in discussions to explore the next steps in developing a shared campus model between Northern Essex Community College and Whittier Tech Regional Vocational High School. During the most recent meeting, we reviewed the necessary actions outlined in a letter from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) to be considered for Project Eligibility. One key requirement is amending the existing regional agreement. The group plans to reconvene later this month and will extend invitations to the legislative delegation to join the conversation.
Valley Screw Update. The Town is actively working with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to explore potential options for the Valley Screw site. The property owner continues to neglect the site, which remains in tax title. This status significantly impacts the Town’s overlay, restricting funds that could otherwise support municipal operations.
The Groveland Production Wells #1 and #2, which used to supply the Town’s sole source of drinking water, were shut down in 1979 after the state detected trichloroethylene (TCE) levels above acceptable limits. The primary source of contamination was the former Valley Manufacturing Products Company at 64 Washington Street, which operated from 1963 to 2001. During its operation, the company disposed of liquid waste in buried leach fields and caused a major leak from an underground storage tank containing TCE. Hazardous materials were routinely dumped on the surface, eventually leaching into the groundwater.
In 1999, the EPA funded and oversaw the construction of the Groundwater Treatment Facility (GWTF) at 62 Washington Street, located behind the Valley building. The system began operating in April 2000, and the EPA maintained it until 2011. Following an optimization study in 2012 and a developed exit strategy in 2013, the EPA concluded that active groundwater extraction and treatment could cease, as the Electrical Resistive Heating (ERH) cleanup had removed the mass of residual TCE contamination in the source area soil. In January 2020, MassDEP auctioned off the treatment equipment and hired a contractor to decommission the plant. In 2022, under the 1999 Consent Order, the EPA transferred the decommissioned building to the Archdiocese of Boston. The Archdiocese put the property up for sale in 2023.
Although the Valley Screw building was not deemed contaminated by the EPA and was allowed to remain, the structure itself is now collapsing. This presents a growing concern for the Town, as the building deteriorates further, potentially posing safety risks and continuing to contribute to the site’s neglect.
Volunteer/Employee Spotlight:
Jan Dempsey
Jan Dempsey grew up on a small farm in Bridgewater, Vermont. After living in Revere, MA for ten years, she moved to Groveland in 1989 with her husband Michael and their two daughters. Volunteering was always a way of life for her, inspired by her grandparents who quietly helped neighbors in need, shared what they had, and contributed to their church and community without seeking recognition.
One of her first volunteer roles in Groveland was with the Recycling Committee in the early 1990s. The experience was filled with camaraderie and a can-do spirit. Volunteers took turns on Saturday mornings collecting recyclables at the Town Hall Complex from residents who made the effort to save, clean, and deliver their recyclables. After years of hard work, curbside recycling was finally established in town. Today, Jan continues to serve on the Trash and Recycling Committee, confident that Groveland residents can work together to tackle new challenges with trash disposal and recycling.
Preserving Meadow Pond Reservation alongside a dedicated volunteer team was another fulfilling endeavor. The result is miles of hiking trails in a beautiful, forested setting. Jan also contributes at Veasey Park by planting trees, maintaining planters, and working on special projects, both locations being cherished town treasures supported by volunteers.
Her career as a librarian began with volunteering at the Langley-Adams Library, working alongside Mim Burbridge, Martha Metcalf, and Joan Guptil. That opportunity led to a long career, culminating in her role as director of the Hamilton-Wenham Library for 14 years before retiring in 2019. Wanting to continue supporting public libraries, she ran for Langley-Adams Library Trustee in 2020. Jan has seen how libraries foster early literacy and learning, especially through the eyes of her grandchildren.
For those considering volunteering, Jan encourages starting small. Picking up litter on walks or checking in on a neighbor can make a significant impact. Volunteering can also be an opportunity to learn new skills. Although she was initially nervous about teaching English to English Language Learners, she grew to love it and now teaches a group of strong, brave, and enthusiastic women every Monday, enriching her own life in the process.
Living in Groveland is particularly special to Jan because all five of her grandchildren live in town. Their favorite spots include Veasey Park, the Community Trail, Langley-Adams Library, playgrounds, and the Bagnall School — all places supported by Groveland’s dedicated volunteers. Jan expresses deep gratitude to everyone who gives their time to make the community a better place.
We would like to take a moment to thank Jan for her hard work and dedication. Her efforts are truly appreciated, and it’s clear that she’s making a significant impact in our community.
Additionally, the Trash and Recycling Committee will be holding a public meeting on Thursday, March 13th at 6:30 PM at Town Hall. Everyone is encouraged to attend and share their thoughts.
Thank you again, Jan, for all that you do!
What You Might’ve Missed:
Latest News
COA Newsletter. March/April 2025
Library Newsletter. March 2025
The last day to obtain nomination papers is March 13th
Major Kudos to the Groveland Light Department and Highway Crew
A big thank you to the Groveland Light Department for their proactive tree maintenance program, which allowed them to stay ahead of hazardous branches over the electric lines. This forward-thinking approach resulted in minimal disruption during this past month’s stormy weather.
Additionally, we extend our gratitude to the Highway Crew for their outstanding work with snow removal over the past month. Despite the challenging conditions—rain, wind, and messy streets—they worked tirelessly to keep our roads clear and safe. We truly appreciate their dedication and hard work.
A Note of Thanks
I had the pleasure of meeting with Troop 87 this past month, and it really made me reflect on the strength of our community. In times of challenge and change, it’s the small, everyday acts of kindness and support that truly reveal our resilience.
It’s easy to overlook, but every small action makes a difference. Whether it’s shoveling a neighbor’s driveway, volunteering at a local shelter, or offering a smile to someone in need, these moments have a lasting impact. Community is built not only on the big events but on the everyday gestures of care and concern that connect us all.
We each have something valuable to offer. I want to extend my sincere thanks to Troop 87 for their efforts and for reminding me of the power of community. Your kindness and dedication are truly appreciated.
Board Spotlight:
Groveland Planning Board
The Groveland Planning Board is a five-member elected body, supplemented by two appointed alternate members. It serves as the Special Permit Granting Authority for various permits, including Use Special Permits, Aquifer Protection Special Permits, Wireless Communication Special Permits, and Stormwater Management & Land Disturbance Special Permits. Additionally, the Board oversees approvals under the Town of Groveland’s Subdivision Regulations and serves as the primary forum for proposed zoning changes.
In this spotlight, we will focus specifically on the Planning Board’s role in shaping zoning bylaw changes.
Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40A Section 5, a zoning change can be proposed by several entities, including the Select Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, a landowner affected by the proposed change, town staff, or the Planning Board itself. Once a zoning change is initiated, the Planning Board guides the process through the following steps:
Legal Notice & Public Posting
A Legal Notice is published in the Eagle Tribune once a week for two consecutive weeks, with the first publication occurring at least 14 days before the public hearing. The Notice is also posted on the bulletin board outside the Economic Development Department and sent to abutting communities, the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC), and the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.
Public Access to Draft Language
Once the Notice is posted, the draft zoning language is available for public review. Economic Development Department staff are available to answer any questions ahead of the public hearing.
Planning Board Public Hearing
During the hearing, the Planning Board reviews the proposed zoning change, asks questions, and opens the discussion for public comment.
Board Review & Recommendation
After considering public input and discussion, the Board may revise the draft zoning language as needed. It then votes on a recommendation for the proposed zoning change.
Town Meeting Approval Process
The proposed zoning change is placed on the Town Meeting warrant. The Select Board will also vote on its recommendation before Town Meeting. At the meeting, the Planning Board Chair presents the Board’s recommendation, and residents vote on the proposed change.
Final Approval & Implementation
If the zoning change is approved at Town Meeting, the finalized language is submitted to the Attorney General’s Office for review to ensure compliance with state laws and regulations. Once approved, the zoning change officially takes effect.
The Planning Board will be holding a public hearing to discuss zoning amendment changes being proposed at the upcoming Annual Town Meeting on April 28th. For those interested the meeting will be on Tuesday, March 4th at 7:00pm here at Town Hall.
2025 ZONING CHANGES
A public hearing in accordance with MGL Chapter 40A, Section 5, to consider amendments and additions to the Zoning Bylaw as follows:
- To amend Article 7, Battery Energy Storage Systems, to correct clerical errors.
- To amend Article 6 Section 1, Floodplain Overlay District, with current FEMA maps and NFIP requirements and to change the permitting authority from the Planning Board to Floodplains Administrator.
- To amend Article 2, Definitions, by deleting the definition “Flood, Intermediate Regional”, as it is a term no longer used in the Bylaw.
- To amend Article 2, Definitions, “Dwelling, Single Family”, to better align the State definition.
- To amend Article 9 Section 2(A), Shared Parking Facilities, to expand the radius of allowable parking lots to be used toward parking requirements.
- To amend Article 7 Section 1, Accessory Apartments, to be in compliance with new Massachusetts General Law.
- To add section 4, to be titled Multi-family Overlay District, to Article 6, Overlay Districts, to comply with State law.
- To add a new paragraph G. to Article 3 Section 3, Description of District Boundaries, to add Multi-family Overlay District (MFOD).
- To amend Article 3 Section 1 Paragraph B., Zoning Districts Identified, to add Multi-family Overlay District (MFOD).
- To substitute “Board of Selectmen” to “Select Board” and “Selectman” to “Select Board member”, throughout the Zoning Bylaw to be consistent with the General Bylaws.
For more information reach out to Rebecca Oldham ROldham@grovelandma.com | 978-556-7204
