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Marlborough | 11
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Marlborough Hudson An edition of the Community Advocate
In close vote, Hudson SB approves increase in water, sewer rates By Paul Hopkins Contributing Writer HUDSON – The Hudson Select Board narrowly approved increases in water and sewer fees on June 9. The 3-2 vote came with Chair Scott Duplisea, Vice Chair Judy Congdon, and member Diane Bemis voting in favor; Steven Sharek and Lauren DuBreuil voted against. Water rates will rise about 4 percent, an increase of $6 per quarter for an average payer. Sewer rates will rise about 14 percent, an average increase of about $27 quarterly. Hudson uses “enterprise funds” to cover the costs of water and sewer services, as well as stormwater. Recommended to the Finance Committee by Executive Assistant Thomas Gregory, the system was adopted by a Special Town Meeting in November 2022, with an effective date of July 1, 2023. Approval came after multiple Finance Committee public hearings. Enterprise funds separate the accounting and financial reporting for “business-type” services, according to the state. Gregory said the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) encourages communities to establish such funds and that the DOR considers it a “best practice” to account for the operations outside of the town’s general fund. Enterprise funds allow for “budgeted surpluses” that are then dedicated to specific costs — rather than being lumped in with all other town money. Prior to enterprise funds, Gregory said, extra revenue generated by water and sewer fees might end up being used to fund a police cruiser, for example. “The primary probRates | 5
Vol. 51 | No. 25 | June 20, 2025
MHS Principal Dan Riley reflects on Marlborough roots as he leaves district By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor MARLBOROUGH – Dan Riley has walked the corridors of Marlborough High School for quite some time. Over 20 years, he’s been a math teacher, an assistant principal, a transportation coordinator, a lead administrator, a program director, and, in 2018, the school’s principal. It’s a role he enjoys — building and maintaining relationships with students, families, and staff — but is soon leaving. In a few weeks, Riley will be walking the corridors for another school system, as he assumes the position of superintendent for West Boylston Public Schools. “I want to say how grateful I am to Marlborough. Everything I am today is because of Marlborough,” said Riley. “It was a very difficult decision,” he said, especially considering he “comes every day to a very supportive environment of students.” However, Riley had been working toward the top job for several years. When he heard Riley | 5
Dan Riley, who’s about to leave as principal of Marlborough High School, shows a cartoon published when he became principal in 2018. (Photo/Maureen Sullivan)
Volunteers say goodbye to FISH driving service By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter MARLBOROUGH – After 14 years, the Friends In Service Helping (FISH) volunteer driving service shut down at the end of May. Founded in 2010, FISH worked in cooperation with the Marlborough Council on Aging (COA) and the Senior Center to provide rides
to medical appointments for seniors. According to Larry Vifquain, one of the organization’s founders, Marlborough and the COA notified him that the support of the organization would end, given the expanded availability of MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) and “potential liability issues.” FISH | 11
Join us for a delightful evening of live music. Savory dishes crafted with care await. Let the friendly Kennedy’s team ensure your exceptional dining experience. Come for the music, stay for the delicious food & warm hospitality!
Kennedy’s Restaurant presents
Live Music
Celebrate the start of Spring with a live show from some of the area’s best bands and single acts. www.kennedyspub.com
Thursdays 6-9PM • Fridays 6:30 -9:30PM
Restaurant & Market 247 Maple St. Marlboro 508-485-5800