Norwood previews $1.8M police and fire override

Town Meeting · Meeting of May 4, 2026

Norwood town officials previewed a $1.8 million public safety override and a $300,000 hospital land push at a Town Meeting information session. The general manager said the town would add 13 firefighters and five police officers if voters approve a Proposition 2½ override June 15, costing the average $719,000 home about $115 a year. A separate $300,000 article would fund legal and appraisal work toward a possible eminent domain taking of the closed Norwood Hospital site from owner Medical Properties Trust.

Schools Superintendent Luff presented a $67,222,432 budget, a 2.96 percent increase, while finance officials said health insurance costs rose 8.41 percent, consuming nearly all the town's new tax growth. "There won't be an operating override in two to three years," the general manager said, adding one is still likely eventually. No votes were taken; Annual Town Meeting convenes May 11.

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Source: the Town Meeting meeting of May 4, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.