Norton Select Board Approves Bog Iron Brewing All-Alcohol License, Hears Fiscal Warning

Select Board · Meeting of February 26, 2026

Norton Select Board received a clean FY25 audit but a cautionary budget outlook at its February 26 meeting. Tom Scanlon Jr. of Scanlon Associates reported the town generated $4.6 million in certified free cash, with $3.6 million from conservative revenue estimates and $700,000 from unspent appropriations, while carrying an OPEB liability of $76 million on the books. Scanlon warned the board to limit free cash spending to what it generates — roughly $4 million annually — telling members, "I think these next couple years are going to be tough budget seasons." Town Manager Mark Gould reported the preliminary FY27 budget is $1 million to $2 million out of balance against an April 6 charter deadline, driven by rising health insurance costs, collective bargaining, and reliance on one-time funds for recurring expenses.

The board also unanimously approved an on-premises all-alcohol license for Bog Iron Brewing and debated — without voting — a bylaw requirement that two AIA nominees be submitted before the town can appoint an architect to the Historic District Commission.

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Source: the Select Board meeting of February 26, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.