HALIFAX - January 13, 2026 - With budget season officially underway, Interim Town Administrator Bob Fennessy delivered a stark message to the Select Board: 2026 will be a “very fiscally conservative year.” As the town prepares for the arrival of new Town Administrator Steven Solbo Jr. later this month, officials are prioritizing cost containment and exploring a potential Proposition 2½ override.
The Full Story
The financial outlook for the coming fiscal year took center stage at the January 13 Select Board meeting. Interim Town Administrator Bob Fennessy reported that initial budget reviews with the Finance Committee and department heads began earlier that day. While describing the process as “thoughtful and responsible,” he emphasized that departments are under strict instructions to identify opportunities to reduce expenses.
“They’ve been great. We’ve been banging them at department head meetings every meeting to say... ‘this is going to be a tough year,’” Fennessy told the Board.
In parallel with these budget constraints, the newly formed Override Study Committee held its first meeting on January 12. The committee is scheduled to meet twice a month—on the second and fourth Mondays—to evaluate the town’s financial needs and the potential necessity of a tax override.
This fiscal tightening coincides with a major transition in town leadership. Fennessy, who has served as Interim Town Administrator for the past six months, announced that the new permanent Town Administrator, Steven Solbo Jr., is expected to start on Monday, January 26, 2026.
The meeting also brought welcome news for coffee lovers. The Board unanimously approved a Common Victualler license for a new Starbucks, located in a freestanding building with a drive-thru. Dan Brennan, a permit agent for the project, confirmed that construction is wrapping up with a target opening date in the second week of February.
“Folks are very... you know, a lot of eyes on that building.” — Select Board Chair Jonathan Selig [01:59]
Other personnel updates included the departure of Conservation Agent Katelyn Putt, who has accepted a full-time position in Stow. Halifax will continue to share a conservation agent with Bridgewater through an inter-municipal agreement. Additionally, Michael Brogan has come on board as the town’s new Building Commissioner, bringing “extensive experience” to the role.
Why It Matters
For Halifax residents, the “fiscally conservative” designation signals that town services could face scrutiny or cuts without additional revenue. The activity of the Override Study Committee suggests that a question regarding a tax increase could be on the horizon for voters. Meanwhile, the transition to a permanent Town Administrator offers a chance for long-term stability in executing these difficult financial decisions.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To accept the Common Victualler application for Starbucks Corporation (Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., 7 days a week).
Vote: Unanimous (3-0) ([04:08])
Motion: To affirm approval of warrants and commitments (Vendor, Payroll, Withholding, Ambulance Commitments).
Vote: Unanimous (3-0) ([05:20])
Motion: To approve the Lakeville Animal Shelter Agreement ($500 annual fee).
Vote: Unanimous (3-0) ([08:54])
Motion: To approve two additional horse shows for Fieldstone Farms for the 2026 calendar year (Totaling 10 shows).
Vote: Unanimous (3-0) ([10:46])
Public Comment
No general public comment was offered. Dan Brennan appeared specifically to represent Starbucks for their license application.
What’s Next
Budget Reviews: Departmental budget reviews will continue over the next week and a half.
New Leadership: Steven Solbo Jr. begins as Town Administrator on January 26.
Override Study: The Override Study Committee meets next on Monday, January 26.