Wenham Select Board Closes Out FY26, Sets 35 FY27 Goals

Select Board · Meeting of August 25, 2026

Wenham Select Board closes nine of 43 FY26 goals, loads a 35-item FY27 agenda topped by Iron Rail and PFAS decisions. Town Administrator Steve Poulos told the board at its August 25 goals workshop that departments made "documented progress" on nearly all 43 prior-year goals, while introducing a new 37-item Staff Initiatives Tracker. The Iron Rail site working group's recommendation, delivered August 11, heads to a public hearing expected September 17, with an April 2027 Annual Town Meeting article possible.

Staff pegged early PFAS water-treatment options at roughly $8 million for a pipeline to Hamilton's plant versus $10 million for a standalone Wenham facility. Chair Deirdre Pierotti called a new staff-accomplishments spreadsheet "extremely helpful in illuminating" department work. The board also noted Treasurer/Collector Belinda's retirement after 30-plus years, successor Jen's selection, and 32 applicants for Jen's resulting vacancy, plus Alex Varellis's appointment to the Finance Committee seat vacated by Jared Ward.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 3,587 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of August 25, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.