March has been a busy month for Belmont, kicking off with a Special Town Meeting where important zoning and bylaw amendments were considered. As we move forward, preparations are underway for the Annual Town Meeting in May, with ongoing discussions about the town’s budget, policies, and upcoming warrant articles. The final Budget Summit, scheduled for March 27, will be a key opportunity for residents and officials to review financial planning for the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, the Select Board will meet on March 17 and March 24 to address ongoing town business and policy matters. Stay tuned for further updates as we approach Town Meeting season.

Select Board News and Initiatives

Aid to the Elderly and Disabled Taxation Fund - On November 20th, Special Town Meeting accepted a provision of state law that allows for the formation of an Aid to the Elderly and Disabled Taxation Fund. Donations made to the Fund will be overseen by a 5-member committee (Treasurer, Assessor and 3 residents), and will be used to offset the property taxes of eligible applicants. While the Committee is still being formed, and will finalize eligibility and the application process, it is the intent of the Select Board and the Senior Tax Relief Working Group that any donations received between now and March 2025 would be distributed via applications that would be due by April 1, 2025, and would offset the final FY2025 tax bill.

The Select Board would therefore like to encourage residents to donate to the fund by writing a check payable to the Town of Belmont, noting Taxation Aid Fund in the memo field, and mailing it to the Treasurer’s Office at 19 Moore Street, or dropping it off at the window. Thank you in advance for your support! We will provide updates in future editions of the TA Bulletin, including information about how residents can apply for support.

Property Tax Relief Programs - The Town of Belmont is committed to supporting our seniors and veterans by offering a range of property tax relief programs within the limit of State Law. A summary of existing programs is contained in an overview document (PDF) published each year by the Board of Assessors. These initiatives help eligible residents reduce their tax burden. The annual application deadline is April 1st.

A Note on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza - Please be advised of the risk for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Please keep dogs on a leash.

Keep dogs out of the water: Sick birds and infected carcasses can contaminate open bodies of water with HPAI. As not all birds shedding HPAI show signs of illness, pets should be kept leashed and away from water where waterbirds reside. Do NOT allow your dog to swim in this area.
Keep domestic animal away from wildlife: Pets should always be kept away from wildlife. Cats are highly susceptible to HPAI and may die from an infection. Cat owners in affected areas should keep their pets indoors to prevent them from being exposed to infected wildlife.
Report dead wild birds: The public should report observations of sick or deceased birds if 5 or more birds are found at a single location using this simple form at mass.gov/reportbirds.
Do not handle birds or other wildlife: The public should avoid handling any sick or dead birds or other animals in the Clay Pit area. Report sightings as indicated above or call the local Animal Control Officer.

For Questions/Guidance Contact:

Belmont Animal Control at 617-993-2724

Employee Spotlight

This month, we shine the spotlight on Jerry Rocha, a dedicated member of Belmont’s Facilities Department who has been serving the Town for an impressive 22 years.

Jerry and his team handle just about everything that keeps the Town running smoothly—painting, changing light bulbs, snow removal, setting up rooms for meetings, managing mail, assisting with the setting up for elections, and much more. Their behind-the-scenes work ensures that Town facilities remain safe, functional, and welcoming for employees and residents alike.

Before joining the Town, Jerry spent 34 years working for Western Electric, which later became AT&T and Lucent Technology. After taking early retirement, he found himself eager for a new challenge. He spotted a job posting for a custodian position in the Belmont Citizen-Herald, applied without high expectations, and was thrilled when he got the job. Two decades later, he remains an integral part of the Facilities team.

What motivates Jerry most in his work? “The people,” he says. “There are a lot of good people in town.” Over the years, he has faced challenges but has learned to take things one day at a time and to embrace each experience as it comes.

Outside of work, Jerry has a passion for fitness. He was once an avid jogger, competing in numerous road races, including an impressive 25 consecutive years running the Falmouth Road Race. Though knee issues have sidelined his running in recent years, he remains active by walking and hiking, often along the beach.

Thank you, Jerry, for your hard work and dedication to Belmont. We appreciate all that you do!

Community Announcements: Town Clerk

Annual Town Census, It's Not Too Late - The Annual Town Census is mailed to every Belmont household in January; prompt returns update residency and keep voters’ status active. All people (adults & children) living in the residence should be listed. Please complete, sign, and return it as soon as possible. Thank you for helping to keep Town records accurate & complete.

Annual Town Election, April 1, 2025 – Polls will be open from 7 AM to 8 PM at our eight voting precincts. A Vote By Mail application was included in the Annual Town Census mailing to every Belmont household. All voters qualify to Vote by Mail; each voter should use a separate Vote By Mail form. Visit the Town Clerk’s web pages for offices and candidates on the ballot. Check and update voter registration, confirm assigned precinct voting location and more at www.VoteInMA.com .

2025 Dog & Cat Licenses – The 2025 pet licensing season for dogs and cats is underway. All Belmont dog and cat owners are required to license their pets by March 15^th each year. A paper application was included in the census mailing or renew and pay online here (scroll to bottom of page) for visit our office in Town Hall.

Town Clerk Secure Drop Box – The Town Clerk’s green drop box is located on the left side of driveway at the base of the stairs to the Town Hall at parking lot level. You may deposit voted ballots, pet license applications, census form and all communications for the office. Only documents for the Town Clerk should be placed in this drop box; taxes and parking ticket payments should be put into the Treasurer’s silver drop box on the right side of the driveway near the entrance to the Homer Building.

Community Announcements: Animal Control Officer

Rabies Clinic, March 22, 2025 - The Town of Belmont is sponsoring a rabies clinic that will be open to Watertown and Belmont. The clinic, providing rabies vaccines to dogs, cats, and ferrets, will take place at the Beech Street Center, 266 Beech Street, Belmont on Saturday, March 22 from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Please bring prior years rabies certificate. Cats must be in carriers and dogs must be leashed.

Should you have any questions, please call 617 993 2724

Community Announcement: Message from the Library Director

Dear Library Patrons,

While Punxsutawney Phil predicted a few more weeks of winter at the beginning of February, we look forward to spring eagerly at the library! Just like the early crocuses sprouting from the ground, so too does the new library building continue to rise up on Concord Avenue - and with new growth comes new possibilities, for all ages.

This is especially true of our young adults, who are working on capstone projects, college applications, job applications, and volunteering. There is a lot on everyone's plate but fear not, the library is here to help! Need some research help? Check out the Teen Reference Hours on Wednesday afternoons in March with our stellar Young Adult librarian. Looking for some college admissions guidance? Check out the Successfully Navigating College Admissions in 2025 virtual session on March 11th. We look forward to even more in-person programming opportunities soon, as we continue partnering with Belmont religious organizations on programming space. Looking to get involved? Join the Teen Advisory Board - community service hours AND you help shape future library fun. Maybe you're just looking for your next read? Check out the Teen Belhop Service for some customized suggestions. We may not have the full spectrum of programs or space available right now, but please trust me when I say that the library is here to help you grow, learn, and connect - no matter your age and no matter the season!

Last but certainly not least, don't forget about the literal growth of spring (crocuses and beyond) and our amazing Seed Library. There is a great variety of 60 day and 30 day native seeds available for you to get started on your garden right now, and more coming soon! Stop by the Reference Desk at the Beech Street Center library location to learn more, pick up some seeds and get sowing, instead of snowing.