Town Meeting Recessed to August 29

The Halifax Annual and Special Town Meetings scheduled to be held on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at the Halifax Elementary School starting at 9:00am have been recessed until Saturday, August 29, 2020 at the Halifax Elementary School starting at 9:00am. This decision was made by the Town Moderator after consulting with Board of Health Agent Robert Valery and the Board of Selectmen. The Town Moderator is allowed to make this decision under Massachusetts Chapter 53 of the Acts of 2020 due to the public health emergency.  The Town needs more time to work on a plan for Town Meeting and to choose a location that will allow for safety measures such as social distancing. In addition, as the State budget has not yet been approved, the Halifax Finance Committee cannot provide final recommendations to the townspeople. Any meeting at the Elementary School will use both the Gym and the Multi-Purpose Room so that there is sufficient room for all attendees while also following the protocols for social distancing.

There is a reasonable probability that the Town Meeting will have to be recessed again, especially if the State budget is not approved early enough in July or the first part of August in order for final budget recommendations to be made. Under State law, the Town Meeting cannot be recessed for more than 30 days after each new date. The Town Moderator, Board of Health, Finance Committee, and the Board of Selectmen will continue to monitor these issues and provide more information when it is available.