Braintree Town Council Unanimously Approves $18.5 Million in Capital Borrowing

BRAINTREE — August 5, 2025 — Braintree Town Council approves $110 million five-year capital plan and $18.5 million in new borrowing. The council voted unanimously Tuesday on all capital items after the Committee on Ways and Means, chaired by Councilor Patricia Berica, issued unanimous favorable recommendations following two evenings of hearings. Finance Director Mike Esmond presented the two borrowing orders: $17.5 million from the general fund under Chapter 44, Section 7, covering projects from $7.2 million in road paving to $2 million in fire apparatus replacement, and $1,050,000 from the stormwater enterprise fund for capital equipment. Mayor Joyce highlighted the $59 million tri-town water treatment plant, due online in 2026, as the plan's largest single investment. The council continued the accessory dwelling unit zoning ordinance amendment — required under the state's Affordable Homes Act — and a stalled Community Preservation Committee project to restore the Highland Street hockey rink, both to September 16.