Coronavirus: Norton Postpones Town Elections, Town Meeting

Norton MA

17 March, 2020

11:12 AM

Description

NORTON, MA — The Norton Select Board held an emergency meeting Monday night at which it was decided that the annual town election scheduled for April 4 and town meeting will be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Norton police said the town meeting has been tentatively rescheduled for June 8. "The safety of residents and workers is our utmost concern," the town said in a statement. The Norton Town Clerk's office said the Select Board voted to file special legislation to postpone the election and meeting, and in consultation with town counsel it was determined that the filing of the legislation allowed the town to move forward with the expected postponement. "It's postponed," Norton Town Clerk Lucia Longhurst said. Longhurst said the Select Board is planning to meet with the Board of Health again in about a month to further evaluate election and town meeting rescheduling. Effective Tuesday, town offices will open for employees to continue operations, but will be closed to the public. Residents are encouraged to utilize the town's on-line services and capabilities to make payments and file permits. Residents may also deposit payments in the drop box at the front of the town hall. Business requiring an in-person transaction may only be conducted by appointment through each department. Town departments may be contacted by email and telephone for assistance. For department information, please visit www.nortonma.org. "We apologize for this inconvenience, but this action is necessary as part of the recommendation for social distancing," the town said. (Don't miss updates about precautions in Patchtown as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.) Related Patch Coverage: Coronavirus: Norton Examines Public Meeting Contingencies