Dighton Select Board Approves Two Solar Pilot Agreements Worth Over $2 Million

DIGHTON — June 25, 2025 — Dighton Select Board unanimously approved two solar pilot agreements projected to bring more than $2 million to the town over 20 years. The agreements cover the Araujo Farms installation, operated by MACS Dighton LLC, valued at more than $1.2 million in personal property taxes, and Brook Street Solar, operated by Grasshopper Energy, valued at more than $823,000 — both previously authorized at town meeting. Nancy Gulard, who represents Dighton in the Greater Attleborough Taunton Housing Consortium, presented the agreements and noted each carries a $5,000 developer reimbursement clause. Highway Superintendent Tom Ferry outlined a July 21 through August 30 preservation treatment for four streets — Horton, Oak, Maple, and Maple Swamp — deferred from last year due to Main Street reconstruction funding needs. Robert Perry of the Dighton Economic Development Committee presented a three-step framework for a development impact fee program, recommending the town fund a home rule petition at the fall Special Town Meeting, with board members expressing interest in a joint session with the Planning Board to advance the idea. Town Administrator Ralph Tatalo reported a renegotiated solid waste disposal agreement with ReWorld is expected to save approximately $30,000 in Fiscal Year 2026, and confirmed that detailed budget-scenario presentations — including potential service and personnel cuts tied to a planned debt exclusion ballot question — will begin at summer Select Board meetings.