ROCHESTER — One hundred and one residents gathered at Town Meeting on Monday to vote "aye" on a $24 million budget, a new ambulance, updates to the Town Hall parking lot, amendments to solar bylaws and a study of a potential public safety building.

Defeated after considerable debate at the May 23 gathering was a proposal for the Select Board to enter into an agreement to transfer four acres of land on Perry’s Lane, across from Mary’s Pond, in a 99-year lease to be used for affordable housing for seniors.

The approved total operating budget of $24,174,626 is an increase compared to last year’s budget of $22,887,448. This year’s budget includes a $3,121,558 public safety budget, and a school budget of $13,608,919.

The ambulance approved has been described as “an expensive article” by Town Administrator Glenn Cannon, and will cost $380,000. He said that it is “just the time to do it,” as the previous ambulance is more than ten years old.

The approved amendments to the current solar bylaw “address and clarify to the applicant the type of screening that would be required for a large solar array,” said Town Planner Nancy Durfee. The screening is required to keep the solar installation from public view and preserve vegetation.

The approved Town Hall parking lot funding designates $12,000 to pay costs for engineering and surveying for the renovation at 1 Constitution Way. Cannon said this is because “people come off Constitution Way into the parking lot at high speed” and “people walk right out of the front door onto the road.”

The proposal for affordable housing for seniors was the only rejected article on the warrant. 

Legal issues with the article have been raised in the past. Town counsel Blair Bailey has stated that, “you need a special act from the legislature” in order to enter into a 99-year lease.

“There are numerous obstacles that can be introduced that we are keenly aware of but there is a willingness to get something done,” said Richard Cutler. “Passing this article will show a desire from the town to get something done, it won’t instantly get seniors and veterans housing.”

He urged the citizens of Rochester to vote for this article, despite the fact that the Massachusetts Attorney General “would vote against this.”

Residents raised other concerns about the article, noting the property itself is narrow, located near water and includes protected land. “After developing the road and adding a parking area, I think the actual building would be really limited in the space,” said Michelle Balzarini, who moved to postpone the article indefinitely.

This motion failed.

“This is a long skinny piece of property and Perry Lane bisects it,” said Select Board member Woody Hartley. “Mr. Cutler alluded to the fact there are a lot of pitfalls. I’m in favor of this thing, we’re not opposed to housing for veterans or seniors at all, but I’m just not sure it's the right place for it.”

The petition required a two-thirds majority to pass, and failed with a vote of 72 against and 14 in favor.