The most significant topic was the proposed warrant language for the CPA, with considerations for a 1% increase, which prompted discussion and public comment. Members of the public raised concerns that the proposed increase might be too low and inquired about the process of amending the percentage after initial approval. They emphasized the importance of considering the potential uses for the funds, like historical preservation and maintenance of public spaces. The board discussed exemptions for low-income residents and the impact of the proposed increase on tax bills, noting that a home valued at $458,000 would see an additional $53 per year. The allocation of state funds derived from stamp taxes at the registry of deeds was also a topic of interest, with a committee recommended to vet applications for the use of these funds.

Another pressing matter was the Halifax Elementary School budget, which faces a significant increase due to changes in the regional agreement and new Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requirements. This has led to the need for considerable budget cuts and aligning the budget with other towns within the school district. The potential deficit for the current fiscal year was acknowledged, possibly necessitating a special town meeting for funding solutions. The board deliberated on delaying the town meeting to allow more time for negotiations and considered the impact of such a delay on finances and decision-making processes.

At the meeting’s outset, the board recognized Sergeant Patrick Sterling for his 29 years of service upon his retirement. Following this, Sidon Sterling was appointed as a special police officer, and Tina Oler was sworn in as a police matron. Officers Kushman, Steven Ritz, Daniel Shaheen, and Sergeant Michael Schl were also officially sworn in. The police chief acknowledged their achievements and contributions to the department, and they were congratulated by the board and attendees.

The joint meeting with the Parks Commission to discuss the Beach summer program highlighted a plan for parking stickers, with different types for residents and non-residents, and a proposal to increase the parking ticket fee from $15 to $50 to incentivize sticker purchases. While the Parks Commission has the authority to vote on the sticker permits and fees, the process for changing the townwide parking ticket amount was set to be discussed further with the town council.

The board considered the request from Mr. Clawson to hold 10 multi-day horse shows in 2024, an increase from the eight shows previously allowed. Despite initial noise complaints from neighbors, the request was unanimously approved after assurances of sound system improvements. Furthermore, the board approved a live entertainment permit for a wedding on Thompson Street and discussed the possibility of hosting fishing tournaments and the need for clear guidelines and permits for such events.

The meeting also addressed operational matters, including the review of board members’ office hours, which were ultimately suspended in favor of making appointments. An updated organizational chart for town operations and employees was presented to ensure efficient management of the town’s business. The board noted the progress of the MBTA action plan and the zoning bylaw review committee’s work, with plans to submit a preliminary application to the state and to hold a special town meeting in the fall.

Additionally, the board tackled a complaint regarding Morse Brothers’ compliance with their Earth removal permit due to truck activity during prohibited hours. They deliberated on sending an engineer to assess the situation. The board voted to send a letter regarding a property at Summit Street to affirm factual information about its classification.

The meeting concluded with the approval of the Beth Israel Deaconess ambulance affiliation agreement, which had no changes from the previous year, the extension of the administrator’s contract for the next three years, and the approval of the annual Ms. Cap Card Getaway cycling event’s route through town on June 29th.