In the wake of the budget discussions, the board also tackled the pressing matter of the town’s trash recycling contract, which is set to expire on June 30th. Two options were proposed: one involving the provision of toters for each household and the other maintaining the current disposal method. The Board of Health submitted these options as articles for the upcoming special town meeting warrant, which the board signed off on. Additionally, the Select Board reviewed and signed off on the annual town meeting warrant, ensuring the accuracy of articles, including the new outdoor lighting article and the correction to the town affordable housing trust bylaw.

The Select Board’s meeting was heavily focused on the town’s financial challenges, particularly the FY2025 budget that presented a substantial deficit. The board discussed the possible implementation of a trash fee to offset budget shortfalls, considering the 10% budget cut’s impact on town services and staffing. The current school budget, which remains at the previous year’s level despite ongoing negotiations, was another point of concern, especially given the implications for union employees, whose raises are contractually obligated.

Transparency in budget deliberations was emphasized, with the board members acknowledging the challenges of increasing costs and the need for careful consideration of the potential consequences of budget cuts. The discussion broadened to revenue projections, with the state budget and potential aid increases under consideration, and the suggestion to prioritize departmental cuts. The need for additional work sessions was highlighted, calling for the involvement of department heads, the school committee, and the finance committee to devise a viable financial plan.

Another item was the review of the special town meeting warrant, where the board had to address the submission of a request by the Board of Health for a new trash recycling contract. The urgency of this situation was underscored by the fact that the town’s current contract ends on June 30th. After reviewing the options, the board signed off on the warrant articles related to the trash contract.

The meeting also touched upon the annual town meeting warrant, with a focus on the accuracy of the new outdoor lighting article and the correction to the town affordable housing trust bylaw. These articles were crucial for the town’s regulatory framework and were thus given due attention before the board voted to sign off on them, pending confirmation of the details in the new outdoor lighting article.

A zoning change request for a property on Greenville Road from industrial to residential also sparked debate among the board members. Although concerns were raised about maintaining industrial sites, the board voted to submit their comments to the planning board.