The commission discussed the town’s IT infrastructure, capital plan, and specific town articles, making decisions on recommendations and discussing changes to the language used in official documents. The meeting ended with plans for future meetings, including a town meeting preparation meeting with the selectmen, and a confirmation of members seeking reappointment.

The reduction of the school budget by $700,000 was a primary concern, leaving a $200,000 gap that the commission proposed to split between the town and the school. The efficiency and sudden nature of the school’s cost-saving measures were met with skepticism from some members. One member highlighted, “I still personally believe the school should be responsible for all of it,” referencing the school’s ability to come up with $93,000 in savings quickly during a town meeting.

The cost of the school resource officer was another point of contention, with the rate of pay being questioned. The suggestion to shift the entire cost to the school’s operating budget was proposed to incentivize cost-effective measures. Members expressed the desire for more transparent and engaged budget discussions with the school in the future.

The commission conducted formal votes on the budget, focusing on general government and public safety, with changes in the budget highlighted in yellow for reference. The general government expenses were reviewed, with discussions on the Town Administrator salary increase due to contract negotiation, clerical expenses, and adjustments in electricity and heat pump costs. Public safety budget considerations revolved around the police, fire, emergency management, and dispatch services budgets. The meeting also addressed the schools’ budget and the state’s directives regarding separate line items for special needs.

The commission expressed a desire for greater transparency and management of costs in the school budget, debating the state’s directive on voting on separate line items for special needs. Concerns about the lack of transparency and the need for clear breakdowns of costs to ensure fair and equitable budget allocation were voiced.

In the capital planning review, the commission worked with limited funds of about $600,000, focusing on prioritizing requests. The ongoing police vehicle purchase, annual road maintenance, mold remediation at the firehouse, and funding for structural gear for the fire department were discussed.

The meeting also touched upon the allocation of funds for the water treatment plant upgrade, the purchase of a mini excavator, and the need for a special town meeting to supplement the current year’s operating budget due to a deficit in special needs tuition and transportation.

Discussions on the town’s financial matters included a proposed allocation of $25 for a project, which was recommended at the town meeting pending more information. Additionally, a recommendation for a $100,000 allocation for the elementary school was unanimously approved after reworking the calculations. The need for a special town meeting to address the deficit in special needs tuition and transportation was also considered.

The commission confirmed the intention of two members to seek reappointment and discussed appointing representatives for the finance committee. The importance of experienced members’ continued service in light of anticipated challenges in the coming year was recognized.