One of the issues discussed was the fire department’s plumbing that required a reserve fund transfer of $1,981 to bring it up to code. This need arose from an upgrade to the duct work which uncovered that the existing boiler’s piping was improperly soldered, necessitating immediate maintenance. The committee approved this request, recognizing the critical nature of maintaining operational readiness at the fire department.

The police department was also a focal point of the meeting, with the committee approving the purchase of new patrol rifles. This decision was driven by the need to outfit a used cruiser for a newly assigned resource officer and to replace aging equipment. Questions arose about the number of rifles and their cost, prompting requests for clarification on the quotes received. Additionally, the police department’s request for overhead doors to store a new boat sparked discussion about the temporary nature of this solution and the future plan to construct a boathouse. The committee scrutinized the source of funds for these expenses.

Maintenance requests from the town’s departments also included a $3,700 trailer for transporting a tractor and a $6,700 project to address code violations at the library by removing wood chips and replacing them with stone. The committee engaged in debate over whether these funds should have been requested through the regular budget system and whether it was prudent to use available end-of-year funds for these expenses. Despite concerns, the committee approved these requests.

The library’s non-functional HVAC unit was another pressing matter, as it had been inoperative for a year. The committee debated the possibility of using Community Preservation Committee (CPC) funds to replace the unit, ultimately approving the transfer of funds from various sources, including health, dental, retirement, and unemployment reserves, to resolve the HVAC issue.

Further discussions included the repurposing of an old salt shed into a garage storage building for the police department, the necessity of a new garage door, and the installation of two path doors for boat storage. Some members expressed frustration regarding the allocation of funds for this project.

The committee also deliberated on the town’s broader financial health, touching on the stabilization fund, which had seen a gradual reduction, particularly after the school system merger. The reserve fund, starting annually at $163,000 and intended for unforeseen expenses, was discussed with a call for greater oversight of both the school budget and CPC budgeting processes. Additionally, potential adjustments to the tax rate and the need for road maintenance were topics of concern, alongside the mention of the fire department’s upcoming ambulance replacement and the town hall office moving process.

Frustration and a desire for transparency were recurrent themes, especially concerning the allocation of funds within the police department’s budget. The committee’s decisions were informed by the aim to ensure the town’s infrastructure and services are maintained to standard, while also being mindful of the town’s financial reserves and the need for careful budgeting.