The committee unanimously approved an article to pay down half of the school roof ban using funds from a special capital expenditure fund generated by solar tax revenue. This measure aims to avoid additional bonding in the future by addressing part of the debt now, with further payments expected in the coming years. The motion was passed without opposition.

Chief Tom Farland presented a proposal for a comprehensive study of the fire department, which also garnered unanimous approval. The study, costing $5,500 and funded by the EMS Reserve account, seeks to assess the condition of fire stations, apparatus, and staffing, and to develop a long-term capital improvement plan. Chief Farland noted that such studies are common practice and provide valuable data for future grant opportunities. He assured the committee that the outcomes of the study would be public information, with an anticipated completion timeframe of six to nine months following funding.

The committee also approved various other funding articles, including the payment of prior year bills totaling $14,170, which covered expenses for the police department, office supplies, and engineering fees for the Conservation Commission. The motion for this article passed unanimously, as there was sufficient room in the budget to accommodate these payments.

Another notable article involved transferring funds within the FY 25 budget to address building maintenance needs, following substantial savings from hiring a new clerical person in the assessor’s office. This transfer aims to cover necessary building repairs, and the motion passed without opposition.

A discussion about funding annual MS4 engineering costs through a transfer from the stormwater management stabilization fund also took place. The fund, established specifically for stormwater management, will be replenished with free cash as needed. The committee approved the motion unanimously after clarifying the rationale for using the stabilization fund.

The committee addressed an article proposing the acceptance and expenditure of a fair share amendment, which would provide $177,000 for road infrastructure projects. Concerns were expressed about potential restrictions on how long the funds could be held before being returned to the state if not spent. It was confirmed that the Department of Public Works would determine which projects would receive funding, and the motion passed without opposition.

Additionally, an article was introduced to amend a section of the Town Charter that currently prevents elected officials from accepting appointed paid positions for two years after leaving office. The rationale for the amendment was the difficulty in filling positions with qualified candidates due to the lengthy waiting period. The committee noted that many municipalities have a shorter waiting period of 45 days. A motion to recommend this amendment passed unanimously.

The committee also approved funding for a collective bargaining agreement for the Department of Public Works, contingent upon ratification by the union membership. The proposed memorandum of agreement included provisions for contract duration, payback for training costs if an employee left early, and adjustments to the salary grid. The motion passed without opposition.

An article to amend the Soil Conservation bylaw was introduced. The motion passed unanimously.

Chief Farland returned to address the need for a generator replacement at the EMS facility on Middle Road. The existing generator is malfunctioning, and the building’s exterior requires repairs. The chief sought authorization for an amount not to exceed $49,999 to cover these projects, emphasizing compliance with state procurement laws. The motion to approve passed without opposition.

The committee also discussed the funding for a new ambulance, mirroring a previous article passed in May 2023. The chief proposed raising or appropriating funds not to exceed $600,000 for the purchase and equipping of the ambulance, stressing the importance of getting on the waiting list due to extended delivery times. The motion passed without opposition.

Attention then shifted to an article proposing the authorization for an extended school transportation contract. The committee discussed the financial implications, highlighting that the fourth and fifth years would not incur additional costs compared to the third year. The motion passed without opposition.

Lastly, the committee addressed a transfer of funds from the special education reserve fund to cover a $186,000 deficit. This item was initially intended for the annual town meeting but was introduced at the special meeting due to unspecified reasons. The motion to approve the transfer passed.