The property in question, identified as assessor Parcels map 19-1 141, map 19-1 144, and map 24-15, spans approximately 52 acres and was approved for acquisition for general municipal purposes at the May 7, 2024, annual town meeting. The town’s voters authorized borrowing $2.2 million to fund the purchase, contingent upon the approval of a Proposition 2 1/2 debt exclusion question.

The donation from the Bole family, which includes a mutual fund to be liquidated at the town’s discretion, is intended to reduce the taxpayers’ burden significantly. If the mutual fund’s proceeds fall short of $1 million, the donor has pledged to make up the difference in cash. The town plans to use the property for constructing a public safety building, among other potential municipal uses.

The Select Board conducted a roll call vote to accept the donation, which passed unanimously. The board members expressed gratitude for the Bole family’s generosity, emphasizing the donation’s importance in reducing the tax burden on residents.

In addition to the donation acceptance, the board handled a procedural matter related to payroll warrant signing due to the absence of the primary and alternate signers. A temporary emergency signer was appointed to ensure timely payroll processing.