The board also discussed financial matters, notably an unpaid bill from the previous fiscal year related to consulting work for a 40B appeal. This rare occurrence necessitated a special vote at a town meeting to approve nearly $110,000 from the town’s free cash balance, requiring a nine-tenths majority. Concerns were raised about potential legal action from the vendor if the expenditure wasn’t approved, highlighting the need for careful financial oversight and planning.

Rental revenues, particularly from non-resident rentals, have seen a significant drop, prompting further examination. Non-resident rentals decreased from 19 in 2022 to eight in 2023, with a noted shift in preferences post-COVID. The board discussed potential reasons for this decline, such as changing rental preferences and inadequate promotion of available rentals. The finances related to Tux Point rentals remain unclear, with operational costs estimated around $50,000 but lacking detailed breakdowns. Suggestions were made to gather more data on operational costs and solicit feedback from renters to understand their perceptions of value, with plans to revisit the issue in a future meeting for further investigation.

Capital planning was another major topic, with discussions on prioritizing projects for fiscal year 2026 and beyond. The board emphasized the need for better forecasting and management of capital projects, focusing on major budget items like police, fire, Department of Public Works (DPW), and schools. The conversation included exploring innovative construction methods, such as modular or prefab techniques, to manage costs effectively. The board recognized the necessity of community input in shaping project priorities and the importance of determining financial feasibility and political considerations.

The need for a structured plan to assess capital requirements and their impact on taxpayers was emphasized, with hopes for meaningful updates during the upcoming presentation of capital items scheduled for October 16. The board also touched on the importance of addressing stormwater regulations as pressured by the EPA, with a focus on updating previous inadequate guidelines. Additionally, a potential land conservation deal pursued by the Essex County Greenbelt was discussed, with support from the Community Preservation Committee recommending voter consideration.

Further discussions included the possibility of restricting accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as short-term rentals, referencing a new ordinance from Gloucester. This measure aims to mitigate concerns about ADUs contributing to housing issues rather than alleviating them, with urgency due to an impending law taking effect in February. The board also acknowledged recruitment efforts for town administration, considering a reputable recruiting firm familiar with many towns, despite geographic challenges.