The most issue at the meeting was the discussion surrounding the proposed Senior Center project, which has been a longstanding initiative dating back to 2018. The Finance Committee acknowledged the considerable work undertaken by the Senior Center site selection and building committee, including hiring environmental scientists and engaging with a specialized architectural team. The projected cost of the Senior Center, estimated at $16.6 million, was a focal point of concern. The committee compared this figure to similar projects in Massachusetts, noting that construction costs have risen to approximately $1,000 per square foot, as evidenced by the town of Littleton’s recent senior center project.

The committee emphasized the importance of community engagement and transparency in the planning process. They discussed the necessity of creating a facility that accommodates a diverse range of needs within the senior population. The conversation revealed that the architect’s approach had initially led to confusion regarding how costs were presented, with the total project cost including all facets of construction, such as design and site development. The lack of utilities at the selected site further complicates the situation, requiring additional engineering work. Members debated the potential benefits and drawbacks of building a smaller facility to reduce costs, while others argued for a long-term vision that would prevent future complications or expansions.

In addition to the Senior Center, the meeting highlighted the police department’s ongoing recruitment efforts and budgetary updates. The police chief detailed the department’s financial status, reporting expenditures at 18.2% of the fiscal year target and explaining that a portion of this spending was due to outfitting a new cruiser. The chief also noted that wages were at 16.5% spent, with overtime at 11.8%, attributing these figures to current staffing levels. He warned that as recruitment progresses, expenses could rise, particularly if more officers are sent to the academy than originally planned. The chief stressed the importance of monitoring budget lines closely, especially with unpredictable expenses such as training and maintenance agreements.

Furthermore, the committee discussed the Inter-Municipal Agreement with the Town of Shirley concerning the operation of the Communication Center. The budget for the current year includes an assessment of $175,000 from Shirley, which will increase in the following years. This adjustment ensures a more equitable sharing of the Communication Center’s operational costs, reducing liabilities for both towns. The committee expressed satisfaction with this arrangement and highlighted the training of two new full-time employees as a measure to decrease reliance on overtime.

The meeting also touched on potential funding sources for the Senior Center project, including state and federal options such as Community Development Block Grant funds and Massachusetts Cultural Council grants. The possibility of collaborating with state representatives for earmarked funds was discussed. A suggestion was made to consider private developers for constructing the facility and leasing it back to the town, though this approach was met with concerns over compliance with prevailing wage laws and public bidding processes.

As the meeting concluded, the committee planned for upcoming events, including a special town meeting on October 28th and the next Finance Committee meeting on November 7th. The session ended with a discussion on routine financial oversight responsibilities.