A substantial portion of the meeting was dedicated to the annual tax classification hearing, where board members considered various tax rate scenarios. The discussion revolved around maintaining a fair tax burden across property classes. The potential changes proposed included a split tax rate of 1.34, which would decrease the average residential tax bill by $353, compared to maintaining the current rate. The board weighed the advantages of this shift against the impact on commercial and industrial properties. Members expressed concerns about the financial burden on residents, who constitute 91% of the town’s tax base, and the risk of population decline if residential tax rates rise too much.

The debate included scrutiny of tax rate implications, especially in light of a $16 to $17 million increase in school funding. This sparked conversations about the necessity of balancing budgetary needs without disproportionately impacting any single property class. A proposal for a shift of 1.31 was eventually deemed a reasonable compromise to alleviate the tax burden on residents while maintaining fairness for commercial properties.

Further discussions highlighted the need for a Deputy Fire Chief position, a need identified since 2011. The absence of such a role has hindered the fire department’s ability to manage rising call volumes and adhere to safety inspection requirements. The addition of a Deputy Fire Chief is seen as vital for improving operational efficiency, ensuring fire prevention, and coping with the complexities of modern safety codes. While the exact financial impacts of this role were not specified, the board acknowledged its potential benefits in terms of operational savings and strategic planning.

Transparency and communication were also topics, with concerns about the accessibility of meeting agendas and the need for adequate public notice. A board member pointed out difficulties in finding future agendas on the town’s website, emphasizing the need for more than 48 hours’ notice to plan attendance. The discussion about public access extended to the handling of community funds, where caution was advised against direct funding for private events to maintain fiscal discipline.

The board also reviewed the town’s fiscal year 2026 budget, facing an estimated deficit of $1.9 million. Key budgetary considerations included a $200,000 increase for the senior center and anticipated rises in insurance and energy costs. The board also discussed the school department’s proposed budget increase, which remains a point of uncertainty.

In addition to financial discussions, the meeting touched on administrative and community matters. The Town Administrator provided updates on various community events and acknowledged the efforts of local election staff and volunteers. The board concluded with discussions on the upcoming police chief interview process, deciding on a formal approach to ensure transparency and thorough evaluation.