One of the primary topics of the meeting was the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding allocations. By the October 24 deadline, the county received 122 applications from various communities seeking financial support. As part of the ARPA program, towns such as Halifax and Hingham were awarded grants of $35,200 and $441,000, respectively. The commissioners discussed the efficient delivery of these funds, emphasizing the need for coordination with town select boards or managers to ensure smooth transactions. It was also noted that the administrative costs associated with the program were relatively low compared to other counties.

In light of these funding efforts, the commissioners approved the formation of a subcommittee for the County Fire Chiefs Communication Project. This subcommittee will include a commissioner, the treasurer, the county administrator, and selected fire chiefs from several towns. The motion to formalize this structure was approved.

The meeting also addressed an increase in mortgage refinancing activity within the county, which led to an unexpected rise in mortgage deeds, reported to be 16% higher than the previous year. Despite fluctuating interest rates, this surge contributed to the county’s financial health. However, the board expressed concerns over staffing challenges, particularly in customer service departments, which were experiencing disruptions due to retirements and illnesses. To mitigate these issues, the board emphasized the urgency of hiring to maintain effective constituent services.

The meeting also highlighted an incident involving a fraudulent email alert concerning property ownership, which led to a surge in inquiries from concerned residents. In response, the board recommended the use of a fraud alert system available on the county’s website. This system allows residents to receive notifications about any transactions recorded under their names, providing an additional layer of security for property owners.

Turning to infrastructure, the board reviewed the need for a new generator at the Wham District Court, as the existing unit was over 50 years old and showing signs of failure. The anticipated cost for a new generator is approximately $90,000, with reimbursement expected from the state. Similarly, the board discussed the need to replace a malfunctioning chiller at Brockton Superior, with lead times for replacement equipment noted to be around six months.

Further discussions revolved around training initiatives for the maintenance team, including an upcoming OSHA training session scheduled for December 6th. This session aims to enhance skill sets and address past issues related to language barriers, as training will be conducted in both English and Portuguese. The board also addressed ongoing challenges with an elevator at the courthouse, which has faced multiple breakdowns. While the need for a redundant elevator was acknowledged, budget constraints made such proposals difficult to realize. The board commended the maintenance team for their responsiveness in emergency situations and their ability to manage repairs despite limited resources.

The commissioners also reviewed the county’s financial position, noting an increase in net position from $1,749,500 to $2,798,181 over the past year. Investment income exceeded 10%, attributed to strategic decisions made in 2014 regarding funding scenarios. The board expressed appreciation for the progress made in addressing other post-employment benefits obligations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining fiscal responsibility.