The acquisition of the properties—one mostly wooded and unimproved, the other with an old house earmarked for removal—was presented as a step to conserve open space. However, it sparked a notable debate among attendees. Bob Van, a resident, voiced disappointment over the lack of consideration for affordable housing development on the acquired land, arguing that the town’s significant conservation land holdings should not overshadow housing needs. He referenced a Boston Globe editorial criticizing the use of Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds in ways that might restrict housing opportunities.

David Martin, a member of the Select Board, clarified that the purchase would not affect local taxes or the operational budget, as it was funded entirely through CPA money and grants. He also noted that the larger parcel would be integrated with the town’s existing conservation land to enhance environmental preservation. The board unanimously endorsed the article, emphasizing the long-term benefits of securing the land for future generations.

Throughout the public comment period, questions were raised about the financial specifics of the transaction. A speaker inquired about the cost per acre and the debt load of the Community Preservation Committee. Martin responded that the cost per acre was approximately $109,000 and estimated the future debt service for CPA borrowing at about $170,000 annually. The percentage of Acton’s land currently under conservation was estimated at 21%, although not definitively confirmed.

Concerns about the perpetual nature of the conservation restriction were addressed by Martin, who assured attendees that while the conservation status was mandated by the grant agreement, some flexibility existed for associated uses like parking for trail access. Supporters of the acquisition, such as Rob Corduck and Carla Hiler, stressed the importance of preserving the land to maintain the town’s environmental integrity and property values, as well as providing opportunities for wildlife preservation.

The motion required a two-thirds majority to pass and was ultimately approved by a voice vote, concluding one of the most discussions of the meeting.

In addition to the property acquisition, the board addressed several other important articles. Article Two involved the authorization of a collective bargaining agreement with the Facilities Cemetery and Public Works Personnel Union. The board approved a motion to appropriate $60,000 from free cash to cover the agreement’s costs, which included a $2 per hour wage increase for the current fiscal year, followed by 2.5% cost-of-living adjustments in subsequent years. These adjustments aim to improve employee retention and address challenges in attracting new hires due to lower pay scales and inadequate working conditions.

Article Three concerned a similar collective bargaining agreement for Public Safety dispatchers, with $155,000 transferred from free cash to fund the agreement. The contract featured a 2.75% cost-of-living increase for the first year, with varied increases thereafter. Questions arose about the disparities in percentage increases between the two agreements, which were clarified as stemming from distinct negotiation processes and unit conditions.

The board also discussed Article Four, which focused on a capital purchase for a replacement ambulance. A lease purchase financing agreement was authorized, with an initial appropriation of $140,000 from the ambulance Enterprise fund. This purchase was deemed necessary due to the heavy usage and aging condition of the current ambulances, with delivery lead times extending up to 25 months. The cost, estimated at $650,000, will be financed through insurance reimbursements.

Lastly, Article Five proposed an annual cost-of-living increase for veterans’ property tax exemptions to align with inflation as per the Consumer Price Index. This motion, supported by the Finance Committee, was seen as a vital measure to honor veterans, enhanced by the recent HERO Act provisions, which include increased annuities and hiring credits for businesses that employ veterans.