A central topic was the town’s generator maintenance and operational issues. The Select Board had signed a maintenance contract with Kinsley, and a level two inspection was conducted on November 1. A key term that puzzled members was “wet stacking,” which involves unburned fuel accumulating in the exhaust system, potentially causing damage over time. To mitigate this, it was suggested that the generator should be run under a sufficient load, about 75% of its capacity, to achieve optimal operating temperatures and prevent condensation build-up. The estimated cost to address the generator’s issues was $28,963. The board discussed the necessity of regular operation of the generator, recommending it be started every other week to avoid component malfunctions due to infrequent use.

Complicating matters was an outstanding invoice related to a generator switch from Simons, with parts yet to be received. The board debated delaying Kinsley’s recommended maintenance until the switch’s arrival. An outreach to Elm Electric for further assistance was mentioned.

The meeting also delved into fiscal planning, specifically concerning town water bills. A designated account for fiscal year 2025 held $32,000, but older, unpaid bills exceeded this amount. The Select Board emphasized the need for a town meeting to authorize payment of these overdue bills, as expenditure without approval is not allowed. This ongoing issue highlighted a pattern of inadequate budgeting for water expenses, prompting calls for a reassessment in future fiscal strategies. Clarification was sought regarding whether the library’s water bill was included in the town’s budget, sparking further investigation into the accounting of water bills across various town buildings.

Financial discussions extended to broader budgetary concerns. A proposed warrant article aimed to replenish reserve funds, initially at $45,000 but reduced to $29,000. The town hall maintenance budget was overspent, partly due to Eversource bills being incorrectly charged to this account, although this error was rectified. Despite the adjustment, the account remained in deficit by about $8,000. A warrant article was proposed to address this shortfall, leaving approximately $7,000 after adjustment. The Tree Warden’s budget was similarly scrutinized after being exceeded by $210, prompting suggestions to balance overspending with other expenses within the same budget. The board members acknowledged their limited experience in managing these budgets, attributing some uncertainty to outsourced accounting services.

Highway department finances were another focal point, with overtime and equipment repairs nearing budget limits. The potential sale of a plow for $10,000 was discussed as a means to balance the repairs budget, previously burdened by a large bill mistakenly paid from this account instead of insurance. Highway expenses stood at 70%, prompting review of specific spending categories to clarify fund allocation. Unspent funds from a special town meeting held in March 2024, which approved funds for a mini excavator, further complicated budget management.

The agenda also included motions related to licenses and fiscal reports. The board approved the ABCC seasonal population increase and renewal certification for the calendar year 2025, both passed unanimously. An expenditure report from various departments was reviewed, with a suggestion to table it for the following year due to discrepancies in reserve fund reports.

Another discussion centered around a $350,000 grant for a water department project. The board underscored the importance of contract execution before commencing any work, as premature expenditures would not qualify for reimbursement. This condition emphasized the need for careful paperwork to avoid financial missteps.

The Select Board also addressed a request from representatives of a local church to move their sign, currently obscured by a ramp. The sign had been in place for approximately 80 years, and representatives sought guidance on relocating it without changing its size.

A special town meeting was finalized for December 20, with members noting logistical challenges in scheduling. Preparations for the fiscal year 2026 budgeting process were also discussed, including a draft letter and spreadsheets for town departments, approved by the Finance Committee, to streamline grant applications and budgeting efforts.