A point of discussion was the financial predicament facing the police department. The department reported a notable increase in calls, with a 6% rise in 2024 and a 10% increase in 2023. This surge in demand has resulted in reduced time for proactive policing, as officers are increasingly consumed by reactive duties. The proposed budget for maintaining current staffing levels without layoffs requires an additional $210,000 to achieve a “level services” budget of $4.6 million.

To address the shortfall, the board considered various options, including tax overrides and increased fees. One suggestion was to raise the sticker fee for waste disposal from $240 to $350, potentially covering a portion of the funding needed for fire and police services. The proposal sparked a debate about the appropriateness of aligning fees with those in neighboring communities, with a consensus that a data-driven approach was necessary to ensure fairness and community acceptance.

The board also discussed the implications of potential budget cuts on the fire department. The department has been grappling with increased call volumes, with 51% of calls resulting in simultaneous emergencies, complicating response times. To maintain service quality, the department proposed a budget with a slight increase, highlighting the necessity of keeping response times within critical windows for emergencies like cardiac arrests.

In parallel, discussions about the education budget revealed that local schools are projected to exceed their allocated budget by $1.7 million, with regional school budgets potentially over by $2 million. The board acknowledged the town’s historical allocation of 53% of its budget to schools, emphasizing the need for transparent communication with the community about any potential overrides. The sentiment was that any override should be thoroughly explained to taxpayers, considering broader economic pressures, including rising utility costs.

The water department’s challenges also took center stage, with discussions about unaccounted-for water and infrastructure improvements. The department faced scrutiny over its decision not to pursue a grant for a complete water audit, despite a significant percentage of unaccounted water. The board urged the Water Commission to clarify plans for addressing water loss and improving infrastructure, particularly in light of future developments that could strain the existing water supply.

Further, the meeting touched on the MBTA zoning approval, which allows for the construction of over 500 new apartments. Concerns were raised about the increased demand for police, fire, and school services as a result of this development.

In addition to these pressing budgetary issues, the board explored ways to optimize revenue from town services. The transfer station’s budget was a focal point, with discussions about increasing decal fees to alleviate its financial burden. There was a proposal to implement a “pay as you throw” system, charging residents based on waste disposal volume, as a means to encourage recycling and reduce costs.

With essential services at risk, the board emphasized the need for creative solutions and community engagement to address the funding shortfall.