The board’s budgetary deliberations revealed a financial strain. A projected deficit for fiscal year 2026 looms large, with the town facing a shortfall of $110,000 after accounting for debt service and a free cash reduction. The school district compounds this issue with a separate deficit of $546,000. As a remedy, a $261,000 override proposal was noted, intended to align the town’s revenue with school assessment needs. However, this does not account for additional adjustments necessary to balance the budget. The board acknowledged that these budgetary challenges are not unique to Dunstable, as many nearby communities grapple with similar financial pressures, resulting in increased requests for general fund overrides.

The dialogue also touched on the historical context of tax increases and staffing decisions, with previous reductions in school personnel leading to larger class sizes. There was a notable call for transparency and accountability from the school district regarding its budget management and communication with taxpayers. A member expressed frustration over repeated budgetary shortfalls.

Parallel to fiscal discussions, the board considered the town’s housing situation. A presentation from the Greater Lowell Regional Planning Agency highlighted the housing affordability crisis across the region. With vacancy rates near zero for sales and 2% for rentals, housing cost burdens affect roughly one-third of households. This has prompted a regional housing strategy to address affordability and accessibility. The plan proposes zoning changes to support “missing middle” housing, such as cottage-style developments near town centers, and inclusionary zoning to ensure affordable units in new projects.

Some residents emphasized the need to maintain Dunstable’s green spaces, while others pointed to zoning laws that favor large homes, making affordable options challenging to develop. The board discussed the importance of updating zoning regulations to accommodate diverse housing needs while preserving the town’s rural character.

Infrastructure needs were another focal point, particularly concerning the library. The library’s heating and air conditioning systems are in poor condition, with one boiler already shut down. The board recognized the urgency of these repairs, especially with winter approaching, but noted the inadequacy of state funding to cover all necessary replacements. A team from National Grid is scheduled to evaluate town buildings to update the energy reduction plan, which is important for qualifying for additional funding.

The board approved a professional services contract for architectural design related to library and bandstand repairs. However, concerns were raised about prioritizing library repairs over other projects, such as light pole replacements. The board also approved a contract for window and door replacements at the police station, funded through state contributions.

Discussions on regional housing strategies acknowledged the limitations of Dunstable’s capacity for extensive development due to its size and existing infrastructure. The potential for regional cooperation was explored, with a suggestion that Dunstable could preserve its open spaces while neighboring towns accommodate increased housing. This approach aims to balance environmental priorities with housing needs.