The most pressing topic discussed during the Conway Selectboard meeting was the approval of the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Fiscal Year 2026 grant application. The grant, seeking approximately $300,000, is intended for floodplain management efforts and the replacement of culverts, crucial for the town’s infrastructure. This application also includes funding to assist the planning board with river corridor work. The board emphasized the importance of reaching out to affected landowners to encourage their participation in the project. The motion to vote on the MVP FY 26 grant application passed unanimously.

Another decision made during the meeting was the appointment of John Peler as the representative to the Franklin County Technical School. This appointment corrected a previous error where Peler’s term was mistakenly recorded as one year instead of three. The board unanimously approved the motion, extending his term until June 30, 2026.

Budget discussions were a major focus of the meeting, with particular attention on storm damage repairs and associated funding sources. Notably, the budget for road repair materials was reduced from $150,000 to $75,000, thanks to ongoing work funded by flood relief efforts. The discussion revealed that these reductions wouldn’t impact operational capabilities due to alternative funding sources like a Mass Works Grant. There were concerns about tracking expenses related to flood relief funds, with confirmation that a separate account manages these expenditures. Monthly reports are provided, but communication issues were noted, with requests made to add participants back to the distribution list.

The salary budget was another topic of concern, specifically an increase from $79,000 to $85,000, which includes a $6,000 stipend for winter-related overtime work. Some participants questioned how this stipend was categorized.

Discussions also touched upon the need for new equipment, driven by increasing costs and frequent use due to storm damage repairs. The board underscored the urgency of replacing critical equipment like loaders, which have experienced significant wear and tear from snow removal and repair operations. Concerns were raised about a lack of a clear replacement schedule for capital equipment, with recognition that budget constraints often delay necessary replacements, increasing repair costs over time.

Budgetary practices were examined, particularly regarding the snow and ice budget, which can operate in a deficit due to its unpredictable nature. Participants discussed the importance of maintaining lean budgets to avoid inflated figures in subsequent years, emphasizing the financial strain overspending could impose on the town. The practice of transferring funds from free cash or other sources to cover overspending was mentioned, with some expressing confusion about this process. It was suggested that unspent budget lines could replenish free cash, with stabilization funds being a last resort.

Currently budgeted for four positions, the department is operating with three, prompting consideration for budget adjustments to better reflect staffing needs.

The town administrator provided updates on various grants, including a potential earmark from a U.S. representative for a new fire truck, with the town already having over $300,000 set aside for a 25% match required for rural towns.

A participant from the tax work-off program expressed interest in continuing work on community signs related to agricultural initiatives, a project that had stalled due to the disbandment of the agricultural commission. The Selectboard showed interest in having this participant present their ideas at a future meeting.

Concerns were raised about a repeatedly damaged fence impacting waste management. The town administrator provided an update on a temporary fix, with plans for a permanent solution through insurance quotes.