A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the discussion of a new solid waste contract with Waste Zero. The board explored extending the existing agreement by two months to allow time for a review of legal feedback on the proposed contract. Legal feedback had been delayed due to the vacation of Waste Zero’s legal team, prompting concerns about whether trash collection would continue without interruption. It was confirmed that services would remain operational while the board finalized the new agreement.

The contract negotiation raised questions about the prevailing wage requirements and led to a consensus that a complete review of the legal documentation was necessary before final approval. The board underscored the importance of transparency and due diligence in the process, noting that some residents had expressed interest in rejoining the waste management program after initially opting out.

In addition to waste management, the board tackled various budgetary matters, including multiple municipal reserve transfer requests. One notable request was for a transfer of $20,961.04 to cover underestimated health insurance expenses. The funds were to be sourced from both the human resources line and veterans benefits. Another discussion focused on a $4,500 transfer for the tax collector’s professional services, with questions arising about why only a portion of the deficit was being addressed.

The board also reviewed a $31,564 transfer for general property and liability insurance, sourced from the community services coordinator’s wages. These discussions emphasized the need for accurate financial documentation and careful budgeting to ensure that all motions were properly recorded and reviewed.

The topic of accounting services was another focal point, with a proposal from CBIZ being evaluated. The proposal included a rate of $12,000 per month for the heavier months of July through September and $6,000 per month for the remainder of the year. The board considered the possibility of a month-to-month contract rather than a full-year commitment and discussed the importance of legal review to protect the town’s interests.

The board debated the merits of hiring a full-time certified town accountant versus continuing with CBIZ, given the challenges of finding qualified candidates at the town’s pay rate. A consensus emerged in favor of contracting with CBIZ initially. The board contemplated starting the hiring process within two months to allow for an overlap period once a new accountant was appointed.

A proposal from ClearGov regarding budgeting software was also considered, with the software offering features such as operating budgets, long-term capital planning, and personnel expenses. While the software was seen as beneficial for its ongoing budget review capabilities, concerns were raised about the cost. The board discussed using free cash for the initial setup, with ongoing costs potentially budgeted or included in a capital plan.

Further discussions included budget adjustments and the procurement of accounting services. The board approved reallocating funds within the town clerk’s budget and reviewed a proposal for accounting services. Additionally, the board addressed the necessity for media relations policies and the potential hiring of a public relations firm to manage the town’s image. The need for an updated public comment policy, compliant with recent Massachusetts Supreme Court rulings, was also acknowledged.

The meeting concluded with discussions on property sales and development, emphasizing the need for community input and careful planning. The board considered a proposal for selling a small property on Hes Road and discussed forestry cutting on larger properties slated for future development. Public safety updates highlighted the need for a financial override to maintain essential services, and vacancies across town committees were addressed, with an emphasis on the importance of filling these positions.