An ongoing negotiation for an intermunicipal agreement (IMA) with Tinkar aims to improve these response times. The proposed partnership, projected to cost $45,000 annually, is not a fixed amount due to fluctuations in transport volume. The Board is considering a $50,000 funding request to cover potential unforeseen expenses, though it was suggested that this could be halved to reflect half a year of service. The IMA would not require town meeting approval, and it was emphasized that both parties must benefit from the agreement. Concerns were raised about future financial burdens, with the potential for town overrides to maintain essential services.

The financial implications of using free cash for recurring costs like emergency services were debated, with some members expressing concern about the sustainability of this approach. The Board acknowledged the necessity of maintaining fiscal discipline while ensuring public safety.

Another topic was the potential impact of new developments in Croton on local school funding and enrollment. The Board speculated that increased school enrollment from new families could lead to higher assessments. However, it was noted that the recently opened Lawrence Roach School is nearing capacity, which might mitigate some of the anticipated enrollment increases. The regional agreement binding the town to its current school funding obligations was described as a burden, with no feasible way to exit these commitments. This financial strain highlighted the town’s need to consider tax increases to meet its responsibilities.

The meeting also addressed the need for a reliable communication system during emergencies, following a recent active shooter incident. The Board discussed implementing a reverse 911 system to ensure all residents receive timely alerts. Code Red was proposed as a solution, with an initial cost of $3,150 and a planned annual increase. The system’s features include the ability to notify specific areas and send alerts via text, email, and phone calls. The Board agreed on the importance of strategic use to avoid overwhelming residents with non-critical notifications.

In addition to emergency services and communication, the Board discussed several infrastructure projects. The town hall’s HVAC system requires improvements, with a quote of $30,755 to replace two condenser and air handler units. The town hall chimney, described as a faux chimney or elevator vent, needs an additional $25,000 for repairs, bringing the total project request to $35,500. The Board also considered long-term investment strategies for local baseball fields, emphasizing the need for a commitment from the baseball organization to justify financial investments.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the town’s website upgrade, focusing on mobile-friendliness and ADA compliance. The current service provider, Civic Plus, was critiqued for high costs and inadequate support, prompting consideration of a more flexible and cost-effective vendor. The proposed transition aims to enhance the website’s functionality while managing costs.