The board’s decision to impose a $112 fee for residential EV charger installations reflects a response to increased local demand and varied practices in surrounding communities. This new fee comprises a $100 charge plus a $12 monthly cost, placing it in the mid-range compared to peer towns. Interest was expressed in the potential for a public charging station at Town Hall, with discussions highlighting the challenges posed by minimum usage thresholds often required by vendors offering free installations. These thresholds can lead to the town incurring unexpected costs if usage does not meet expectations. The board considered partnering with a vendor requiring only an exterior Wi-Fi network for installations, which could facilitate easier implementation.

Another point of discussion was the funding strategy for the upcoming special town meeting, particularly concerning Article 13. This article offers two funding options: the available levy or free cash. The board showed a preference for using the levy due to concerns about maintaining a healthy free cash balance, crucial for funding the general budget. The proposed funding amount of $25,000 pertains to the second half of the fiscal year and will be revisited at the annual town meeting in the spring. Board members debated the implications of using free cash, noting it could allow assessors to adjust the tax rate without further board action, potentially increasing levy capacity for the next fiscal year.

The board also deliberated the alignment of the special election for the state senate with town elections, seeking cost savings. Despite the potential benefits, differing timelines for elections posed challenges. Members leaned towards utilizing the levy for immediate needs while preserving the integrity of the free cash policy. Ultimately, the board agreed to sponsor the articles for the special town meeting and approved the warrant for presentation to residents.

Attention then turned to the appointment of Jodie Ko as the new animal control officer, succeeding the retiring John Greenhouse. Ko’s extensive experience, including her roles in Shirley and Groton and her background in livestock management, was noted. The board expressed gratitude for Greenhouse’s service and welcomed Ko, whose term will expire on June 30, 2026. The field driver role, part of Ko’s responsibilities, involves managing situations with loose livestock, a vital function in the area.

The meeting also addressed proposed changes to the town’s employee wage structure based on research and surveys from twelve communities. The new model proposes reducing the time required to reach the top pay step from thirty to twenty years, with a 3% step increase every two years, accompanied by a historical cost of living adjustment (COLA) of around 2%. There was some concern that the 2% COLA might be inadequate given recent inflation rates, which have reached as high as 9%. The proposal aims to enhance competitiveness in hiring and retention, acknowledging that current compensation, while fair, may not fully counter inflationary pressures.

The estimated average increase under the new pay plan is about $7,500, although costs could rise depending on the number of employees eligible for raises. The board discussed transitioning current employees to the new pay structure. This adjustment is vital to maintaining staff morale and reducing turnover, which has been a challenge in certain positions.