The air conditioning system for Westford elementary school emerged as a issue. The committee acknowledged the long-standing need for climate control, citing it as the only school building without air conditioning. A budget of $500,000 was proposed, though it was recognized this would not cover the full cost, estimated at around $700,000. The committee expressed optimism that additional funds could be secured through grants and earmarks, highlighting ongoing efforts to obtain such financial support. This project has been a priority for several years, with committee members stressing the importance of addressing the issue to ensure a conducive learning environment for students.

Public safety needs were another focal point, with the committee discussing the replacement of an obsolete IT police workstation deemed critical for effective communication. The budget for this was set at $75,000, accompanied by a related service budget of $150,000 for the police department. The committee underscored the importance of updating the workstation, as finding replacement parts for the current system had become increasingly difficult. Additionally, the need for two new police cruisers was highlighted, with the committee noting that staffing levels had returned to full capacity, thus necessitating the vehicles. The total allocation for public safety, including a dispatch console, reached $305,000.

Fire department needs also received attention, with a focus on personal protective equipment (PPE) for firefighters. A budget of $30,000 was approved to gradually replace outdated gear. Furthermore, a $50,000 request to replace an air conditioning condenser at the Hicks Bridge station was considered essential due to past issues with mildew. The committee agreed on the necessity of these expenditures, viewing them as critical to maintaining operational readiness and safety.

The committee carefully evaluated other funding requests, such as the replacement of fuel tanks, which drew attention due to their deteriorating condition. A $120,000 allocation was proposed to address this issue, with acknowledgment that deferring the replacement could lead to more pressing needs in the future. While some members debated whether to include this in the current budget, the consensus was to proceed with the funding to avoid potential complications.

Attention also turned to the allocation of $340,000 for general government needs, including an animal control truck. After deliberation, the committee included the truck in the budget, despite initial suggestions to remove it. The necessity of the vehicle was weighed against other priorities, but the committee ultimately decided its inclusion was justified.

The committee faced challenges in balancing the total projected costs for education and public works, which amounted to over $2.9 million. Discussions highlighted the need for additional funding sources to accommodate all requests. This led to a broader conversation about the available free cash and enterprise funds, emphasizing the importance of strategic allocation to meet the town’s diverse needs.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the perpetual care fund, which had $450,000 remaining after a recent withdrawal of $350,000. Committee members stressed the importance of managing the fund carefully, proposing a spending freeze to rebuild resources for future emergencies.