One topic at the meeting was the approval of the town’s capital improvement plan, which outlined a budget of around $1.9 million for fiscal year 2027. The approved budget draws from multiple funding sources, including $1.9 million from free cash, $100,000 from the marine services enterprise fund for a specific project, and $40,000 from the beach enterprise fund designated for the purchase of a truck. The cemetery perpetual care account will contribute $200,000 towards cemetery expansion. The capital improvement planning committee had received requests totaling approximately $5 million.

Key items in the capital improvement plan include HVAC upgrades for the Westport Elementary School and the procurement of new police cruisers. A particularly noteworthy item under conditional recommendation due to budget constraints is a $157,000 highway department dump truck with a plow. This vehicle would enhance the operational flexibility of the department by allowing all members to operate it without requiring a commercial driver’s license, an aspect that could prove crucial during snowstorms.

The board also discussed the establishment of a capital stabilization account, which aims to set aside 5% of free cash annually for future projects. The recommended contribution to this fund for the current year is estimated at $182,000. The Select Board’s role in these financial decisions involves making recommendations that will ultimately be reviewed and decided upon at town meetings, with the finance committee playing a role in the approval process.

The Select Board also addressed a strategic shift towards improving community communications, a priority identified during the recent town administrator search. The town administrator, Chris, outlined plans to enhance communication strategies within the town office. He emphasized the importance of proactive messaging and branding, and proposed several options for improving the town’s communications function. This includes establishing a new social media presence with platforms such as Facebook, Twitter (or X), and LinkedIn, intended to facilitate outreach to residents. While these accounts currently have limited content, Chris expressed optimism that they would evolve into reliable sources of information, complementing the town’s website.

In a related development, Chris announced open office hours on January 29, inviting residents to discuss their concerns or suggestions.

Further discussions at the meeting involved the approval of mediation and intermunicipal water agreements with the city of Fall River. These agreements, which had been under negotiation for some time, were finalized following legal review. A board member abstained from the vote, but the agreements were approved with three votes in favor, one abstention, and one absence.

The board also reviewed the upcoming 2026 annual town meeting zoning amendments and scenic roads bylaw proposal. These proposals were referred back to the planning board for further hearings and discussions, with the next scheduled hearing set for February 9.

Other notable moments from the meeting included a public comment regarding the placement of a power pole on private property, which raised concerns about potential damage to a stone wall and hedge. The individual requested assurance from the board that no damage would occur during the installation.