A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the fire department, where issues related to staffing and budget took center stage. The fire department’s leadership outlined their ongoing struggle with personnel shortages, particularly the challenge of maintaining adequate staffing levels in the face of multiple vacancies and members on injury leave. This struggle has led to increased overtime costs and concerns about operational readiness, especially as the department adapts to serve a growing community with new residential developments.

The fire department is addressing these challenges by implementing a comprehensive training program for both new recruits and existing members seeking paramedic certification. This effort is part of a broader strategy to fill staffing gaps, which have historically led to elevated overtime expenses. A notable development is the successful passage of House Bill 4168, allowing for the expansion of the hiring pool by setting residency requirements collaboratively with the union.

The department has also engaged in a pilot program with the Collins Foundation to evaluate the efficiency of personnel deployment, analyzing operational data such as call volume and response times. The findings from this initiative are expected to inform future staffing models and operational strategies. The fire department’s recent upgrades, including elevating an engine to paramedic level and deploying a paramedic fly car, are aimed at enhancing patient care and operational flexibility.

Budgetary discussions were equally critical, with a projected increase in personnel costs from $2.4 million in 2024 to $3.4 million in 2027 raising concerns among board members. The fire department attributed this increase to the need for additional staffing to cover ongoing vacancies, which in turn drives up overtime costs. The fire department’s capital requests for FY27, totaling over $1 million, include funds for equipment replacements and upgrades.

Beyond the fire department, the meeting also addressed infrastructure projects and other town services. The public works department presented updates on several key projects, including the acquisition of grants for infrastructure improvements and the development of a new DPW building. The debate over the proposed $23 million building project highlighted differing perspectives on financial prudence and project scope, with some advocating for a more modest approach to meet essential needs.

Meanwhile, the public works department has been working on stormwater management and cemetery improvements. Concerns were raised about the condition of roads in older cemetery sections, with ongoing efforts to address these issues despite funding constraints.

In addition to infrastructure, community services were a focal point of the meeting. Discussions included the town’s collaboration with Metro West Legal Services to tackle complex needs such as homelessness and housing. The introduction of a childcare subsidy program, funded by local voters, aims to support qualifying families with childcare costs. The transportation department reported operational improvements, including a reduction in costs and an increase in ridership due to new software and collaborative efforts with the Low Regional Transit Authority.

The meeting concluded with updates from the health and human services department, which highlighted the challenges posed by federal funding cuts and the importance of data-driven decision-making. Despite financial constraints, the department remains committed to evolving its service delivery model to meet the changing needs of the community, particularly in areas like healthcare and housing.