The meeting’s most critical discussion centered on the procurement of new police cruisers, a recurring expense tied to existing lease agreements. Board members scrutinized the necessity of continuing with the current large model of cruisers, considering a downsizing option that might alleviate budget constraints. The police department’s request was outlined in a letter from the police chief, which had been reviewed by the board. This request is for fiscal year 2027, with the current lease arrangement entering its third year.

There was attention on the budgetary discrepancies surrounding the cruiser procurement. This inconsistency prompted calls for amending budget documentation to reflect accurate costs.

The board also discussed the scheduling and prioritization of departmental presentations. It was agreed that representatives from the police and highway departments would present their funding needs at an upcoming meeting, with the police department’s request being straightforward and primarily concerning vehicle leases. The board considered deferring the police department’s fencing request, slated for fiscal year 2030, to focus on the more immediate needs of FY27. There was a consensus to limit the time for the police presentation, expecting it to be relatively brief.

In light of these discussions, the board emphasized the importance of understanding financial resources available before making decisions on requests. This understanding would guide the board in effectively rating and prioritizing departmental submissions. It was noted that engaging the town administrator and finance director would be crucial for acquiring necessary financial data.

The Recreation Department’s budget request was another focal point, highlighted by a potential grant application for $50,000. Concerns were raised about the sufficiency of the $25,000 budgeted without the grant. The board also addressed the highway department’s expenditures for FY27, which included the fifth payment on an existing lease amounting to $31,000. Acknowledging limited funds in the capital stabilization account, approximately $20,000, the board stressed the need to prioritize projects based on available funding.

Attention turned to necessary repairs at the library, such as a leaky roof and sidewalks that required replacement. These concerns were particularly pressing due to the safety risks they posed to elderly patrons who frequently use the library. The board acknowledged that while the cost of roof replacement might not be significant, the urgency of sidewalk repairs was paramount given the risk to seniors using walkers or wheelchairs.

Further discussions highlighted issues at Memorial Hall, including the heating system’s estimated cost of $235,000, pending design costs. Questions arose regarding whether the design had been contracted out or handled internally, with an indication of $10,000 allocated for planning and design.

The board recognized the importance of long-term planning for facility repairs, acknowledging that some projects were projected several years into the future. Concerns about delayed maintenance were raised, especially regarding peeling paint and potential building exterior deterioration.

In addition to budget discussions, the meeting saw the reorganization of the Capital Planning Committee. Carol Hopson was elected as the new chair despite initial reluctance, supported by a unanimous vote. Geraldine Bazikas was elected vice chair, confirming her willingness to serve, and Kathleen Spford was appointed as clerk.