The proposal for installing EV charging stations drew discussion, with John Scavone of Earthlight Technologies presenting the plan to place stations at the library, senior center, town hall, and police station. Scavone highlighted that a $50,000 grant per location would help offset costs, with the town’s out-of-pocket contribution estimated at $5,200 for the library installation due to extensive trenching required for electrical infrastructure. The stations were designed with two ports for simultaneous charging and would be ADA-compliant, an important consideration for the community.

Concerns were raised about the financial implications for the town, including an initial $1,000 deposit per site required for engineering studies. The board was assured that these deposits would be credited toward the project’s total cost if it proceeded. Questions about long-term maintenance, operational responsibilities, and financial commitments were addressed, with assurances that the town could set user rates to recoup electricity expenses. The representative emphasized that the system’s financial structure would not impose ongoing fees, providing a clear path for managing operational costs.

The board recognized the potential benefits of the charging stations for both community usage and economic development, aligning with state goals for increasing EV adoption. The discussion concluded with an agreement that further deliberation would be necessary, allowing time for board members to review all relevant documentation and address any outstanding questions.

Simultaneously, the board grappled with pressing budgetary issues. A revision in the anticipated override amount from $327,000 to $197,000 provided some relief amidst rising costs for retirement and health insurance. The town administrator’s salary was noted as being low for a town of this size, amidst high turnover in that position, with five administrators over the past 27 months. The Board of Health’s contract saw a 31% increase due in part to retirement costs, and the highway department’s hiring of a mechanic prompted questions about budget allocations.

Revenue estimates were discussed, highlighting a minor growth of under 1%, with free cash reported at approximately $559,000. There was a debate over the use of auction funds from town-owned properties, with suggestions to redirect these for specific expenses like an actuarial study. A hiring freeze was acknowledged, although exceptions were made for critical staffing needs. The possibility of a $600,000 override was deemed insufficient.

The board also considered a cashless payment system for town transactions, aimed at ensuring employee safety and reducing risks associated with handling large sums of cash. This proposal followed scrutiny over the treasurer/collector’s request for mileage costs associated with cash deposits. The board member leading the discussion advocated for eliminating cash transactions, citing alternatives like money orders to streamline processes and reduce risks.

The search for a new Town Administrator (TA) highlighted discrepancies in salary ranges across towns, with Townsend’s current offer lower than neighboring areas. The board discussed the formation of a search committee, with considerations for community feedback and efficient recruitment processes. There was a consensus on offering a competitive salary to attract qualified candidates, with a focus on long-term stability.

Additionally, the board addressed concerns about a lease for the Old Harbor Fire Station, moving toward finalizing it to support budget considerations. Discussions around public records requests revealed a high volume, prompting a debate over implementing a fee structure to compensate for staff time, emphasizing the need for transparency while managing workload efficiently.