One of the most noteworthy topics at the meeting was the increase in school funding, which took center stage amid talks of potential layoffs or position reductions due to financial constraints. The committee underscored the need for collaboration between the town and schools to navigate the fiscal challenges ahead.

The Select Board’s budget presented a modest increase from the previous year, moving from $271,233 to $274,868, a 1.3% rise. In contrast, the Town Buildings and Properties budget experienced a 13% reduction, totaling $223,368. This decrease was primarily due to the elimination of the Foreman’s position and a reallocation of funds from custodial services to in-house work.

Employee Benefits and Insurance saw a 6.7% increase, with health insurance costs being a significant contributor. Pensions also rose by 6.3%, a result of the Bristol County retirement board’s assessment. In a move to streamline operations, the Town Accountant’s budget was reduced by about $55,000, whereas the Board of Assessors’ budget saw a 2.75% increase, mainly due to negotiated raises.

The Treasurer-Collector’s budget was up by 4.6%, attributed to contractual raises and the addition of a treasure collector. The Technology budget surged by 88.3%, largely because of escalating costs associated with the email hosting service. The Town Clerk’s budget increased by 4.2%, partly due to a reallocation of postage funds, and the Elections budget rose to $35,343 in anticipation of the presidential election, with the Board of Registrars’ budget also climbing due to additional election-related postage expenses.

Conversely, the Board of Health budget saw a significant decrease, offsetting the Conservation Commission’s budget increase. The Planning budget remained constant at $90,650. The Police Department budget experienced a smaller increase compared to the previous year, as the purchase of two police cruisers was not repeated. The Fire and EMS budget grew by 4%, with a third of that increase going towards overtime costs.

The Emergency Management budget rose to $17,900, which was attributed to increasing energy costs, a concern that resonated across several departmental budgets. Inspectional Services saw an increase to $156,782, partly due to a clerical position change. Contractual obligations led to a higher Animal Control budget. The DPW Highway Department faced a $10,000 hike, primarily from energy and contractual costs, and Street Lighting’s budget also increased by $5,000 due to energy expenses.

Other departments, such as the Council on Aging and the Library, experienced minor budget increases. However, the Water, Sewer, and Golf budgets were not discussed, with final figures for these and other budgets expected to be presented at a future date.

During the meeting, the committee emphasized the thorough analysis and review all budgets had undergone, conducted by the Town Administrator, Board of Selectmen, and the Finance Committee. The importance of providing adequate coverage for town offices to ensure continued public service was highlighted. Additionally, the committee briefly touched upon potential capital costs for essential infrastructure, such as call boxes, and the importance of their timely replacement.

The meeting also served as a platform for discussions on collaboration with the neighboring town of Fairhaven, particularly in the context of reserve funding and the challenges of financial planning. The committee reflected on the need for a cautious approach in allocating budgets for public services, including fire engines and ambulances, to address upcoming expenses effectively.