41:49Superintendent Adam Renda outlined the budget for the fiscal year 2026, emphasizing the collaborative effort with town managers to create a fiscally responsible plan that addresses the educational needs of students. A critical point of discussion involved the expiration of ESSER grants, which had provided temporary federal funding; despite this, staffing levels have been maintained, and a sustainable contract for teachers has been negotiated.

22:18The budget’s development was influenced by enrollment trends, which have increased beyond pre-pandemic levels to 1,750 students. This growth has amplified the need for resources, particularly for multilingual learners, who have increased by 39% over the past five years. The number of economically disadvantaged students has also risen, with 100 more students now in this category compared to five years ago.

11:05Finance Director Bill Plunkett provided an in-depth analysis of budget allocations, revealing that 70% of the budget is dedicated to salaries, followed by contracted services, supplies, and other expenses. A notable $274,000 increase in state revenue, attributed to a 2.8% rise, was highlighted, yet Plunkett cautioned against over-reliance on optimistic revenue projections.

21:21Details of the budget assessment revealed increases in the required local contribution from Ayer and Shirley due to state mandates. Ayer’s contribution increased by $899,526, while Shirley’s rose by just over $400,000. These assessments are based on changes in enrollment and are beyond local control. The total general fund expenditures are pegged at $34,820,000.

01:42:52Attention shifted to the proposed introduction of electronic voting devices for town meetings, a move aimed at enhancing the democratic process. A citizen petition spearheaded this initiative, with the proponent explaining that these devices would allow voters to cast their votes anonymously, reducing the influence of peer pressure and promoting genuine representation of community opinions.

The proposal cited the extensive use of electronic voting devices across Massachusetts, with over 70 communities having adopted this technology. The devices are designed to function like remote controls, providing a clear breakdown of voting results on a screen. Proponents argued that this technology would streamline the voting process and reduce the occurrence of “herd voting,” where attendees might feel compelled to conform to the majority.

01:44:38The discussion around electronic voting devices raised questions about costs and logistics. While some attendees expressed concerns about the $10,000 expenditure, proponents noted the potential for cost-sharing partnerships with neighboring towns to mitigate expenses. The adaptability of the devices to accommodate amendments during meetings was confirmed.

01:57:41Ultimately, a hand count vote determined the proposal’s passage, with 68 votes in favor and 23 opposed, paving the way for the select board to explore the feasibility of implementing electronic voting.

01:12:57In addition to budgetary and technological discussions, the meeting also addressed various zoning bylaw amendments. A key amendment involved updating floodplain regulations to align with new FEMA maps, a necessary adjustment to maintain compliance with state and federal standards. The committee also considered changes permitting accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to be built by right, in accordance with the Affordable Homes Act. This change eliminates the need for a special permit and transitions to a simple building permit process, though it raised concerns about the potential for two separate apartments in a single dwelling.

01:02:59The meeting concluded with several capital project proposals, including funding allocations for aquatic weed control in town ponds and community preservation initiatives. These measures reflected ongoing efforts to address environmental and infrastructural needs within the community.