The board’s deliberation on a $200,000 allocation for engineering and legal services took center stage, as members weighed the necessity of these funds to support projects involving solar vendors and water system upgrades. The estimated costs for hiring external engineers were projected to be between $16,000 and $20,000, but it was acknowledged that broader projects could see expenses exceeding $100,000. One suggestion was to pass these costs onto vendors, though this would ultimately depend on vendor compliance. The proposal aimed to ensure fiscal preparedness by allowing immediate action on essential projects without waiting for vendor approvals, with a sunset provision requiring the funds to be used by fiscal year 2026’s end. Any unspent funds would revert to free cash, prompting discussions about the impact on the town’s tax rate, with an estimated increase of about $228 for the average household.

The motion to raise and appropriate the $200,000, with its specified sunset provision, was seconded and passed after a roll call vote.

The board also addressed the creation of a full-time assistant treasurer/collector position, highlighting operational challenges faced due to the role’s year-long vacancy. The need for this position was underscored by existing staff’s difficulties in managing increased workloads, and the proposal was acknowledged as essential for the efficient operation of the office. Alongside this, the board considered establishing a full-time water superintendent role, which would ideally be funded through water department revenues. However, there was uncertainty about the actual funding source, given the department’s limited retained earnings.

Amid these discussions, the board reviewed the implications of using stabilization funds for various purposes, emphasizing the necessity of retaining board members and hiring technical experts for major projects. The conversation underscored the need to meet community needs without overextending financial commitments, considering the town’s limited resources and the absence of reserves for emergencies or stabilization funds.

The meeting also covered routine financial matters, such as approving accounts payable and wire payments, which included audit-related expenses, and discussing the town’s financial practices regarding free cash. The board noted that Blandford had $200,000 in free cash at the fiscal year’s end, with discussions on transferring a portion into a stabilization fund as good financial practice. The importance of setting an accurate tax rate was reiterated, with the aim of submitting all necessary paperwork to the state by mid-October to facilitate this process.

In other developments, Michaela was introduced to the board as she began her role with the Board of Assessors. Michaela, who is in her final year of studies and working towards her CPA, was welcomed, with members expressing confidence in her potential contributions to the board.

Additionally, the meeting included a brief discussion on the Henry Knox Regiment Color Guard, with a motion made to allow the color guard to proceed with their planned salute on October 11th. This motion was unanimously approved.