A particularly notable portion of the meeting was dominated by public comments from an individual identified as Ms. Spdi, who claimed to be a whistleblower. Ms. Spdi accused town officials of embezzling over $20 million in federal grants. Her impassioned plea underscored her belief that the board had failed in its duties, alleging that the funds were used to offset budget deficits illegally. She also recounted personal experiences involving her daughter’s exclusion from the school system due to bullying and safety concerns. Her emotional testimony, which included a call for the board to approve a homeschool plan for her daughter, added a layer of urgency to the meeting, intertwining serious allegations of misconduct with personal grievances.

Following public comments, the budget presentation took center stage, led by the town administrator. This session marked the first budget presentation since a $7 million override was approved by voters the previous March. The town’s financial outlook was described as challenging, with projections showing a 6.93% increase in general fund revenue compared to the previous year. However, this growth was deemed insufficient to meet current obligations, further complicated by inflation and declining state and federal aid. A notable point in the budget was the reliance on nearly $14 million in certified free cash, which is important for maintaining operations, highlighting concerns about long-term sustainability.

Discussions on the proposed school budget revealed a 5.4% increase. The budget presentation emphasized cost drivers such as collective bargaining agreements and transportation contracts. The assistant superintendent of finance explained the circuit breaker program, which provides reimbursement for high-cost students, stressing the uncertainties tied to state appropriations. Additionally, strategic reallocations in the budget aimed to maintain neutrality while addressing critical areas like a new literacy curriculum and multi-tiered support systems.

The meeting also addressed future uses of the Johnson School building, with discussions on potential interim uses for community programs. Concerns about accessibility and necessary investments for making the space usable were raised. The ongoing deliberations about the Johnson property included insights from a human services needs study, which identified significant gaps in services and suggested the site could serve as a community hub for various programs.

On the operational front, the Select Board considered extending contracts for the police chief and deputy chief, who face impending retirements. The board deliberated on the potential for separate warrant articles to facilitate discussions on extending their terms, emphasizing the importance of leadership continuity amid turnover.

Another topic was the memorandum on Natick’s jurisdiction in relation to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This document aimed to clarify the legal scope of actions that Natick police officers can undertake concerning immigration enforcement. The board expressed a desire for further discussions with the police chief to assure public clarity on this sensitive issue.

The meeting concluded with updates from the town administrator, including upcoming events and the need for prompt submission of warrant articles ahead of the town meeting. The board also addressed community feedback on initiatives like the installation of flock cameras and the progress of the audit advisory committee’s work.