The fiscal year 2026 tax classification hearing was a primary focus of the meeting. The board moved to adopt a residential factor of one. The average single-family tax bill for the forthcoming fiscal year is expected to rise to $17,380, a $643 increase from the previous year. Discussions highlighted a 7.38% increase in assessed values, attributed to a revaluation mandated by the Department of Revenue.

The board delved into the complexities of property classifications, with questions arising about their implications on local businesses and tax calculations. The conversation underscored the challenge of balancing equity in taxation, particularly between residential and commercial entities. It was noted that the maximum commercial, industrial, and personal property (CIP) shift could impact small businesses, prompting the board to maintain a single tax rate.

Attention then turned to the formation of a building committee for the fire station renovation project. Following the town meeting vote, a draft proposal for the committee’s structure was presented. Discussions emphasized the importance of including a representative from the board of health, considering potential health-related issues such as septic systems during early design stages. The board debated the optimal number of voting members, with suggestions ranging from five to seven. The board also considered including members from the Municipal Facilities Committee (MFC) but faced concerns about conflicts of interest and roles between ongoing maintenance and new construction projects. Ultimately, the board moved to approve the charter for the fire station building committee.

Personnel policy updates were another significant topic, as the board reviewed proposed changes affecting non-bargaining unit employees. Key updates included tying performance reviews to annual step increases and revising overtime calculations to comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act. The proposal to exclude sick leave from overtime calculations sparked debate over its potential impact on employees who had previously benefited from the existing policy. Other updates addressed detail pay for non-union officers, group insurance policies, and holiday pay eligibility.

The meeting also addressed the interim appointment of Scott Hammond as acting Town Administrator, following the departure of John Mativier. Hammond will serve until the new year to ensure a smooth transition. The board acknowledged the potential for consolidating or regionalizing the role before launching a new recruitment process.

In other matters, the board discussed the renewal of the town’s natural gas contract, weighing options for 12, 24, or 36-month commitments. The town was out of contract and paying a floating rate of $8.07 per decatherm, with renewal rates proposed at slightly higher levels. Concerns about market volatility prompted a recommendation to lock in a 12-month contract to avoid winter cost spikes.

The board also opened the annual town meeting warrant, setting a meeting date of May 18, 2026. The closing date for submissions was established as February 10, 2026, with a final deadline for bylaw language on April 7, 2026. The timeline allows for discussions around the fire station renovation while ensuring ample time for legal reviews.

Additionally, the board reviewed community preservation efforts, with funding cycles and state match allocations presenting challenges. The decrease in state match funding, from 18% to approximately 14%, raised concerns about available resources for local projects.