The board’s deliberations on fiscal year 2026 tax classifications were central to the meeting. Brian McDonald, the principal assessor, introduced the tax classification hearing, providing an in-depth explanation of how the tax burden would be distributed across residential, open space, commercial, industrial, and personal property classes. The presentation highlighted a net levy of approximately $33 million, with a total assessed community value of about $2.577 billion—a 7% increase from the previous year. The board explored the complexities of taxation, noting a decrease in the tax rate due to the rise in property values, despite an elevated budget surpassing the typical two-and-a-half percent increase. This intricacy was attributed to the community’s excess levy capacity, impacting tax rate adjustments.

Further discussions centered on the valuation of properties and their implications for tax rates. The board noted a projected 7.2% increase in property values, which would lead to a decrease in the tax rate, though individual taxes might not necessarily decrease. The median sale price for properties in 2024 was recorded at $1.365 million, with notable increases in sales of larger homes exceeding $2 million. Adjustments to land values were not uniformly applied across neighborhoods, with a focus on valuation compression to equalize land values across different areas.

The board also examined new growth in taxation, particularly from new constructions and improvements, which were slightly above historical averages. The methodology for calculating new value was tied back to previous years’ tax assessments, offering insights into the community’s development dynamics. The board discussed the minimum residential factor and the commercial, industrial, and personal property (CIP) shift, emphasizing the need for a consistent tax approach to manage the implications across property classifications.

In addition to tax-related discussions, the board reviewed updates to personnel policies, focusing on leave accrual adjustments and overtime calculations. The town administrator and HR director outlined ongoing updates, including tying performance reviews to annual step increases. A update involved excluding sick leave from overtime calculations, addressing concerns about costs associated with current practices. The board considered various employee categories and their unique needs.

The board also addressed the potential for a fire station building committee following a recent town meeting and election. A draft charter for the committee was reviewed, with discussions on its composition and the inclusion of a Board of Health member to address critical septic issues during the design stages. The board debated the committee’s voting members and the potential for conflicts of interest with volunteer firefighters serving as voting members.

The meeting further included a review of the natural gas contract renewal, with discussions on renewal rates and the potential benefits of securing a 12-month contract. The consultant recommended this approach to avoid price spikes during the winter months, despite the current market’s unpredictability. The board weighed the possibility of securing green energy solutions, though none had bid in this instance, reflecting market challenges.

Lastly, the board touched on several administrative matters, including the opening of the annual town meeting warrant and the evaluation process for town employees. The town administrator provided updates on departmental activities, including a grant aimed at enhancing police department initiatives and the completion of the Ottabon Lane stormwater study. The board also acknowledged the importance of community engagement, with plans for future discussions on budget considerations and infrastructure investment.