During the meeting. He elaborated on several incidents, such as a serious crash on Stony Hill and events during October Fest, where police resources were stretched thin. Chief Anderson defended the department’s information dissemination practices, prioritizing immediate safety and investigation integrity, while expressing openness to discussing potential changes to information release protocols.

Another portion of the meeting was dedicated to the fiscal year 2027 budget process. Town Manager Jill R. Goldsmith and the finance director presented an overview, highlighting a proposed operating budget of approximately $47 million for FY2026. Key drivers of this increase include contractual obligations, educational assessments, and capital plans. The budget summit aimed to establish shared priorities, emphasizing the need for a balanced budget.

The board also discussed revenue sources, notably projecting local receipts at 88% of FY2025 actuals, totaling an estimated $12 million. Concerns were voiced over the decline in local receipts, including hotel and motel tax revenues, and the need for a conservative budgeting approach due to fluctuating economic activity. The discussion extended to the allocation of hotel and motel tax funds, with reductions noted in special reserve funds for Chatham Elementary School and attainable housing.

In the realm of community projects, the meeting highlighted the efforts of the Department of Natural Resources and the IT department. Noteworthy initiatives included integrating DO meters data into the town’s website and enhancing public access to environmental information. The IT department detailed the implementation of cloud data solutions, aiming to connect siloed data through APIs and AI agents, thus improving data utility across various town departments.

The budget conversation also touched on financial pressures for FY2027, such as increasing health insurance premiums and pension obligations. Concerns were raised about the residential tax exemption process and its implications for the budget. The exemption proposal, which requires select board approval, prompted discussions about its potential impact and the need for comprehensive financial policy reviews.

Enrollment trends within the school district were also a topic of discussion, with the Superintendent providing an overview of current and projected enrollment figures. The introduction of a new full-day preschool program at Chatham Elementary School contributed to a 4% increase in overall enrollment, although the number of Chatham residents enrolled decreased. Concerns were voiced over declining enrollment in other areas and the impact of affordable housing challenges on school populations.