The board discussed the town’s cable TV services and the funding of the department extensively. One focus was on the creation of a streaming platform and the utilization of YouTube or Twitter for content distribution. However, there were concerns regarding content control on these platforms. The renovation of the cable office was acknowledged, and the importance of the Peg account which funds the department’s budget was highlighted. The potential of producing original content like local shows to educate the public on town operations was also discussed. The desire for more hours to manage the budget effectively was expressed.

The possibility of installing solar panels on town buildings was debated. The board considered the financial aspects, including a 20-year return on investment and the current state of the buildings’ roofs. Additionally, the discussion touched on the permitting fees for solar projects and the selectmen were petitioned to reduce the fees to improve project margins. There was talk of using the transfer station as a potential site for solar panels in the future.

Discussions also addressed the town’s energy expenses and budgeting. The board reviewed energy spending and the division of costs between the library and fire departments. They tackled the challenge of being a month behind in energy bill payments and the difficulty in projecting energy budget needs accurately. The board stressed the importance of monitoring diesel costs and the ramifications of potential price spikes.

The meeting covered the budget for the disposal costs, focusing on monitoring wells for the transfer station. The need to anticipate expenses towards the end of the fiscal year and the potential for budget deficits that might require board assistance were discussed. The contractual fuel surcharge and the upcoming renewal of the contract with the curbside hauler were additional points of concern.

On the topic of infrastructure and environmental conservation, the board discussed the Conservation Department’s budget, which highlighted the need for an increase to address the department’s growing workload. Ongoing litigation related to the Strawberry Fields project and the challenges posed by state intervention were also points of discussion.

The conversation extended to the use of agricultural tax money, debating whether it should be allocated to appeals or land conservation. The board contemplated the potential use of the agricultural account for additional professional and technical funds, given the uncertainty of costs. There was also a debate on the budget for uniform boots and the sufficiency of the allocated $300 to cover additional items like rain gear, hats, and vests.

The industrial commission’s budget request was discussed, which included funds for marketing, printing, and mailing associated with various projects and research studies. The historical commission’s request for a level-funded budget was presented, outlining the allocation for professional and technical fees and other expenses related to historical preservation efforts.

Additionally, the selectmen discussed the fiscal impact of bulky debris disposal at the transfer station, which presented challenges in charge quantification and influenced the town’s budget. The Solid Waste Committee was expected to review this issue in light of its significant impact on town expenses. There was also a conversation about extended operating hours for the transfer station and customer response.

The budget for the Council on Aging was another point of discussion, with the focus on the utilization of grant funds and the office manager’s raise due to a change in job description. The use of a program called My Senior Center for tracking attendance and program growth was highlighted, as well as the need for a tracking system for formula grant funding.

Furthermore, the meeting covered the Board of Health’s activities, including certification requirements for the part-time health agent and the underutilization of the septic system replacement program. The potential for increasing revenues through this program and the need for a taxpayer-friendly approach to replace failing septic systems were discussed.

Lastly, the potential incoming moderator expressed a desire for a stipend for Muck Boots, and there was mention of evaluating options for Solid Waste and holding another joint meeting to address the town’s structural issues.