The committee addressed the significant cost of the lawsuit and the potential for the amount to increase. The motion to recommend passage of the $330,000 appropriation to the full council underscores the gravity of the lawsuit’s financial strain on the city’s budget.

Additional key financial decisions included the establishment of a special purpose capital projects Reserve stabilization account aimed at building savings for non-vehicle capital projects, thus enhancing the city’s financial planning and emergency preparedness.

Another item of considerable interest involved the proposed intermunicipal agreements with the towns of Princeton and Ashburnham for veteran services and animal control services, respectively, each representing a 2% increase per fiscal year for the duration of the contracts. The discussions on these agreements highlighted the committee’s attention to collaborative regional services and the corresponding financial commitments.

The future of Helen May Soder School and Stone Field also entered the spotlight, with a council member expressing confidence in the attorney selected to navigate the legal restrictions found in the property’s 1895 deed. The decision to seek outside legal counsel to verify these restrictions and explore potential avenues for the property’s use underscores the complexities of managing municipal assets with historical significance.

Budget hearings for various city departments, including Community Development and Planning, the City Clerk, and the Retirement Board, were conducted to evaluate cost of living adjustments, staffing changes, and vendor-related expenses. The City Clerk’s budget, for instance, saw a staffing modification to aid with election and vital work. The mayor’s budget included a 3% cost of living adjustment for executive staff and a reduction in the building demolition account.

The committee also considered financial matters such as the transfer of funds within the city’s departments, including a transfer of $10,000 to cover extra election costs and a $99,500 transfer due to a vacancy in the Health Department.

The Information Technology director discussed budget decreases due to a three-year cybersecurity contract and presented updates on ongoing technology projects, including the Voiceover IP phone system and the Wi-Fi installation at Monument Park.

Human Resources addressed budget considerations including cost of living adjustments and changes to medical exams and drug testing policies. The discussion of the school department’s decision to no longer test for marijuana and its impact on applicant shortages was a notable point, highlighting the intersection of policy changes and workforce management.