A central focus of the meeting was the tax classification hearing for fiscal year 2025. Bill Porter, a longtime resident and member of the Board of Assessors, recommended a single tax rate of $15.37. He cited data to support this recommendation, noting that the modest increase in average and median home values contrasted with previous years’ substantial surges. With residential real estate comprising 90.7% of the town’s property value, the board agreed with Porter’s assessment, emphasizing the negligible impact a split tax rate would have due to the low percentage of commercial property in Granby. The board unanimously approved the single tax rate, aligning with the practices of many other Massachusetts towns.

Following the tax discussion, the meeting addressed concerns about the fire department’s leadership stability. During the citizen participation segment, George Randall expressed grave concerns over the frequent turnover of fire chiefs, with seven chiefs in twelve years. Randall criticized the town’s handling of fire chief appointments, emphasizing the need for supportive governance to attract and retain qualified candidates. He suggested that the town’s history of leadership issues could deter future applicants, urging a reassessment of the hiring process to ensure effective management and public safety.

The board considered various aspects of the upcoming fire chief hiring process, including salary discussions and residency requirements. It was proposed that the salary range should be adjusted to accommodate candidates with diverse qualifications, suggesting a range between $95,000 and $115,000. The residency requirement, which currently mandates that the fire chief reside in Granby within one year of appointment, was also debated. Board members acknowledged the challenges posed by the local housing market and considered allowing residency within a five-mile radius of the fire station to broaden the candidate pool.

The meeting also touched on the interim fire chief appointment process, with a list of potential candidates being considered. The board emphasized the importance of formulating interview questions and organizing the selection process to ensure experienced individuals are included in the selection committee. Clear communication of the residency and salary criteria in the job posting was deemed essential for attracting suitable candidates.

In addition to the fire department issues, the board discussed the renewal of a solid waste and recycling collection contract. A one-year extension with Waste Management was approved to allow time for a comprehensive Request for Proposal (RFP) process, essential for developing a long-term plan as the current contract nears expiration.

The appointment of a full-time police officer was another key agenda item. Brian Bartholot, who has served in various capacities within the department since 2013, was nominated and appointed effective January 5, 2025, with a 90-day probationary period.

The board also engaged in discussions regarding local business licenses, highlighting the approval of various common victualler licenses for businesses such as Union Mart and Cumberland Farms. Entertainment licenses were also granted, with specific provisions concerning operating hours and zoning compliance being carefully considered.

A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to addressing licensing and operational issues at a local winery. The board debated the hours of operation and the specifics of the winery’s license, particularly the pouring license set to expire in December 2025. Concerns about documentation and building specifications were raised, with the board emphasizing the need for consistency in the application process.

The meeting concluded with administrative updates, including the acceptance of departmental reports and the approval of several payment warrants. The board also appointed Leora Burgon to the Charter Day committee.