The conversation was driven by the need to consolidate town offices and improve space allocation for municipal functions, currently scattered across inadequate locations. The West Street building, structurally sound and spanning 44,000 square feet, was identified as a viable solution. Officials emphasized its potential to house town offices and the Council on Aging (COA), providing shared spaces and allowing the sale of the current COA facility to bolster the town’s tax base. The proposal also includes an option for abating the entire building to prepare for future expansions.

A key topic was the funding mechanism for the renovation, which would be decided by a ballot question in the May 19th general election, proposing a debt exclusion to temporarily raise municipal taxes. This would cover the renovation costs through a 20-year bond, as advised by Treasurer Steve Nally. Two renovation options, termed option B and option C, were presented. Option B involves a $6.3 million renovation of 22,000 square feet, while option C proposes a more limited $4.2 million scope.

The meeting saw concerns over the long-term cost-effectiveness of these options, with attendees noting that opting for the cheaper route could lead to higher future expenses due to inflation and market changes. The ballot question’s language was clarified: a “yes” vote supports the tax increase for renovations, and a “no” vote halts the project, necessitating further discussion at a special town meeting.

Further scrutiny arose regarding the transparency of financial implications, particularly the interest costs associated with the proposed borrowing. Participants stressed the importance of clear communication to ensure taxpayers are fully informed of the financial obligations, potentially amounting to millions over the life of the loan.

Public comments added a human dimension to the fiscal discussions. Amy Gay, identified as the activity nutrition coordinator at the senior center, highlighted the essential services provided by the COA, such as transportation, medical equipment loans, and health programs. She argued against the notion of competing funding priorities between age groups, asserting the importance of equitable resource allocation.

The meeting also addressed the future trajectory of town projects, with the high school identified as a potential next focus, requiring substantial funding for renovations. Discussions highlighted the estimated costs of modular prefabricated buildings and the potential financial burden on the town, emphasizing the need for thorough planning and community support.

Concerns about the transparency of past decisions and the need for improved community engagement were prominent. The committee acknowledged the importance of strategic planning and public awareness, with suggestions to modernize communication methods to enhance involvement.