The board’s approval to allocate up to $66,000 from opioid settlement funds for a modular office trailer was a key highlight. This trailer will provide office space for a newly proposed co-response model, where police officers will work alongside a clinician to handle mental health crises. The initiative, supported by a Department of Mental Health grant, seeks to divert individuals experiencing mental health episodes away from the criminal justice system and into appropriate care. The trailer will house a “soft room” for conducting interviews, offering a less intimidating environment for individuals in crisis. The FSU will also include a sergeant and school resource officers, aiming to enhance community outreach and improve the handling of mental health-related calls, which reportedly constitute about 40% of police call volume.

The funding decision was based on a unanimous vote from the board, reflecting strong support for the co-response model. Additionally, an intermunicipal agreement with the towns of Halifax and Plympton was discussed, further justifying the need for a full-time clinician based on the collective call volume. The trailer’s financing aligns with permissible uses of opioid abatement funds, given its focus on mental health and substance use disorder services. The board unanimously approved the motion to authorize the funding, emphasizing the critical nature of addressing mental health needs within the community.

Another topic was the conversation on property tax classifications for the upcoming fiscal year. The board examined various exemptions, including open space, residential, and small commercial exemptions, with the principal assessor presenting the complexities of each option. The board ultimately recommended continuing with a single tax rate, as the exemptions would not benefit Kingston due to the town’s specific property demographics. The estimated tax rate for fiscal year 2026 was set at $12.83 per $1,000 of assessed value. This decision considers the challenges of administering such exemptions and the minimal impact they would have on the overall tax burden distribution.

The meeting also included an update from the recycling committee, which outlined ongoing and future initiatives aimed at reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices. The committee reported success in securing recycling dividend program grants, which have funded projects like reusable shopping bags and organic waste collection pilots. The committee is exploring co-digestion of food waste at the wastewater treatment facility, although concerns about long-term funding were noted, as state grants are only available for a limited time. The recycling committee’s efforts to promote community engagement were highlighted through events like “fix it clinics” and partnerships with local departments to improve waste management.

The board addressed several administrative matters, including approving various appointments and reappointments. These included an interim building commissioner, a public health nurse, and a Council on Aging van driver. The fire department received a donation of a 2005 Cadillac Escalade for training purposes, which the board accepted unanimously.