The most pressing topic was the police department’s funding, specifically a proposed Proposition 2½ override to secure $575,000 for fiscal year 2026. The police chief highlighted the necessity of this funding to maintain effective public safety operations, emphasizing the lengthy process of hiring and training new officers. The department’s current staffing issues lead to excessive overtime and potential burnout, with the chief warning of financial risks if an officer is injured, estimating overtime costs could soar to $25,000 monthly for backfilling positions. Despite the chief’s detailed explanations and the board’s recognition of the department’s achievements, opinions varied on whether to support placing the override on the warrant for the town meeting.

Simultaneously, the board delved into water supply issues, with a focus on the need for a new water well due to increased consumption and the risk of the primary well becoming non-operational. The Kingston Water Department’s imposition of a water moratorium highlighted the urgency of securing additional resources. The timeline for the new well began in 2017, with land purchased in 2024 and a designer selected for the new infrastructure. The board stressed the importance of water conservation, especially in anticipation of dry summers, and discussed seeking increased water usage permissions from the state. Concerns about reporting and misunderstandings over actual water loss levels were raised, with regulatory hurdles complicating the situation further.

The meeting also featured acknowledgments of local contributions, such as the resignation of Barry Maias from the Agricultural Commission. Ruy Santos praised Maias’s impact on the agricultural community and his role in establishing Bog Hollow Farm. The board approved John Maias, Barry’s son, to fill the vacancy, continuing the family’s legacy in local agriculture. In a separate ceremony, Officers Eric Dow and Mike Gallow received recognition for their heroic actions during a December 2024 vehicle crash, where they saved a trapped occupant from a burning car. Officer Tim Arnold was also commended for his role as a school liaison officer.

In other business, the board addressed a request from Pisano’s restaurant to extend their liquor license to 11 p.m. and introduce a new entertainment license for Sunday brunches. This proposal was approved without objections.

The board concluded by approving various appointments and updates on town projects. David Wilson was appointed as the Wastewater Pump Station operator and maintenance technician. Updates included tree replacement at the Adam Center, a grant for contamination testing at the former fire department site, and the delivery of new welcome signs for Kingston. These signs, admired for their design, will be installed at various locations as weather permits.