The top priority of the meeting was addressing the funding for a transportation program that provides essential services to residents without transportation resources. The program, which assists individuals with medical appointments, after-school activities, and other critical needs, was discussed in depth. Sue Dhy, a representative via Zoom, highlighted that the program serves approximately 400 rides per month for 270 unique individuals, emphasizing its importance, especially for seniors who find it affordable and accessible.

The committee discussed a request for $220,000 at the fall town meeting to continue the program, with an anticipated shortfall of $5,000 between late September and November. The interim town manager confirmed that the program’s shortfall is estimated at $5,410 and suggested a transfer from the reserve account to cover the gap, which the committee approved unanimously. Concerns were raised about sustainability, particularly with the expiration of grants, and the interim town manager assured that the program’s administration by MART would continue without changes.

A point of contention was the 20-mile service radius of the transportation program, which some members felt was arbitrary and insufficient, particularly after the closure of a local hospital. Suggestions were made to negotiate with MART to extend the service to Emerson Hospital, located 25 miles away. Budget implications were also discussed, with potential fare increases proposed to balance user costs and town expenses.

The committee also delved into the ongoing negotiations for a new trash removal contract with GW Shaw and Sons from Greenville. The interim town manager reported that the one-year contract, with options for renewal and termination without cause, is structured to remain within budget. However, he recommended an in-depth study over the next three years to explore more cost-effective service delivery methods due to potential tax implications. Public communication on service continuity and contact information was promised once negotiations concluded.

Another issue was the unexpected cost increase for weights and measures inspections. The resignation of the former inspector led the town to contract the state for inspections at a higher cost—approximately $10,000 compared to the previous $3,000. The committee expressed concern over this abrupt increase and discussed alternative inspection methods and negotiating better terms. The interim town manager suggested deferring the matter for two weeks to gather more information, noting the importance of transparency and exploring various options to manage costs effectively.

The meeting also included discussions on the town’s broader financial challenges. Discussions on the salary administration plan and the importance of approval by the Personnel Committee before proposing changes at upcoming town meetings were noted as topics for future meetings.

The committee examined the implications of adopting a split tax rate versus maintaining a single tax rate. It was noted that Lunenburg funds approximately 91.74% of its tax levy, while Maynard is around 87%. The potential for a split tax rate could decrease the overall tax burden by 5.1%, sparking a debate about the impact on residents and businesses. The importance of public discourse on the issue was emphasized, with suggestions to review established practices and consider new approaches.

The meeting addressed the need for a more structured approach to monitoring capital projects, noting that once projects are approved, they often fall off the radar, leading to cost overruns and underutilization. The speaker suggested monthly budget versus actual reports to the town manager and finance committee, along with quarterly updates to the select board, to improve tracking and reporting.

Additionally, the committee discussed the need for improved software and systems within the town’s administration. Employees had expressed issues with current software, and discussions were underway about potential upgrades. The finance director initiated listening sessions to gather employee feedback, emphasizing a collaborative approach to finding solutions.

Concerns about achieving a balanced budget due to uncertainties in health insurance costs and the need for collaboration between town and school budgets were highlighted.