The appointment of Joseph Hurley, Scott Dill, and Eli Torres to the Sewer Commission was a focal point of the meeting. The board emphasized the importance of these roles in maintaining essential services and ensuring effective sewer management. Each candidate presented their backgrounds and motivations. Hurley, with a background in grocery store management, highlighted his skills in leadership and financial oversight. Scott Dill, a recent resident with extensive experience in community service and business acumen, emphasized his proactive problem-solving abilities. Eli Torres, who mentioned his HVAC certification and commercial driver’s license, underscored his practical skills and community-focused philosophy. The board’s unanimous decision to appoint these individuals reflects their confidence in the candidates’ abilities to contribute to the commission’s functions.

Following the appointments, the discussion shifted to the salary for the town manager position. Bernard Lynch from Community Paradigm Associates presented data on regional salary expectations, recommending a midpoint salary of $173,000. This recommendation was based on a survey of comparable positions, suggesting a range between $160,000 and $185,000. The board deliberated on the competitiveness of this salary, considering the need to attract a highly qualified candidate while remaining within budgetary constraints. The board ultimately approved the posting of a salary of $173,000, with a consensus that this figure aligns with the town’s needs and budget.

Another topic was the proposed increase in ambulance service rates, which had not been adjusted in 8 to 10 years. The discussion revealed that current rates were below the average for the area, with rising costs necessitating a review. The new rates aim to align more competitively with nearby districts and reflect the increased expenses due to inflation and the shift to paramedic-level services. The chief outlined the categories of ambulance services—Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Life Support Level 1 (ALS1), and Advanced Life Support Level 2 (ALS2)—and provided a detailed comparison of current and proposed rates. The board approved the proposed increases, recognizing the need to sustain service viability and cover operational costs.

In addition to these discussions, the meeting addressed the implications of the closure of Nooba Valley Medical Center on Lunenburg’s ambulance services. The fire chief estimated that the town would incur around $28,000 in additional operational costs due to longer transport times and increased mutual aid calls. The board expressed frustration over Lunenburg’s exclusion from a state funding initiative intended to offset these costs, leading to the drafting of a letter to the governor’s office requesting financial assistance.

The board also discussed various project management and funding allocation issues. Concerns were raised about the timeline and efficiency of moving forward with projects, particularly with the Request for Proposals (RFP) not yet approved. The interim Town Manager was tasked with developing an alternative plan before the next meeting, focusing on equipment requests from departments. This approach aimed to ensure that funds were allocated effectively and that projects could proceed without unnecessary delays.

A portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing errors in the interim Town Manager’s report and discussing the write-off of uncollectible ambulance accounts totaling $12,704. The board reviewed the reasons for these write-offs, including accounts involving deceased patients and those requiring additional signatures for Medicare billing. The necessity of regular reviews of ambulance service rates and the importance of transparency in billing practices were emphasized.

The meeting concluded with discussions on various administrative matters, such as the presentation of meeting materials, updates on personnel matters, and the status of ongoing projects. The board expressed a collective urgency to improve processes and ensure that all initiatives were delivered effectively and within budgetary limits.