In line with this, the committee scrutinized the tax rate and tax bill estimations for the upcoming fiscal year, drawing attention to the fact that residents would not be informed of their new assessments until November, with tax rates set by December 31st. Moreover, the committee reflected on the historical tax rate, noting that in 1980, Lunenburg’s tax rate was $50.2.

The reduction was mainly due to the absence of $340,000 in 40S State funds and the reallocation of $236,000 from certified New Growth to the school department budget. The approval of the capital plan was recommended by a vote of 6 to 1.

Another issue discussed was the introduction of a new budget line item aimed at funding grant writing services. The committee’s goal for this initiative is to contract professional services to secure additional funds for the town, focusing on various initiatives including historical preservation, educational tools, and housing for seniors and veterans. The committee also recommended the inclusion of “infrastructure” among the eligible initiatives for grant funding.

The committee delved into the town’s debt service and excludable debt, debating specific reductions and reviewing projections of the town’s debt capacity over the next 30 years. The potential for the town to borrow up to $42 million while staying within debt capacity policy limits was highlighted, with a consensus to revise the language to accurately represent excludable debt limits.

Furthermore, discussions were held on the necessity of investing in the mitigation of building disrepair and the importance of maintaining recurring operational maintenance. The committee acknowledged the urgency of planning for capital items and recommended action to address these needs.

The meeting also covered the implications of losing the 40S smart growth State funding, which had an impact on the town’s budget. The committee pondered the appropriateness of referencing conservative fiscal responsibility when discussing this loss and the allocation of fair share funds by the state. The potential financial effects on the town, such as the decrease in veterans benefits and smart growth funds, were considered, leading to a recommendation for community members and town officials to engage with state legislators for additional revenue sources.

Additionally, the committee reviewed changes to the preliminary budget due to negotiations with the current trash hauler and the Personnel Committee’s recommendations for non-union employee compensation for FY 25. Adjustments included increasing the waste reserve account and salary reserve line, as well as reducing hours for various departments. The committee decided to defer the discussion on the allocation of funds from the reserve account to town meeting.

The committee also touched on various warrant articles, deferring recommendations on some, and discussed the Finance Committee handbook along with the need for a larger stage for future topics.