Central to the meeting was the long-term capital plan, with the committee focusing heavily on future projects such as the Tapen and Bennett Street developments, each estimated around $4 million. The committee acknowledged the need to expand the capital budget from approximately $3 million to $4 million, prioritizing facility planning concerns as more pressing than other existing issues. The Town Administrator presented a detailed spreadsheet outlining potential facility projects over a 25 to 30-year horizon, highlighting the approval of $7.5 million for water and sewer upgrades, with bond payments set to start in 2027. Among the most costly projections was a proposed $22 million for a Department of Public Works (DPW) garage, $27 million for an elementary school, and around $30 million for a new public safety building and Town Hall rehabilitation.

The financial implications of these projects were significant, with discussions about funding mechanisms, such as utilizing fees instead of general taxes for certain initiatives. The potential introduction of a new water capital fee and similar sewer fees was considered, which could generate approximately $500,000 annually. Equity in funding was a concern since a higher percentage of town residents rely on town water compared to sewer services.

The meeting also addressed the looming threat of sea level rise and its impact on public safety infrastructure. Concerns about the vulnerability of the current Public Safety building, which could be compromised during emergencies due to flooding, were raised. Solutions for maintaining the sewer plant’s functionality were explored, with suggestions for interim measures like constructing a dyke. The conversation included a financial figure of $45 million for various resiliency projects, emphasizing the urgency for permits in light of climate change.

Further complicating the town’s financial landscape were discussions about the feasibility of financing such large-scale projects without overwhelming the town’s budget. The potential for funding these through capital exclusions as existing debt is retired was examined, with a consensus that this would influence year-to-year calculations. The committee also explored alternative sites for the Public Safety building, considering locations such as the Old Post site or Sweeney Park, with each option requiring further cost and viability assessments.

Additionally, the high school renovation project was highlighted, expected to exceed five million dollars, and a proposed municipal building fund similar to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) was discussed. State funds for building DPW garages and public safety facilities were considered, with the committee acknowledging the challenge of adhering to funding guidelines designed to prevent budget excesses.

The committee reviewed special town meeting warrant articles, focusing on zoning amendments to comply with new MBTA requirements, which could have financial consequences. There was debate over the necessity of making a recommendation on the zoning amendment, with concerns about the potential loss of state grants if compliance was not met.