The Finance Committee took a thorough approach in reviewing the town’s financial articles, deciding to take no position on Articles One and Two of the warrant while recommending several other financial articles for approval. A significant portion of the meeting centered on the discussion of Article 13, which had already been voted on, and Article 19, concerning the removal of tobacco fees from the general bylaw. The latter article was met with a decision to maintain a neutral stance, deferring to the Board of Health and state regulations for fee setting.

The committee also tackled Articles 20 and 21, which were deleted from the warrant due to irrelevance to driveway curbs and storm water management. Article 22 sparked a debate regarding the amendment of the general bylaw to permit off-premise advertising for schools, specifically to allow advertising at Highland field as a revenue source. The committee opted not to take a stance on this article, preferring to bring the recommendation to the town meeting floor.

Further discussions included Article 16, which proposed transferring $100,000 from available funds to supplement the fiscal year 24 legal expenses account—a recommendation that the committee voted in favor of. The handling of Article 21, a catchall at the end of the warrant, was postponed to the town meeting floor to decide on the potential transfer of funds from reserves as necessary to avoid a tax rate increase.

The committee also contemplated the implications of allocating funds from reserves for specific budget items. To ensure financial accountability, they emphasized the need for precise motions for each article to specify funding sources, alongside deliberations on potential adjustments to the capital budget.

A grant of $15,000 for a feasibility study, intended for inclusion in a separate warrant article, Article Eight, was another focal point. The committee decided that the grant, funded by reappropriated previous funds and not affecting the tax rate, should stand as a standalone vote. Concerns regarding the impact on the fund balance if the article failed were also addressed.

Members of the public were active in the meeting, with questions raised about a proposed launch service, including the financial details surrounding the purchase of two boats and operating costs. The committee assured transparency, noting that a business plan would be accessible online for public review.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the upcoming town meeting, including the approval of meeting minutes, the expiration of committee members’ terms, and the new appointment policy by the select board.