The dilemma of how to fairly and effectively increase water and sewer fees dominated the conversation, with the committee exploring various scenarios to balance funding capital expenses and the impact on the community. The proposal to add a capital fee to water meters, aimed at generating revenue for the Enterprise Fund’s upcoming capital expenses, was met with mixed reactions. Concerns were voiced about the fairness of different flat fees for various meter sizes and the contradiction this posed to the committee’s usual approach to budgeting and tax rates. The potential doubling of water bills for residents with multiple meters, including irrigation meters, was a concern.

The committee also pondered the implementation of the proposed fee, considering the introduction of a lower initial fee to test public reaction. The benefits of new water meters, such as providing real-time usage data and leak detection, were acknowledged as part of the committee’s consensus to support a gradual approach to implementing the flat fee.

In light of a reported surplus in the town’s finances, amounting to $265,608 more than anticipated, the discussion expanded to the accuracy of the town’s fiscal projections. Higher healthcare and cash collection contributed to the surplus, but the committee exercised caution due to outstanding trash bag invoices. There was also debate over the CST financial review, specifically questioning the understated revenue projections and the potential increase in costs. The Finance Committee sought to understand the assessed value of the property and the financial analysis’s accuracy.

The impact of the CST project on the town’s infrastructure and revenue, including water and sewer capacity and expenses, was another focal point. The committee discussed the water usage of a facility and whether it included an irrigation system. The importance of addressing seasonal fluctuations in revenue and the influence of higher rates on water consumption were also deliberated, with the committee examining slides that presented the allocation of funds and the effects of proposed changes.

The committee’s discussions extended to the reclassification of the Harbor Master’s job to allow for earlier retirement, debating the implications for the state retirement system, and the potential requirement for law enforcement training. The benefits of a Harbor Master focused on maritime issues and community relationship building were also considered.

Furthermore, the Finance Committee acknowledged the necessity of a multi-year capital plan and deliberated over a 10-year framework to guide the town’s infrastructure projects and financial strategy. The alignment of the capital plan with the operating budget and the challenges of coordinating with the Community Preservation Committee for funding were highlighted. The committee discussed including certain projects in the capital plan before seeking CPC funding and the potential benefits of operational audits to uncover inefficiencies and cost savings.