The meeting’s primary focus was a debrief on a public forum regarding the potential budget override. The board members recapped the forum, emphasizing the quality of questions posed and the materials made available on the town’s website. The discussion revealed that even with an override, there would still be necessary reductions in both the town and school budgets, with implications for capital projects and essential repairs. Without the override, capital programs essential for infrastructure maintenance, such as roadway improvements and facility upkeep, could face significant cuts.

One board member articulated the long-term consequences of deferring necessary repairs and replacements, noting that without timely action, the town’s infrastructure would suffer additional wear and tear. Another member underscored the importance of sustaining a robust capital program to meet the town’s infrastructure needs. Further discussions are scheduled, with a second forum planned to provide more detailed information following the release of the full budget.

The board also addressed membership fees for Memorial Beach, approving a new fee structure for 2025. The baseline family fee of $250, which includes access for two adults and two children, was designed to be family-friendly, with discounts available for additional family members. The board ensured that financial aid options would be available through the Natick Service Council, catering to low-income families. The fee adjustments aim to balance affordability with revenue projections, maintaining community access to recreational resources.

A notable personnel change was announced with the introduction of Heather Rockwood as the new executive director of the Natick Center Cultural District. Her background in museum work, social media marketing, communications, event fundraising, and grant writing was highlighted, with the board expressing enthusiasm for her appointment and potential contributions to the community.

In a separate discussion, the board reviewed the building department fee schedule related to accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Amanda Loomis, Director of Community Economic Development, presented a new $500 application review fee to streamline the review process. This fee aims to cover costs associated with the multi-departmental review and guide applicants through the permitting process efficiently. The fee was unanimously approved.

The board also delved into a support letter for a transportation initiative, endorsing the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) funding request for the Natick Center train station project. This initiative is part of the town’s ongoing efforts to secure federal transportation funds for regional projects, with the board acknowledging past benefits from TIP funding.

Further discussions included the Serve Safe training program for alcohol service, with the board deciding to accept the program under existing policy guidelines. This decision was aimed at providing clarity and enabling local establishments to implement the program quickly.