A primary focus of the meeting was the discussion and approval of budget adjustments for fiscal year 2026. The commissioners examined proposals for reallocating funds between various departments to align with spending needs. Notably, a proposal was made to reduce salary line items and redirect these funds to the registry’s printing and binding budget. This adjustment resulted in an increase of $32,000 to the printing and binding budget, supplementing a previous allocation of $20,000 to better reflect historical expenditures. Additionally, the meeting addressed the need for $4,500 to fulfill contract obligations related to the renovation of tennis courts at a local recreational facility.

The commissioners also considered funds marked for the Quinsey District Court capital fund, which required a two-thirds vote from the advisory board. This included requests from the Brooklyn District Court for carpet replacement and the Brentham District Court for restroom repairs due to erosion issues. The total funding proposed from the supplemental balance amounted to $95,700, leaving $134,666 remaining. Importantly, $26,800 was allocated specifically for the Quinsey District Court Fund. The salary reserve, designed to support non-union Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs), was also discussed. The transfer aimed to restore this reserve across county departments, totaling $120,26.74.

Alongside these budgetary considerations, the registry of deeds sought adjustments to its fiscal year 2026 budget, transferring funds from printing and binding to salary lines, culminating in a net allocation of $52,000. With upcoming retirement liability payments projected to exceed $400,000, the commissioners discussed the county’s distinctive retirement obligations, which still encompass pensions for individuals retired from the hospital and jail due to a previous early retirement package.

In a notable development, the commissioners approved a request from Stalwood Productions LLC to rent the Wallace Recreational Facility for a film production of “The Walking Dead.” The arrangement, scheduled for December 15, 2025, was primarily for staging equipment and catering services, with no filming planned on-site. The production company agreed to a license fee of $3,000. Additionally, the facility’s restaurant operator negotiated a separate agreement for catering services.

The meeting also addressed personnel changes, including the acceptance of resignations from several seasonal golf course employees and the appointment of Kevin Mason as a carpenter, effective December 15, 2025. The commissioners unanimously approved these personnel matters. The payroll expense warrants were then presented, with the county payroll totaling $144,15.60, alongside warrants for school and county expenses, all passing without opposition.

In terms of fiscal management, the trial balance as of August 31 was reviewed and unanimously accepted. Attention was given to a memorandum of understanding with the North County Agricultural High School Board of Trustees, aimed at establishing a capital stabilization account for the school. With the trustees having already approved the memorandum, the commissioners endorsed it, allowing the chairman to sign it by a vote of two to zero.

The meeting concluded with discussions regarding upcoming meetings and a holiday party for the commissioners. The last day of golf at the Wallace Recreational Facility was noted. With no emergency items raised, a motion to adjourn was seconded and passed, bringing the meeting to a close.