At the forefront of the meeting was the debate over the utilization of $1,517,380 in free cash in contrast to $320,411 from stabilization funds. Concerns were raised about the potential negative impact on the town’s bond rating if stabilization funds were used, as this would require a two-thirds vote. The committee expressed a preference for using free cash to avoid such repercussions and acknowledged the importance of exploring alternative funding avenues to reduce reliance on stabilization. A member highlighted the need to mitigate these risks by maintaining a healthy stabilization fund, especially given recent economic uncertainties.

The committee also examined the implications of a proposed increase in minimum per pupil funding to $150, a topic that had previously caused friction between the superintendent and the school committee. Members sought clarification on whether discussions had been held with the superintendent to ensure alignment on this funding adjustment, emphasizing the importance of communication to avoid future discord.

In addition to these discussions, the committee reviewed several articles for the upcoming town meeting, deciding to take no action on Article 9 concerning capital improvements due to a unanimous motion. Similarly, the committee unanimously agreed to take no action on Article 12, which involved granting property to Habitat for Humanity, citing the need for further research on the properties in question.

Attention then turned to the special town meeting warrant, particularly Article 5, which proposed supplementing the sewer enterprise budget. The committee recommended against a supplemental appropriation, considering it unnecessary. Articles 6 and 7 also received a no-action recommendation due to timing constraints that hindered more decisive action.

A notable focus of the meeting was the street lighting budget, where questions arose concerning the expected savings from high-efficiency LED bulbs and the town’s solar initiatives. Despite previous reductions in costs from over $100,000 annually, ongoing maintenance and repairs continue to contribute to expenses, leading to a proposed budget of $52,000 for street lighting.

The committee then shifted its discussion to fixed and shared expenses, particularly the significant increase in health insurance costs, which rose by 8.2% for Norton, compared to other communities experiencing hikes nearing 20%. Members noted that some towns that left the Joint Insurance Commission (GIC) faced substantial financial challenges, with one community experiencing a 19% increase in health insurance costs after exiting the GIC. This prompted a reflection on the strategic benefits of remaining within such groups to manage expenses effectively.

The committee also scrutinized the unemployment compensation line item, budgeted at $80,000, despite historical spending being markedly lower. Further information was deemed necessary, particularly regarding potential school layoffs, which could impact unemployment costs.

Further budget discussions included adjustments for the council on aging and the library. The council on aging’s budget was set to increase slightly to accommodate a new position, while the library’s budget was adjusted to meet 3% of the proposed amount, although it still fell short of their full request. The committee discussed the necessity of amending the wage and salary plan to incorporate the new position at the senior center.