The Elm Street project was a major topic of discussion, with an engineer from Western Samson Engineers presenting a scaled-down version of the initial proposal. The revised plan eliminated costly components, such as the gravity sewer and pump station, focusing instead on water main improvements and a dedicated force main for a property on Elm Street.

Committee members expressed concerns about the project’s financial viability, especially regarding the betterment assessment for the property on Elm Street, estimated at $1.5 million. The conversation also touched on potential cost savings if the project remained under budget, with discussions on how these savings could be allocated between water and sewer costs. The financial implications of tariffs on material costs were considered, with contingencies in place to handle potential bid increases.

As the meeting progressed, the committee reviewed the sewer and water enterprise budgets, noting a decrease in salary lines due to an unfunded position. Amid uncertainties over tariffs, the committee emphasized the necessity of allocating adequate funds for road repairs, highlighting challenges in securing contractors for such work.

In addition, the meeting addressed a proposal to borrow $175,000 for upgrades to the town’s five-year-old water treatment facility, which faced maintenance issues like re-bedding green sand filters. Despite being a relatively new facility, unforeseen maintenance needs prompted the request for borrowing funds to establish a maintenance schedule. The committee approved the borrowing, recognizing the importance of proactive maintenance to prevent future issues.

The committee also debated Article 9, proposing to raise or borrow $6 million for unspecified purposes, which received unanimous approval. Furthermore, Article 17 involved a $109,000 grant for digitization, contingent upon state zoning approval. The grant’s alignment with evolving state requirements was discussed, emphasizing the importance of compliance to avoid losing financial support.

The meeting delved into broader zoning and development challenges, particularly the expansion of the 40R smart growth zoning district near the commuter rail station. Concerns were raised about the validity of studies supporting housing development, with skepticism about potential financial impacts. Committee members debated the implications of compliance with state mandates, noting that failure could jeopardize significant grant funding and lead to legal challenges.

As part of the budget discussions, the committee grappled with the inclusion of new positions amid severe budget constraints. Overtime expenses for police and fire departments were significant, and there were proposals to reinstate positions cut in previous budgets. Despite acknowledging the town’s nearly $2 million budget shortfall, the committee debated the necessity of new hires, particularly in the treasurer’s office, while facing potential layoffs in other departments.

The committee recognized the need for careful financial management, questioning the reliance on stabilization funds during budget shortfalls. The senior center’s funding was also scrutinized, given the growing reliance of over 30% of the population on its services.