Despite these accolades, the department faces financial and operational challenges. A request was made for a $55,000 increase in police overtime, largely due to rising costs associated with community events like street fairs and parades. The department is also reallocating funds due to evolving community needs, impacting school crossing guard staffing.

Concerns were raised about the increasing number of public records requests, particularly related to traffic accidents, stemming from changes in state law. These requests have surged, presenting a administrative burden as the department cannot charge for these inquiries. Additionally, a request for $30,000 in police training funds emphasized the need to maintain high standards for officer training, including de-escalation tactics and active shooter response. The police department seeks to enhance internal training by covering police academy tuition for recruits.

Staffing challenges were also addressed, with the department recently hiring an officer previously working in New Hampshire. However, a decrease in applicants for police positions was noted, with only five or six recent applicants compared to 100 in previous years. This decline highlights a broader issue with recruitment and retention in law enforcement.

The fire department’s staffing and budgetary issues were another focal point. In 2025, the department struggled to maintain full staffing levels, often operating below optimal capacity due to retirements and hiring difficulties. The proposed expense budget for the fire department is nearly $248,000, including a clothing allowance and costs associated with the advanced life support program. The department requested an increase in the overtime budget from $530,000 to $600,000, addressing the disparity between rising base salaries and stagnant overtime funding.

The fire department’s operational strategy, particularly during emergency responses, was discussed. Maintaining a minimum staffing level of ten firefighters was emphasized as crucial for effective incident management. However, when staffing drops to nine, efficiency is compromised, necessitating adjustments that impact operational effectiveness.

Public works and community services also featured prominently in the discussions. The Department of Public Works presented a detailed overview of its operations, including notable achievements such as the installation of thousands of trash and recycling carts and the removal of hazardous trees. The proposed fiscal year 2027 budget included a shift in stormwater wages to an enterprise fund and increased seasonal wages for parks and cemetery maintenance. Noteworthy projects included the resurfacing of roadways and the installation of holiday lighting.

The stormwater enterprise fund faces a significant salary increase of 143%, primarily due to the reallocation of salaries from the general fund. Overall stormwater expenses are projected to rise by 9.4%, resulting in a total budget increase of approximately 73%. This shift reflects the town’s efforts to manage operational costs while addressing infrastructure needs.

The technology department’s budget presentation underscored the importance of cybersecurity and infrastructure reliability. Discussions focused on transitioning to cloud-based solutions, which, although more expensive, alleviate server management responsibilities. The integration of AI to streamline public records requests was explored, with full functionality anticipated by fiscal year 2027. The department emphasized ongoing investments in technology to support town operations and improve service delivery.