The most notable issue of the meeting was undoubtedly the water and sewer rate hikes. Residents expressed their frustrations and financial concerns, with some accusing the Select Board of overstepping its authority and failing to communicate effectively. Tom Shay, a resident of 81 Green Meadow Drive, strongly criticized the board for implementing these increases without adequate representation, labeling the actions as “taxation without representation.” Shay demanded the release of the town council’s opinion on the matter, highlighting a perceived lack of discussion from the board about the implications of their decisions. He also questioned the proposed $500,000 shortfall and the use of water and sewer funds for the Western Drive project, which he argued was an improper allocation for road reconstruction.

Several other residents echoed these sentiments. Katie expressed disbelief over her water bill nearly doubling, calling the costs unsustainable for younger homeowners. Danielle Aldridge of Pleasant View also reported an inexplicable 30% increase in water usage, despite her family’s absence from Longmeadow during the summer. Aldridge voiced dissatisfaction with the Department of Public Works’ explanations, fearing an unfounded leak. Similarly, Susan D. Ox, a senior citizen, noted her water bill had surged to $768, attributing it to poor communication from the town. Lee Budro criticized the lack of sufficient notice regarding rate increases, stressing the need for transparency.

In response, a board member acknowledged the public’s frustration, explaining that the rate increases were necessary due to the aging water and sewer infrastructure, with many pipes being over 60 years old. The board highlighted their discussions about the necessity of these increases from April to June, emphasizing that the decision was not taken lightly. They cited efforts to communicate the changes through notices, social media, and mailers but admitted potential shortcomings in ensuring residents fully understood the implications. The board member suggested exploring new communication methods to enhance public awareness, such as a reverse 911 call system.

Addressing accusations of illegal conduct, the board read a letter from the town’s legal counsel. The counsel emphasized that the board retains the ability to adjust fees based on operational and capital needs. Another board member thanked the public for their participation, acknowledging the emotional impact of the rate hikes on families and senior citizens, and reiterated the importance of community engagement in decision-making processes.

Beyond the water and sewer controversy, the board discussed the future of town-owned buildings, particularly the Community House and the old town hall. A report from Fuss and O’Neil, an engineering consulting firm, detailed the buildings’ conditions and recommended substantial improvements to meet safety and accessibility standards, with costs estimated at over $5 million. The board considered forming a task force to explore potential uses for these properties, weighing options such as private development or leasing to offset renovation costs. The community expressed strong interest in preserving the historical charm of these buildings, with many residents opposing privatization or demolition.

The meeting also addressed staffing and facilities management challenges. A report revealed that Longmeadow’s facilities department maintains an amount of square footage compared to neighboring towns, leading to discussions on improving operational efficiency and budget management. The report suggested hiring part-time tradespeople or establishing on-call service contracts to address staffing vacancies, particularly in plumbing and HVAC roles.

Other topics included amendments to the town’s traffic and roads policy, specifically incorporating the complete streets bylaw and halting traffic applications in active construction zones. The board also deliberated on the real estate tax abatement program for 2026, maintaining the structure from the previous year with 30 spots allocated for seniors and veterans. Additionally, the board reviewed the community’s interest in utilizing vacated town hall spaces for arts, cultural centers, and co-working areas.