26:48The meeting’s most issue concerned the PAS project, which had previously been approved for funding by the Clean Water Trust. However, the project was later deemed ineligible due to an administrative oversight. This left the town responsible for covering the costs, which had already led to the committee approving two loans of $150,000 each. The unexpected burden prompted deliberations on whether to transfer funds from the stabilization fund or to seek further borrowing. One member advocated for using stabilization funds to maintain flexibility and avoid unnecessary interest expenses, while another highlighted ongoing discussions with state representatives to potentially reinstate the project’s eligibility for trust funding.

36:15The committee also grappled with the possibility of organizing a special town meeting to address these funding challenges, acknowledging that the PAS project could incur expenses up to $100,000 in the coming year. The committee considered drafting a warrant article that would propose transferring $150,000 from stabilization and free cash to cover the project costs. This proposal aimed to provide the town with financial flexibility while awaiting further developments.

01:35:58Beyond the PAS project, the finance committee reviewed the overall budget for FY26, which totaled $7,677,806. The budget included various allocations, notably for the Amherst Pelham Regional School District set at $37,777,171. A motion to approve the proposed budget was unanimously passed.

The committee also deliberated on a series of warrant articles for the upcoming town meeting. These included requests for funds to repair the highway department’s road grader and a new mower, along with a proposal to upgrade the fire alarm system at the town hall. A proposed $8,000 allocation aimed at matching funds for a grant to improve the Lake Wyola Recreation Area was also discussed, with members agreeing to the amount but leaving room for adjustments pending further information.

01:04:53In addition to large-scale budget concerns, the committee focused on transparency and communication with the town’s residents. There was a concerted effort to ensure that budget documents were accessible online and that detailed information was available for school budgets, which often appear as single lines in the overall town budget. Members agreed on the importance of providing comprehensive budget summaries to the public, including potential tax impacts and how cash reserves were being utilized to balance the budget.

00:03The meeting concluded with a focus on preparing for the joint meeting with the select board, where they would present their recommendations and findings. They planned to finalize the annual report in upcoming meetings.