The meeting began with the decision to permit the American Legion to organize the town’s Memorial Day Parade, an event that will commence at Norah School and conclude at the town green. However, the more pressing topic was the town’s budget, particularly the sustainability of using $200,000 from the operational stabilization fund. Concerns were raised about the reliance on this reserve and the need for transparency when explaining the decision to the voters. The board also considered increasing ambulance receipt anticipated revenue from $175,000 to $250,000 to reduce the draw from the stabilization fund, and there was a motion made and voted on regarding this proposal.

Debate ensued over the use of ARPA funds, with proposals to allocate these to reduce the budget shortfall and for specific projects such as IT upgrades and townwide Wi-Fi. The board discussed the impact of ARPA funds on the town’s financial planning and contemplated their use for various expenses.

The COA’s budget request was also a focal point, with the department seeking the absorption of 100% of the COA director’s and program coordinator’s wages by the town. The board deliberated on whether to fund these positions through the general fund or seek alternative sources.

The Board of Health director’s request for additional hours, previously funded through an alternative source, was another discussion. The board agreed to fund 32 hours out of the general fund and the remaining from the interest account. This decision took into account the potential impact on the library’s state funding calculations.

Concerns were voiced about the use of ambulance receipt funds for fire suppression purposes, questioning the appropriateness of such allocation and whether the general fund was picking up the difference for EMT wages. The board sought clarification on the specific items funded by these means, including essential firefighting equipment.

The meeting also touched on staffing issues, with conversations about budget increases for unfilled positions and the practice of using excess wage costs to cover other budgetary needs. The board emphasized the need to reevaluate funding for positions that have been vacant for an extended period.

Regarding bylaws, there was a discussion about including various new regulations in the town meeting warrant. Some board members questioned the necessity and impact of tag sale and nuisance bylaws, while others expressed the need for further discussion and public input. The potential enforcement of tag sale regulations and the thoroughness of the bylaw committee’s work were also topics of debate.

Additionally, the board debated the proposed spending limit for health inspection services and the process for approving the town meeting warrant. The possibility of holding the bylaw back depending on comments from KP law was also discussed.

The meeting concluded with announcements regarding a contract offer to the permanent fire chief and ongoing land acquisition negotiations.