The appointment of Stephen Nesten Power as the new assistant assessor emerged as one of the most notable developments during the meeting. His career path, which includes healthcare management and teaching, along with his personal life experiences, notably the recent loss of his wife, motivated him to pursue a role in public service. Power’s immediate priority is to secure the necessary certification for the position, and the board welcomed him warmly, appreciating his enthusiasm and expertise. The motion to appoint Power was seconded and passed unanimously.

Another agenda item was the discussion surrounding the ADA upgrade of the town’s website, a project aimed at ensuring accessibility and compliance. The board approved a contract with Civics Plus. The upgrade, which costs approximately $6,500 for the current year and $8,200 for the next, is designed to reduce the maintenance burden on town staff and enhance the website’s functionality. This initiative reflects a broader trend of consolidating municipal websites to streamline access to services for residents. The board emphasized the importance of updating language to reflect the change from “board of selectmen” to “select board” and considered integrating separate websites for the police, school, and library into a single site for efficiency.

In a related update, the board received news of a new national opioid settlement involving secondary manufacturers. The settlement, signed on April 4, 2025, requires municipalities to abstain from suing involved parties to receive funds. Although the exact settlement amount remains unknown, previous funds have been modest, typically a few thousand dollars. These funds are earmarked for addressing the opioid crisis through public health initiatives, providing necessary resources without straining town finances.

The board also discussed progress at the South County Senior Center, where an EDM contract had been signed, and work was underway, with completion expected by month-end. This project is closely linked to plans for a special town meeting, which may be scheduled in line with Deerfield’s early November meeting. The board agreed to await contractor updates before finalizing meeting dates, emphasizing the importance of public participation in the process.

Further, the board addressed capital stabilization, necessitating a revote due to a minor discrepancy of $8.50 in the previously approved amount. The corrected figure of $420,122 for fiscal year 2026 was unanimously reapproved following a brief discussion on separating overrides in calculations.

Additionally, the board granted Mike’s Maze five one-day liquor licenses for its annual event, praising the thoroughness of the application and the event’s positive reputation. This decision was part of a broader conversation about the meeting schedule, with the board deciding to resume weekly meetings due to the approaching budget season.

The town administrator provided updates, including a public hearing scheduled to discuss voting rights for residents aged 16 and 17. This hearing, set for September 16, will address a legislative petition supported by Sunderland and other towns.