The meeting began with public comment from Frank Smith, a resident who raised concerns about the transparency of the Select Board, particularly targeting Chair Mary Ellen Fletcher. Smith shared his challenges in obtaining board communications, citing excessive delays and obstacles encountered over a period of 103 days despite having paid for access. His remarks underscored accusations of a “willful lack of transparency,” as he questioned the whereabouts of board communications, including text messages and emails. Smith’s appeal for residents to scrutinize these communications was aimed at informing voters ahead of the upcoming election.

This public comment set the stage for a broader discussion about the town’s financial state, particularly the budget’s impact on local schools and public services. The Town Administrator’s report provided updates on budget preparation, noting the anticipation of a balanced budget despite financial hurdles. Among the key financial concerns was the extension of the due diligence period for a hotel project due to contractor concerns about financial viability, as well as ongoing infrastructure maintenance, such as pothole repairs and sewer main updates near Fisherman’s Beach.

Particularly concerning was the financial outlook for the schools, with discussions highlighting the necessity of addressing the Middle School’s deteriorating conditions. The need for a design phase for window replacements was emphasized, with a proposed cost of $180,000 for design alone, though actual construction could be delayed into the following year. The conversation acknowledged the community’s capacity to manage a $100 million school project, given recent increases to the town’s debt service from a new elementary school.

Concerns about potential staff reductions were also raised, with discussions indicating that initial plans to cut 25 positions had been mitigated to seven due to additional funding. Yet, fears persisted about the implications of reduced teaching staff and the broader impact on student support systems, particularly for vulnerable student groups.

Residents, including parents and school committee members, emphasized the need for adequate school funding. They argued that the proposed budget cuts could lead to a significant decline in educational standards, potentially deterring prospective residents and affecting the town’s reputation. The sentiment was echoed by speakers who stressed the importance of maintaining quality education and support for teachers, noting historical challenges with salary increases and staff retention.

The Select Board also faced logistical challenges in planning for future leadership, particularly concerning the search for a new Town Administrator. The Town Administrator Search Committee, chaired by Heather, outlined the advantages of hiring a municipal search firm, estimating costs between $15,000 and $20,000, with a request for up to $25,000 to cover potential higher bids. The discussion revealed concerns about why this anticipated expense was not previously budgeted, highlighting a lack of foresight in financial planning.

Beyond immediate budgetary concerns, the meeting touched upon long-term projects, such as the solar canopy project at the elementary school. This initiative was favored over window replacements due to a better return on investment, though questions about funding sources and state reimbursements persisted.

The meeting concluded with reflections on the need for improved communication and collaboration across town departments, particularly in budget planning and execution. The Select Board acknowledged the importance of transparency in budget discussions, with calls for more thorough scrutiny of all town positions to ensure equitable evaluation.