The discussion focused on the proposal to bring two articles to the upcoming town meeting: one for a cost-of-living increase and another to double existing exemptions. The board acknowledged that while the state reimburses a portion of these exemptions, any increase would necessitate additional local funding, as the state contribution would remain static. Board members estimated this change could require an additional $70,000 in the overlay to maintain budgetary balance. The proposal’s fate will rest with town residents at the annual meeting, with the board emphasizing that the increase would be locally funded.

Another topic was the handling of liens related to property transactions. Members reviewed and signed off on the release of old liens and the establishment of new ones for properties that had changed ownership. This routine process ensures that records are up-to-date and that new property owners are appropriately registered.

The board also discussed a resident’s request to remove a 40-acre parcel from Chapter 61B, a designation offering tax benefits for land designated for recreational use. The board expressed its lack of funds to exercise the town’s first right of refusal on the property, which would result in rollback taxes being imposed on the landowner. This financial implication of removing land from Chapter 61B was noted as a positive for town revenues.