The board’s decision to terminate the website vendor’s contract was prompted by persistent frustrations from both board members and the public over the inaccessibility of policy documents and broken links on the site. The vendor had requested to terminate the contract, citing a conflict of interest, which the board agreed to. The termination was set for the end of May, with an interim plan to compile a list of website issues for the vendor to address before the contract ended. Concerns were voiced about the gaps in website management that would follow the vendor’s departure. The board discussed the need for either a new vendor or a dedicated staff member to ensure the website’s effective management moving forward. There was a proposal to update the webmaster job description to reflect the current needs, with the position projected to require 5 to 7 hours of work per week and an annual budget of $6,500.

Following the website discussion, the board turned to budgetary matters. A point of contention was the decision to reallocate $100,000 from the ARPA line designated for the affordable housing trust toward salaries and wages. This move aimed to provide flexibility in covering general salaries, and the motion passed following a roll-call vote. The board also grappled with broader budgetary revisions, emphasizing clarity in the Select Board’s budget versus other versions circulating in the community. The conversation highlighted concerns about collective bargaining agreements and the implications of potential staff reductions.

Another focal point was the fiscal year 2027 school budget, with the board expressing concerns over unsustainable budgeting practices and potential drastic implications if the school budget request increased significantly. The board emphasized the need for a refined approach to budget cuts, focusing on specific departments like town hall, cemetery, and park recreation, rather than across-the-board reductions. Discussions also touched upon the complexities of using ARPA funds to cover snow and ice wages, raising questions about the sustainability of such practices.

Public safety staffing emerged as a critical concern, with discussions about the potential impact of budget cuts on police and fire services. The board highlighted significant overtime costs associated with understaffing, emphasizing the urgency of maintaining adequate staffing levels to manage these costs effectively. Statistics were shared illustrating unbudgeted overtime expenses for public safety.

The meeting also addressed issues of transparency and community engagement in the budget process. There were frustrations about the budgetary turmoil following a town meeting on March 10th, where a decision was made to eliminate free cash to support the school budget. This decision led to significant discontent among board members and residents, with concerns about misinformation and disrespectful comments on social media. The board discussed the importance of engaging local legislators and participating in budget meetings to advocate for better funding and navigate the limitations of one-time funding sources.

There was a call for consistency in budgeting tools and a proposal to invite experienced individuals to provide guidance for more streamlined budget processes.