A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the school budget, a topic that sparked considerable concern due to the constraints faced by Townsend and neighboring towns Ashby and Pepperell. During a recently held school budget forum, attended by local representatives and state officials, the financial strain on the school district was brought to light. The superintendent, Brad Morgan, highlighted the district’s challenges, primarily due to unfunded federal and state mandates that have exacerbated financial pressures. These mandates, along with limited budget increases of approximately 3%, were reportedly insufficient without potentially resorting to tax overrides.

Rumors about possible school closures, particularly Ashby Elementary, fueled community apprehensions. However, the superintendent clarified that while exploring cost reductions was a directive from the school committee, any decisions regarding closures rested with the school board. The forum also pointed to the state’s funding formula, which many local officials believe disproportionately favors urban areas over smaller, rural towns like Townsend. In response, the board discussed the potential for a coordinated advocacy effort, such as a letter-writing campaign to state authorities, to address these funding disparities.

Another focal point of the meeting was the auction of town-owned properties. A comprehensive list of tax-acquired parcels, including those on New Fitchburg Road and Cherry Drive, was presented for potential sale. The board emphasized the strategic approach of grouping parcels for auction to maximize value, particularly the Cherry Drive properties. It was noted that the properties committee would engage with state agencies, such as Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), to assess interest in certain parcels, potentially impacting the auction timeline. Additionally, the board ensured that neighboring property owners would be notified about the auction, facilitating transparency and community involvement.

The meeting also included a discussion on the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The board highlighted the importance of understanding each project’s status before reallocating funds, adhering to established ARPA policies and federal reporting requirements. The town enlisted Capital Strategic Solutions to assist with ARPA fund management, noting that these funds could cover accounting services due to the workload involved. The upcoming fiscal year 2026 budget season was also touched upon, with expectations for level-funded requests and the possibility of budget summits should overrides be necessary.

The board further addressed the timeline for the January 28, 2024, town meeting, with key dates set for the warrant opening and closing. The importance of reviewing articles before the warrant’s closure was emphasized. Discussions also included the electricity aggregation program, with residents reminded of the opt-out deadline and the program’s potential savings compared to existing providers.

In governance matters, the official signing of the new town charter by the governor’s office marked a milestone, following over six years of dedicated work. This charter will soon be accessible on the town’s website, reflecting changes aimed at enhancing local governance.

The meeting concluded with announcements of community events, such as the town’s tree lighting ceremony and the Historic Society’s Christmas Victorian event. The resignation of Jo Laritz from the Sho Wild and Scenic Stewardship Council was noted, prompting the need for a new representative. The board wrapped up with routine approvals of payroll and bills, adjourning around 7:35 PM.