A primary focus of the meeting was the town’s financial outlook, which includes the preparation for the upcoming budget cycles. The board emphasized the need for clarity in the budget request forms submitted by department heads. With a financial forecast presentation scheduled for November 19, there was an acknowledgment of the challenging financial scenario, exacerbated by concerns over school assessments and expiring union contracts. The board stressed the importance of involving key financial stakeholders, such as the assessor, treasurer, and accountant, to form a comprehensive understanding of the town’s fiscal health.

In conjunction with fiscal discussions, the board explored the grant-funded digitization project aimed at enhancing the town’s record management. The project, supported by a grant estimated between $20,000 and $30,000, seeks to reduce physical storage demands and increase document accessibility. However, the funding was deemed insufficient for a complete digitization effort, prompting the board to prioritize recent documents over older ones. The board expressed the urgency of vendor selection by early February, given the grant’s expiration in October 2023.

Simultaneously, the board addressed a survey on harassment against town officials, particularly concerning incidents reported on social media. The survey, individually circulated to board members, aimed to assess the extent of harassment and threats faced by officials. A board member voiced concern over the degradation of officials, emphasizing respect for those serving the community. The board expressed interest in reviewing the survey results to understand the broader implications and potentially develop strategies to mitigate such incidents.

The meeting also included a discussion on the town’s volunteer board coordination, where updates were made to the volunteer response form to streamline the process of filling vacancies. The board reviewed the classification of various committees, distinguishing between standing committees and special task forces, to ensure accurate representation on the form. The need for an up-to-date list of active committees was emphasized, particularly highlighting the Commission on Disabilities, which requires certain members to identify as disabled.

Another noteworthy agenda item was the development of the legal services request policy. The board examined the draft document and deliberated on the optimal approach to accessing legal advice, balancing fiscal oversight with the need for timely legal consultations.

The board also addressed practical matters concerning the town’s social media strategy. With the town’s Facebook page largely inactive, there was a consensus on using the platform for disseminating information. The board decided to restrict comments and transfer page access to designated officials. This decision aligns with the board’s broader communication strategy, emphasizing the need for a social media policy to guide future interactions.

Concluding the meeting, the board tackled procedural issues such as the emergency assistance funds policy, which faced a temporary pause pending town council review. The board also discussed a potential regionalization of fire and EMS services, exploring collaboration with neighboring towns to enhance service delivery.