A major highlight was the approval of a consulting agreement for Jaden Silva to serve as the interim town administrator. Effective January 20, this agreement classifies Silva’s position as a consulting role rather than an employment contract. This distinction was clarified during the meeting, with a board member stressing the importance of completing necessary ethics disclosures to maintain transparency. The specifics of the agreement, including name and dates, were left to be finalized out of session.

The board also tackled the issue of budget planning amidst a challenging financial landscape. With a bleak outlook for the upcoming fiscal year, the board examined various strategies to manage town finances. The conversation touched on the broader economic pressures affecting municipalities, with rising insurance and energy costs exacerbating the town’s financial strain. One member remarked on the dire situation, stating, “every town is bleeding right now,” highlighting the urgency for strategic fiscal management.

Among the proposed solutions was the potential use of ARPA funds to cover onboarding costs for a new town administrator, should a suitable candidate be found by June 1. The board discussed the need for a robust search committee to ensure a thorough selection process, with some members advocating for broader stakeholder involvement to enhance the likelihood of a successful hire. Despite differing opinions on the committee’s size, there was consensus on the need to fill the position with a qualified individual by the start of the new fiscal year.

Simultaneously, the board considered compensation issues, particularly regarding retroactive payments owed to police officers from fiscal year 2025. This issue dovetailed with discussions on how to make non-union employees whole, emphasizing the necessity of addressing salary adjustments and cost-of-living increases for all town employees.

The meeting also delved into operational efficiencies, including the possibility of restructuring town offices to save costs. One member expressed reluctance to pursue funding overrides beyond essential needs, referencing past failures to garner community support for such measures. The board recognized the need for clear communication regarding the town’s financial story to build public backing for any proposed changes.

On the topic of municipal operations, the board authorized the interim town administrator to request the removal of items from the West Townsend Reading Room by the 7th Day Adventist Church Group by March 15, 2026. This decision aligns with efforts to prepare the property for potential sale.

In terms of town governance, the board discussed the digitization of Select Board records, appointing a member to oversee the project. This initiative aims to enhance record-keeping practices. Additionally, the board reviewed a disclosure related to Chief Sartell of the police department.

The meeting also addressed environmental compliance, approving an agreement for the monitoring and reporting at the Greenville Road landfill.