The meeting commenced with the committee addressing fiscal year 2026 capital requests, focusing notably on the fire truck request estimated at $950,000. The discussion was sparked by the potential to utilize $450,000 from the overlay reserve fund, with excess funds available, and an additional $500,000 from free cash. The conversation included deliberations on the select board’s role in allocating free cash and potential implications for future budgets. A member emphasized the need to act swiftly on the fire truck request, highlighting that the absence of large upcoming expenses for the fire department presented a unique opportunity to manage this major expense without delay.

As discussions unfolded, members debated whether to prioritize the immediate purchase of the fire truck or protect the capital stabilization fund for potential future needs. One member suggested directly allocating $500,000 to the fire truck purchase instead of placing it in a stabilization fund. The committee members recognized the importance of securing funding for the fire truck while maintaining financial flexibility for future needs.

In a subsequent development, the committee approved a motion to fund several items, including the fire truck, utilizing both overlay and free cash sources. The motion passed unanimously. This decision was underscored by concerns over ensuring the fire department had sufficient financial backing to proceed with the purchase and avoid complications if the truck was ordered before funds were appropriated.

The committee also addressed the ranking of other capital requests, including the $75,000 Cascade system upgrade for the North End fire station, prioritized over the South End based on the fire chief’s input. This decision was made independently from the fire truck funding.

The conversation then shifted to various funding allocations, including a $200,000 request for cemetery expansion from free cash, $85,000 for a server cluster, $20,000 for the Council on Aging’s matching grant for a passenger van, $256,000 for police cruisers, $235,000 for school security upgrades, and $325,000 for a playground. However, the playground funding prompted discussions about possibly reallocating funds for generators, with an estimate suggesting a school-wide generator could cost around $100,000.

Amidst these discussions, a notable item was the $25,000 allocation for a Council on Aging elevator, underscored by urgency from the executive director due to her impending retirement. After some debate, the committee authorized Town Administrator Jim Hartnett to engage with the executive director to confirm the request’s urgency. The motion to include this funding was passed unanimously, adding to the total figure reported to the finance committee, which reached approximately $1,221,000 after including the elevator funds.