A noteworthy transfer of $218,497 from the Police Department’s personnel services to general expenses was brought to the table, necessitated by unanticipated costs for the police building, cruisers, e911 mandates, and compliance with the public records law. The police chief elaborated on the need for these funds, which sparked a debate among committee members regarding the unforeseen nature of these expenses and the imperative to meet mandatory software and equipment costs. This was followed by the approval of a $25,000 shift from the fire department’s overtime budget into their equipment budget for essential supplies, a new mower, and other equipment.

The Town Hall Annex’s compromised water well prompted a request for a $23,000 transfer to manage the emergency, raising concerns about the reserve fund’s suitability for such unexpected expenditures. Additionally, the committee grappled with a $75,000 transfer to address a shortfall caused by an absence of net metering credits from a solar farm contracted to supply the Westport Community School. The debate centered around whether this situation constituted a timing issue or a genuine budget deficit, with the committee considering the prospect of the school reimbursing the town once the credits materialized.

A contentious discussion unfolded over the purchase of a lawnmower for the library, with committee members deliberating on its necessity and the practicality of having the schools, located in close proximity, maintain the grounds instead. The debate raised broader issues, such as union contracts and the practicalities of equipment maintenance and procurement. Despite the expressed reservations, the lawnmower transfer was ultimately approved.

Another issue was the school department’s electric bill and the associated shortfall in solar panel credits, leading to a potential shut-off notice. Skepticism and concerns were voiced about whether this was due to a supplier-side problem or a technical failure at the solar farms. The committee faced a dilemma on whether to settle the bill immediately or seek further information, resulting in a motion to table the discussion until more clarity could be obtained.

The Finance Committee also delved into the relocation of school department offices from the old high school building, considering the financial implications and potential increases in town expenses. There was a call for a detailed presentation from the long-term building committee to the finance committee to ensure informed decision-making. The committee addressed the future of the old high school building, with proposals ranging from mothballing to demolition or repurposing as a centralized town office.

Lastly, the long-term building committee was urged to adopt a comprehensive view of the financial impact on town taxpayers and seek consensus before proceeding with major decisions. The audit committee presented a favorable report, citing no material weaknesses, while the Personnel Board discussed a draft of a classification and compensation study that underscored the town’s need for professional HR support.