The meeting commenced with a discussion on the long-term building project, a topic that has garnered attention due to its financial implications and potential impact on the town’s infrastructure. Christopher Thrasher, chair of the long-term building committee, provided an update on the ongoing efforts to evaluate the building’s future use. The committee is in the process of reviewing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for consulting services to assess possible changes to the building’s use. The select board has approved funding for a comprehensive scan of the building’s floor plan, which will inform the study expected to be completed by June 30, 2025. The committee aims to incorporate previously collected data to avoid redundant efforts.

Al Brown raised concerns about the project’s direction and the financial burden of various options, emphasizing the need for clear data to present a viable resolution to the town. Cindy Brown elaborated on the financial implications, noting that regardless of the decision—demolition, mothballing, or conversion—substantial costs would be incurred, including insurance and maintenance expenses.

The committee also discussed the building’s current usage and condition, highlighting issues with plumbing and insurance. Some student-facing offices have already been moved to other facilities to avoid disrupting the high school’s administrative functions. As winter approaches, the building’s utilization remains a concern, particularly for the recreational youth league and its role as a polling place.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the town’s budget planning process. The Town Administrator provided the select board with a budget schedule to be reviewed in the following month. There was a consensus on the need for strategic financial planning, especially given the substantial financial requests on the horizon, including a sizable request for water and sewer infrastructure. The committee noted that the debt exclusion for this project was not passed at the annual town meeting, raising questions about the town’s priorities moving forward.

Members expressed skepticism about pursuing water and sewer projects, given the town’s recent voting history against such initiatives. Concerns were raised about the select board’s decision to pursue eminent domain for pumping stations, with some questioning the appropriateness of using town funds for this without prior voter approval. It was clarified that the select board has the authority to expend American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds without seeking approval from the Finance Committee or town meeting.

The committee also deliberated on the need for a more comprehensive analysis of the long-term financial impacts of various projects. There was an emphasis on the importance of considering the broader implications of decisions, including how they would affect other town infrastructure and services. A member suggested that the Finance Committee should engage in deeper analysis rather than focusing on isolated projects, advocating for a three-dimensional understanding of financial obligations and potential revenue from various projects.

Another topic was the potential conflict of interest related to a committee member serving on both the Finance Committee and the School Committee. While the state determined there was no legal conflict, town bylaws might impose restrictions. The committee member in question defended his dual role, stating his intention was to bridge communication between the School Committee and the Finance Committee. However, another member expressed caution.

The committee highlighted the importance of maintaining its independence from other public bodies. A member noted that attendance at meetings does not require dual membership in the Finance Committee and the School Committee, emphasizing the need to revise bylaws to reinforce this independence. There was a consensus to consult the town moderator for proposed language to prevent potential conflicts of interest among committee members.

Additionally, Cindy raised a point about the need for a representative from the Diamond School Board to present before the Finance Committee, expressing concern over the ongoing construction project and its budget status. There was agreement to invite someone from Diamond to discuss the project, as well as possibly including representatives from Bristol AGI, who had completed their construction work.

The committee also discussed scheduling a joint meeting with the Select Board and the School Committee, proposing November as a suitable time frame. The goal would be to establish a clear agenda focused on budget discussions to ensure productive dialogue.