A primary topic was the approval of an additional $11.7 million in funding for the Diamond Regional Vocational Technical High School project. This increase raised the total project budget to approximately $35.2 million, driven by inflation and rising construction costs since the project’s initial budget approval. The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) acknowledged these inflationary pressures, contributing about $22 million in additional funding. This allowed the school to propose restoring features previously removed due to budget constraints without imposing additional costs on local taxpayers.

The local share for Westport would decrease from around $7.6 million to about $7 million, resulting in direct cost savings of approximately $670,000. The proposal included additional contingency funds for responsible budget management. However, the board contemplated the long-term implications of the increased borrowing, discussing the potential financial impact on the town’s operating budget if the additional borrowing was not classified as excluded debt. Concerns were raised about annual costs of approximately $35,000 to $40,000 the town might absorb.

Discussions were held about the scope of the project and whether changes made to reduce costs would be positively received by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Modifications included substituting granite curbing with asphalt berm and potential solar energy solutions, raising questions about alignment with DESE’s criteria. Despite uncertainties, the board emphasized the necessity of moving forward with the project, acknowledging the collective need for an affirmative vote from all involved towns.

Another issue was a host agreement with Coastal Healing, a cannabis-related business seeking a new agreement to comply with updated state regulations from the Cannabis Control Commission. The existing agreement, which included a 3% charge paid to the town and a yearly impact fee of $25,000, was potentially non-compliant with a law passed in 2022. The new regulations required justifications for expenses related to the impact fee, creating a discrepancy between the existing agreement and the new law. While the town’s legal counsel believed the current agreement was valid, ongoing litigation and settlements in similar cases elsewhere suggested uncertainty.

A discussion ensued about the financial viability of the cannabis business and the potential impact on local services. The company had not identified specific impacts warranting the collection of impact fees, raising concerns among board members about the lack of expected funds for local services. Additionally, the competitive environment for cannabis businesses had transformed, with increased market participation and price pressures affecting operations.

In other business, the board addressed community appointments, including appointments to the opioid advisory committee, offshore wind advisory committee, and the Council on Aging. The board also approved an on-premise seasonal wine and malt beverage license for Partners Village Store and a change of category for Westport Sea Farms’ liquor license to include all alcoholic beverages.

Infrastructure improvements were discussed, notably the repainting of Town Hall entrances and upcoming work on handicap railings. The highway department was praised for its recent paving of Main Road. Concerns were raised about Town Hall roof maintenance, specifically regarding missing shingles and slates.

The board reviewed a request from Diamond Regional Vocational Technical High School for increased funding and discussed the implications of additional borrowing on the town’s financial situation. They also considered a proposal for a crosswalk near St. John the Baptist Church due to heavy foot traffic during community events.