The board’s financial discussions began with a public hearing on the local tax levy for fiscal year 2025. Steve Maderos, chair of the Board of Assessors, presented a analysis comparing fiscal years 2024 and 2025. He highlighted a total levy increase of approximately $1.5 million, equivalent to about 4%, and growth in the tax base due to new construction and improvements, which rose by 7.8%. Maderos recommended maintaining a single tax rate, emphasizing that residential properties make up 92% of the tax base, while commercial and industrial properties account for about 5%. He argued that a shift to a split tax rate would unduly burden small businesses, which represent 8% of the tax base. Under the proposed rate, with average residential home values increasing from $596,000 to $641,000, the average tax bill for a single-family home would be roughly $4,778, with the rate dropping from $7.70 per $1,000 to $7.45 per $1,000 due to rising property values. After discussion, the board unanimously voted to adopt the single tax rate.

Attention then turned to a proposal by the Building Commissioner and Zoning Enforcement Officer to increase fees for wiring, plumbing, and gas inspections. The proposed changes included raising residential plumbing and gas permit fees from $65 to $95 per fixture and commercial fees from $120 to $170 per fixture. The commissioner explained that Westport’s fees were among the lowest in the region and emphasized the need for adjustments to ensure fair compensation for inspectors amid a high volume of permit applications. The board considered phasing in the increases but ultimately approved them by a majority vote, with one member abstaining due to a conflict of interest.

Shifting gears to community engagement, the board discussed plans for Westport’s 250th anniversary celebration, with members expressing enthusiasm for involving the community in the planning process. Proposed activities included community conversations to gather ideas from various sectors, such as artists and educators, to create a celebration that reflects Westport’s spirit. A 30-page document from the Massachusetts 250th Committee was cited as a potential source of inspiration. Members expressed interest in organizing parades, performances, and collaborative projects, while also recognizing the need for coordination with local police to ensure smooth logistics.

In other business, the board approved several licenses and permits, including renewals for all-alcohol liquor licenses for Compton Clam Bakes LLC and the Packa Chuck Inn.

Committee appointments were also made, with Valerie Basset, Pamela Clarkson, and David Dorski joining the opioid advisory committee, and Timothy Bryant joining the Historical Commission. The board showed support for these appointments, approving them unanimously. However, the appointment of a select board representative to the SERID Commission was postponed due to recent developments involving a member’s new role as chairman of the infrastructure committee.

The board accepted donations totaling $1,860 for the Council on Aging, with several contributions made in memory of community members, and expressed condolences to the family of Alex Johnson. Additionally, a $60,643 donation from the Richard S. Anderson Revocable Trust to the Westport Free Public Library was accepted as an unrestricted gift.

Further fiscal matters included approving an increase in borrowing authorization for the Diamond Regional Vocational School project, an update on local American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) agreements, and a contract extension with Pit Hot Mix Asphalt Inc. for paving work. Each of these items received unanimous approval from the board.

The meeting also addressed the establishment of a foreman position for the transfer station, prompted by challenges in maintaining operations starting January 1st. Current reliance on contractors was deemed unsustainable, with cost estimates suggesting an additional $85,000 per year. The proposed salary for the position was set at $27.50 an hour, sparking concerns about parity with existing union positions. The board planned to negotiate with the union and conduct a salary survey to ensure alignment with comparable roles.

Lastly, the board received updates on various committees, including the Affordable Housing Trust, Capital Improvements Planning Committee, and school building committee. Discussions involved land donations, roof repair disputes, and ongoing mediation with architects. The Offshore Wind Advisory Committee continued efforts to engage with Vineyard Wind, and the biking and walking committee reported progress on grant applications for improving town signage.