Tax policy discussions took center stage as Steve Maderas, chair of the Westport Assessors, presented a classification report highlighting a 5% increase in the average single-family home value, while the tax rate decreased from $7.45 to $7.28 due to rising property values. Maderas recommended maintaining a single tax rate to prevent significant tax bill increases for commercial property owners. The board unanimously agreed with this recommendation, resulting in an average $200 decrease for single-family home tax bills while preventing a potential $2,800 increase for commercial properties.

The board also explored the implications of a residential exemption for homeowners, with a board member arguing that summer residents with high-value waterfront properties face substantial tax burdens without voting rights, likening this to “taxation without representation.” The sentiment was that such an exemption would not benefit the town, referencing complications observed in other municipalities.

Attention then shifted to the future of the old high school building, with discussions focused on its potential repurposing for community housing and municipal functions. A presentation by RGB at the old high school library, followed by insights from a specialist in repurposing municipal buildings, highlighted the community’s interest in housing options. Concerns were raised about a previous proposal to demolish two-thirds of the building at a cost of $48 million, with calls for a Request for Proposal (RFP) or Request for Information (RFI) to explore alternative uses, notably affordable and workforce housing as well as veterans housing. The planning office and long-term building committee were tasked with making recommendations to the Select Board.

Various opinions emerged during the meeting on whether to pursue alternative proposals immediately or wait for the long-term building committee’s analysis. Concerns about infrastructure limitations, such as water and sewer systems, were noted as significant barriers to supporting housing developments at the old high school site. Despite these challenges, examples like Noachchoke Village were cited as successful public-private partnerships that leveraged tax credits and grants for housing development.

The board also tackled budget constraints and adjustments for the upcoming fiscal year. Property insurance costs are projected to rise by 10% to 15%, with state assessments increasing by 4%, largely due to school choice and charter school expenses. This contributed to a challenging budget scenario, leading to extensive cuts to achieve balance. Specifically, the funding for Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) was reduced, and requests for additional police officers were not included in the current budget proposal.

A significant portion of new revenue will be allocated to schools and town services, with an emphasis on maintaining a level service budget while accommodating necessary salary increases. The board also discussed staffing needs, including a proposed new firefighter position supported by increased ambulance billing revenue. Concerns were raised about the town’s IT infrastructure, prompting suggestions for an IT director presentation to address these issues.