The request to use opioid settlement funds for AEDs sparked debate among board members and attendees, with particular concern about the appropriateness of this allocation. The police chief justified the request by highlighting training protocols that recommend AED use in emergency situations where there is no pulse or breathing, which can occur in opioid overdose cases. However, a member with public health expertise expressed reservations, underscoring that AEDs are typically associated with cardiac events rather than overdose interventions, which prioritize Narcan administration and assisted breathing.

To resolve the issue, the board agreed to gather more information from local emergency medical services and the Franklin County opioid task force. This approach aims to ensure that any decision aligns with best practices and effectively addresses the town’s public health needs. The board postponed a final decision on the matter, opting to reconvene after consulting with medical and public health representatives.

In a separate agenda item, the board addressed the renewal of various licenses for 2025, including alcohol, entertainment, lodging, and food service licenses. A new application for an automatic amusement device license from Castaways at Whately Investments was also reviewed. A significant concern arose over an applicant who owed nearly $7,000 in taxes and fees to the town. The board considered its options, including holding a public hearing to allow the business owner to address the issue. A provisional conditional renewal was proposed to allow the business to operate until the hearing, tentatively set for January 14.

On the financial side, the board scrutinized the proposed budget for the Select Board Administration for 2026. Discussions focused on aligning budget line items with actual past expenditures to improve financial accuracy and transparency. Specific adjustments were proposed, such as increasing the budget for advertising due to recent recruitment expenses and adjusting the printing budget for the annual Town reports to better reflect actual costs and needs.

The board also reviewed updates on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) projects, including the completion of the library’s computer replacement project. Remaining funds from completed projects were reallocated to support the highway department’s mower project. Additional updates were provided on the library’s electrical system upgrades, the MV solar array match payments, and the closure of the South County EMS ambulance project.

Further discussion covered the need for administrative support for both the Agricultural Commission and the Community Preservation Committee. The board decided to post positions for administrative assistants, with plans to hire one person to handle the roles for both committees, given the minimal requirements for the Agricultural Commission.