The Whately Elementary School and Frontier Regional School operating budgets were a point of discussion. Board members scrutinized a substantial rise in the principal’s budget at Whately Elementary, attributed to the cessation of previous relief funds. The need for increased paraprofessional support resulted in a 97% hike in that budget line. Custodial services also saw a notable increase, prompting questions on whether this was due to added staff or other factors. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of the current custodial budget following a dip in the previous year.

Debate continued over a proposed $25,000 allocation for building maintenance, which some members felt might be insufficient, given the historical context of minimal maintenance budgets that barely covered essential inspections. Suggestions included establishing an annual maintenance fund to manage future capital improvements more effectively. The broader infrastructure challenges of the school, including accessibility and aging facilities, were highlighted, with a specific emphasis on the need for a new roof and enhanced safety measures.

For Frontier Regional, attention turned to a $300,000 allocation for testing and assessment, primarily salaries for guidance counselors, and inquiries about out-of-district tuition expenses for special education. The unpredictability of these costs, driven by Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), underlined the financial complexities involved.

Another concern was the use of the excess and efficiency fund, with $200,000 planned for current expenses to ease the towns’ financial burden. While free cash reserves stood at $1 million, their reliance for ongoing expenses was questioned, given their one-time nature rather than a stable pattern. The potential risks of future budgetary gaps if free cash levels weren’t preserved were discussed.

The meeting also addressed the town’s capital projects, categorized into priority levels. The urgent or Priority A projects included environmental monitoring at the old landfill, a $183,000 request from the fire department to replace air packs and cylinders, installing mini-split heat pumps at the elementary school, and replacing storm windows at Town Hall. The latter was emphasized due to ongoing issues with existing windows and warranty expiration concerns.

Priority B projects included a town website redesign for accessibility improvements, library interior repainting with potential lead paint remediation, and exterior repainting of Town Hall. Also, a proposed new swimming dock at the town beach, funded through Community Preservation Committee funds, was noted.

On personnel matters, the board tackled the highway and building superintendent position, approving updates to the job description and setting an April 4 deadline for applications. The treasurer collector position was also reviewed, with changes proposed to shift it to a full-time role, pending Personnel Committee approval. The assistant treasurer collector’s hours were temporarily increased for cross-training purposes, with discussions highlighting challenges due to current staff commitments.

The board unanimously appointed John Jensen as the new part-time Administrative Assistant for the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals, following a competitive selection process. This appointment was part of efforts to bolster administrative support within town operations.

The meeting also touched on upcoming town meetings, with drafts of warrants for both annual and special meetings under review. Articles included financial transfers, capital project funding, and amendments to align with state requirements. A notable amendment involved creating a revolving fund for the fire department to manage fees and equipment costs, while another sought to amend zoning bylaws to accommodate marijuana product manufacturing.