Warrant Article 32 was approved to create a $75,000 maintenance fund for town-owned playgrounds. DPW Superintendent Sean Patterson noted that while the town has invested nearly $500,000 in playground rehabilitation over the last decade, there has never been a dedicated fund for ongoing repairs. It only makes sense to appropriate something to maintain them, echoed Don Maple of the Advisory Board.

Parent and volunteer Bonnie Owens spoke in favor of the fund, sharing that broken equipment at local schools often sits in closets because there is no clear authority or funding to hire a licensed contractor for installation. While some residents suggested the money should come from Recreation Department fees, Patterson clarified that the DPW is responsible for physical maintenance of the structures. The town intends to build this cost into the regular operating budget starting in FY27.

Motion: The board of public works moves that the town vote to appropriate the sum of 75,000 for the purpose of maintenance of town-owned playgrounds to employ a licensed playground contractor to make necessary repairs.

Vote: Passed by Majority