Article 5, a multi-item capital outlay request totaling over $1.2 million from free cash, passed despite several items being pulled for individual discussion. The most debated items included $284,000 for Police School Resource Officers (SROs) and $105,000 for PFAS-free turnout gear for the Fire Department. Chief Phil Tavaris explained that the SRO funding was necessary because previous grant funding had ended, and the department needs to sustain three officers across the high school, middle school, and elementary schools.

Fire Chief Michael Labriola spoke to the necessity of the turnout gear, noting that manufacturers will be prohibited from using toxic PFAS chemicals after 2027. This is basically our lifeline. It protects us from the heat and the smoke, Labriola said, adding that the appropriation would ensure the entire department has one set of clean gear. Questions were also raised regarding $554,000 split between town and school facilities maintenance, which Facilities Manager Fred Russell explained covers recurring mechanical, electrical, and plumbing repairs.

Motion: The select board moves the town appropriate the sum of $1,225,824.93 for capital outlay as set forth in the spreadsheet published under article 5... and to meet set appropriation transfer from free cash and/or the compensated absence fund.

Vote: Passed by Majority