The Capital Budget Committee reviewed several major town projects on Monday night, receiving positive financial news on the Town Hall renovation, revisiting a plan to install solar panels on school roofs, and discussing a revised timeline for the Public Safety Building project. Interim Town Manager Michelle Leary delivered an encouraging update on the Town Hall project, noting that early bids have come in under budget. "The cost of the water line and the fire suppression bids came in $62,000 under the original appropriation for that line item," Leary reported, adding that quotes for hazmat abatement are also significantly lower than anticipated. The project is currently tracking toward a Spring 2027 completion.

Committee member Cathy Forest provided an update from the Public Safety Building working group, indicating a shift in strategy. The group is now leaning toward proposing a special town meeting in the late summer of 2026 rather than aiming for the Annual Town Meeting in May. The change is intended to allow more time for a thorough and effective communication plan. "The working group really wants to communicate effectively out to the community and they don't want that communication to be rushed," Leary explained in support of the timeline. The committee also discussed the importance of incorporating a peer analysis of similar projects in other towns. While Robert Kasameyer questioned holding a vote on a major project at a special meeting, the consensus was that a dedicated meeting would allow for a more focused community conversation.

The committee also heard an informational presentation from Tanya Bodell regarding Article 11 for the upcoming Town Meeting, which seeks authorization to lease the Osgood and Deer Hill school roofs for solar panel arrays. Bodell explained that with the roofs scheduled for replacement, the timing is finally right for a project that has been discussed for over a decade. "The old landfill solar energy array has generated more than half a million dollars in savings to the town so far in the first eight of its 20-year life," Bodell said, highlighting the potential financial and environmental benefits. Forest noted the potential savings would be a welcome relief for the schools, which are facing a significant budget shortfall for utilities this year.

In preparation for the Town Meeting, the committee reviewed the wording of warrant articles, emphasizing the need for absolute clarity on funding sources, particularly for the Osgood school roof project. "I generally these things should have like zero wiggle room," said Chair Katie Dugan. The committee also began its annual review of past appropriations to identify funds from completed or stalled projects that could be returned to the capital stabilization fund. "It gives us the opportunity to put that money back to work for the town," said member Susan Franklin. After finalizing liaison assignments for the upcoming budget cycle, member Chris Peisch made a motion to conclude the meeting. The committee’s final action was to approve the adjournment. Motion Made by Katie Dugan to adjourn. Motion Passed 5-0.