Selectmen reviewed several departmental budgets and operational updates on Tuesday, including the Recreation Department, Highway Department, government buildings, the transfer station and vehicle/equipment maintenance. The board also discussed a state-owned dam, Osprey Lake, and whether the town may be financially responsible for upcoming expenditures.

Recreation: Melanie, speaking for the Recreation Department, told the board registration and program numbers have grown since 2016 and that the department expects to exceed last year's participation. She said hiring Isabel ("Izzy") full time in April allowed the department to expand offerings, including a five-week summer teen program, concerts at the gazebo and special events supported by sponsorships and the department's revolving fund. "We've already surpassed last year's numbers and we still have programming coming up," Melanie said. She told the board most budget lines were level-funded; increases were limited to uncontrollable costs such as insurance and retirement contributions.

Government buildings: The board discussed ongoing renovations to the police station and other municipal buildings and noted the town has been funding an equipment replacement/ETF account but may need a larger warrant article to address deferred repairs. Town staff said highway crew and selectmen completed much of the renovation work themselves, with contractors used only for flooring and sheetrock.

Highways and bridges: TJ and Neil (Highway Department) described recent paving work and a shift to magnesium chloride for dust control. The highway presentation cited a successful recent paving program, planned work on Sawyer Road, Newman Drew Road and replacement of Fox Culvert, and a bridge on Granite Road that will need abutment work and guardrail replacement. Officials noted there are currently three bridges rated in the town's higher-risk category and that priorities will depend on the bridge-repair fund and future storm damage.

Transfer station and solid waste: Staff reported hauling and dumping costs have risen sharply; one hauling/dumping line is shown as $177,000 and has historically been over budget. Transfer-station staff said they track scrap and cardboard markets and manage container rentals to reduce costs. Board members asked about covering construction-debris bins to prevent moisture gain; staff said covering bins would be expensive given the size and required safety gates, and that it is a long-term idea but not currently funded. Staff also said they are reducing unneeded summer dumpsters after analyzing seasonal use.

Vehicle/equipment and cemetery questions: The board praised Scott in vehicle maintenance for lowering costs by doing fleet work in-house. Cemetery trustees noted they control their own budget and are responsible for cemetery maintenance; town staff said town crews cannot legally or safely perform some cemetery stone work because of liability.

Osprey Lake dam expenditures: Town staff warned that Osprey Lake is a state-owned water body and dam, and that the town has been asked questions about potential costs. Staff said the state appears to be preparing discussions with the town and neighboring municipalities; based on communications, staff said the town is likely to be "on the hook" in some way but that details and final obligations remain unresolved.

Why it matters: The budget reviews reveal where operational costs are rising and where the town may need to add funds or propose warrant articles for capital repairs. The Osprey Lake dam item signals a potential external liability that may require further legal and budgetary review.

Next steps: Staff said updated mid-year numbers and quarter reports will be provided in future packets (town staff expects to have at least half-year updates available by the next meeting). The Selectmen will continue budget discussions and may consider a warrant article to increase the equipment/ETF or building repair funding based on quotes and further estimates.