Finance committee roundup: CPC appropriation, capital program, housing and DPW design all advance; Our Island Home warrant moves forward

A series of warrant articles and capital items moved forward at the Feb. 11 joint meeting of the Select Board and Finance Committee. Committee members approved funding recommendations on a number of articles and votes of endorsement; several items were tabled or referred for additional review.

What the committee approved

- Community Preservation Fund (Article 26): The committee voted to adopt the Community Preservation Fund (CPC) appropriation plan for fiscal 2026. Linda Williams (presenter, Community Preservation Committee) reviewed a roster of historic preservation, community housing and open‑space projects. Town staff and CPC members said the CPC expects approximately $4,054,420 to allocate this year; Brian (Finance Director) noted roughly 18% of that amount is expected from the state match and the remainder from the local 3% surcharge on property tax bills. Vote: motion carried by roll call (unanimous among voting members present).

- CPC borrowing authorization for affordable housing (Article 28): The committee voted to support a motion authorizing the CPC to borrow an additional $5,000,000 for affordable housing (a third borrowing authorization). Brian and housing staff said the borrowing would be paid back from CPC receipts and that the town is already carrying existing CPC bond authorizations. Vote: approved (committee roll call…