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Select Board discusses updating 2018 strategic plan; consultant help, costs and timing reviewed
Summary
Town Manager Christy outlined options to update Westborough's 2018 strategic plan, recommended a consultant-led public engagement process with estimated costs of $20,000–$40,000 and suggested a warrant article for funding. Board members debated timing, coordination with the master plan, and whether to do a full consultant-driven process or an abbreviated in-house update.
Town Manager Christy presented the rationale and options for updating Westborough's strategic plan (originally completed in 2018). She said the 2018 work included public engagement, an environmental scan and consultant-led visioning; Novak Consulting had been paid just under $75,000 for that effort.
Christy recommended an update that would reaffirm mission and values, incorporate more recent town studies (master plan, climate action plan, capital plan, senior needs assessment) and prioritize community engagement. She said consultant support is likely needed for robust engagement and synthesis and estimated consultant costs of roughly $20,000–$40,000 depending on scope.
Board members discussed timing (possible warrant article for annual town meeting 2026), the advantages of consultant facilitation versus an in-house abbreviated update, and coordinating strategic-plan timing with the master plan to realize efficiencies. Several members emphasized the need for meaningful public engagement and suggested getting refined scope and quotes to bring back to the board prior to a decision.
The board did not vote on funding at the meeting but asked staff to solicit refined proposals and cost estimates for consideration ahead of the annual meeting.
