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Selectmen urge quick scheduling of public forums on proposed school renovation as budget season nears
Summary
Board members pressed staff to reserve venues and publicize a series of forums so voters can weigh school renovation options and tax impacts before any referendum quiet period begins; representatives emphasized the need for clear tax‑impact graphics and multiple meeting times.
Town leaders moved to accelerate public outreach on a proposed school renovation and possible referendum as budget season approaches.
Board members said they want clear cost‑to‑taxpayer projections and for the town to reserve meeting venues now so forums can be publicized and scheduled while the budget process is active. "We should reserve the auditorium and set those dates now," one board member said, arguing the public needs face‑to‑face presentations and answers about household tax impacts.
Officials outlined the relevant constraints: once the board votes to send a question to referendum, a statutory 'silent period' begins and outreach is restricted; the board must therefore finalize public‑education events and venue bookings before that window starts. Staff said some financial details were still pending but pledged to provide bond and tax‑impact numbers to drive outreach materials. Board members suggested a mix of weekday evenings and at least one weekend session to reach different voters, and asked staff to prepare slide presentations with clear examples showing likely tax changes by property value.
On related facilities planning, members discussed reuse options for Brownstone School as swing space during renovations and urged staff to include reuse scenarios in presentations to voters so the public understands both short‑term logistics and longer‑term disposition options.
What’s next: staff to seek the required financial details, propose public forum dates and reserve venues; the board said it may call a special meeting when updated cost estimates arrive.
