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Foxborough Select Board adopts five strategic goals, flags data-center and wage-board issues
Summary
At its June 23 meeting the Select Board approved five town and town-manager goals emphasizing communication, fiscal stewardship, a strategic plan, redevelopment tied to stadium operations and workforce improvements; members asked for further work on data-center policy and the Personnel Wage Board’s function.
The Foxborough Select Board on June 23 approved five strategic goals for the town and the town manager, emphasizing improved communication and transparency, long-term fiscal stewardship, completion and implementation of a townwide strategic plan, strategic redevelopment that accounts for stadium impacts, and workforce and human-resources improvements.
Town Manager Bill presented the draft goals and described a proposed crisis-communication plan and continued use of Fox alerts to boost resident outreach, saying the town wants to “keep residents and the board and everybody updated through public forums, newsletters” and increase sign-ups. The financial goal includes a review of town fees to ensure they cover the cost of services without creating a profit motive. The board also directed staff to pursue professional recognition programs and best practices in municipal finance.
On redevelopment, the board discussed the state hospital redevelopment and Uptown Foxborough priorities, and added a directive to prepare for potential issues tied to Schneider Electric’s property. A Select Board member urged the town to prepare a policy on data centers given Schneider’s on-site power capacity; board members noted that town staffers, including Chris Gallagher, say water capacity would likely limit data-center development but asked to bring the topic forward at a fall meeting so the town can state a clear position if needed.
On workforce matters, the board supported publishing a comprehensive employee benefits guide, updating HR policies, finalizing a restructuring of HR and payroll functions and expanding training. Members raised concerns that the Personnel Wage Board currently lacks enough volunteer members to function and asked staff to evaluate whether the board should be restructured or its role changed.
A motion to approve the five goals as amended carried by voice vote with no recorded opposition. The board said it will incorporate the goals into the annual budget and continue public outreach on the strategic-plan timetable.
The board adjourned after completing the agenda; the next steps for the goal items include fall outreach and work to fold priorities into the FY28 budget.
