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Selectmen approve auditor, cash policy and garage cameras; several upgrade proposals split 1-1
Summary
At the May 20 meeting the board approved King, King & Associates as auditor for FY 2026–2028, adopted updated cash policies, and approved a town garage camera expansion; motions to upgrade the conference room and to add park cameras each failed on 1-1 votes.
The Sterling Board of Selectmen on May 20 approved several administrative measures including a new three-year auditor contract, updated cash policies and an expansion of security cameras at the town garage, while narrowly rejecting some facility and park camera upgrades.
Selectman Ronald Whitcomb moved and Patricia Massey seconded to approve updated Cash Policies; Treasurer Sara Sleboda said the policies had been in effect and needed updates after many years. The motion passed 2-0.
The board approved King, King & Associates, P.C. as the town’s auditor for fiscal years 2026, 2027 and 2028 after the previous auditor declined to renew its contract. Massey said the Board of Finance had approved the selection "unanimously." The motion carried 2-0.
A motion to approve $8,037.60 in conference room upgrades failed on a split vote. Massey questioned spending while legal fees for Old Town Hall remain over budget and suggested only removing an eye-wash station. Treasurer Sleboda explained the IT quote would come from an IT capital account separate from the legal budget; the motion failed 1-1 (Whitcomb in favor, Massey opposed).
The Town Garage Camera Expansion was approved 2-0; by contrast, a proposal to install $9,878.86 worth of cameras at Neil H. Cook Park was met with privacy concerns from an audience member and failed on a 1-1 vote.
The board also appointed Karen Izzo to a five-year term on the Economic Development Commission and re-appointed Myron "Jack" Joslyn to a one-year Chamber of Commerce term; both motions carried 2-0. The board approved monthly invoices totaling $172,096.67. The meeting adjourned at 10:43 a.m. (recorded as 3-0).
Votes at a glance: - Cash Policies: motion carried 2-0 (Mover: Ronald Whitcomb; Second: Patricia Massey). - Road Resurfacing 5-Year Plan: tabled 2-0 (Mover: Ronald Whitcomb; Second: Patricia Massey). - King, King & Associates auditor appointment: approved 2-0 (Mover: Ronald Whitcomb; Second: Patricia Massey). - Conference Room Upgrades ($8,037.60): failed 1-1 (In favor: R. Whitcomb; Opposed: P. Massey). - Town Garage Camera Expansion: approved 2-0 (Mover: R. Whitcomb; Second: P. Massey). - Park Cameras ($9,878.86): failed 1-1 (Privacy concerns raised by audience member Stephanie Thompson). - Appointment of Karen Izzo (EDC): approved 2-0. - Re-appointment of Myron "Jack" Joslyn (Chamber): approved 2-0. - Approval of monthly invoices ($172,096.67): approved 2-0.
Why it matters: Approving an auditor and updating cash policies affect financial oversight; camera approvals and facility upgrades affect public safety and privacy and involve capital funds. Several motions were decided without a full board member present and some measures were delayed pending further review.
Next steps: Tabled items (notably the road resurfacing plan) will return for consideration when all selectmen, including Jack Joslyn, are available.
