Selectboard discusses capital reserve plan and phased library reserve funding

The Westford Selectboard revisited the town’s capital plans and agreed to pursue clearer capital budgeting processes, including exploring a Capital Budget Committee to assist the Planning Commission. Chair Pat Haller said the Planning Commission is charged with capital budget work but noted the town should develop a capital budget narrative and a committee could help curate projects for resident votes.

Haller proposed a phased approach to the library reserve: "FY 28 $5,950 FY 29 $3,950 FY 30 $3,950 FY 31 $1,100." Board members discussed alternatives, including delaying funding for a year, and asked the Fire Department and department heads to provide itemized needs, call volumes and equipment status so the committee and Planning Commission can better prioritize projects. Tommy O’Connor noted "there is a provision allowing for an appointed committee to curate the Capital Program" under state statute and that the committee’s work would still route through the Planning Commission and Selectboard before resident vote.