Sturbridge, Town of

The primary discussion centered on funding proposals for a trails bridge project over the Quineboag River, estimated to cost $1,745,000. The committee discussed financing this entirely through CPA funds by utilizing both the Open Space Fund Balance ($700,000) and the Undesignated Fund Balance ($1,045,000), thus avoiding the need to borrow funds that previously failed to secure a required two-thirds vote. The suggested motion was modified to focus solely on the 'construction of' the bridge, as design work was confirmed to be complete and fully funded, with design and permit costs already covered. The motion to appropriate $1,545,000 from the Undesignated Fund balance and $700,000 from the Open Space Fund balance for the construction passed unanimously.

The meeting addressed a significant request for a Reserve Fund transfer of $14,600 to repair the exhaust manifold and turbos on DPW Truck #11, which is essential for winter plowing and sanding operations until new trucks arrive in May 2026. The Finance Committee approved this transfer unanimously. New business included relaying an invitation for the committee to attend a January 20, 2026 Select Board meeting where Tighe & Bond will present the Water and Sewer Department Asset Management Report, focusing on above-ground assets. The committee also requested to receive a draft of the Annual Town Meeting Warrant earlier in the budget review process. A discussion occurred regarding the difficulty of financially measuring the impact of high trail usage on town revenue.

The meeting involved a briefing from Tap Into Travel regarding ongoing digital marketing efforts, including discussions on the importance of photography and collaboration with Yankee magazine for promotional materials focusing on Sturbridge's historic value. There was continued discussion and consensus to approve a multi-month marketing campaign for Spring and Summer 2026, including $30,000 for promotional advertising and $10,000 for an advocacy effort, totaling up to $40,000. The purchase of plaques for the Business of the Year Award Winners was approved for up to $350.00. A request from the Sturbridge Special Events Committee for $2,000 in support of the November 8, 2025 Home of the Brave race was tabled until the January 28th meeting. Discussions also covered legal reviews concerning the ability to provide grants due to the Commonwealth's Anti-Aid Amendment, and a consensus was reached to potentially expand Tap Into Travel's role in collecting and posting events for the 2026 to 2027 RFQ. Additionally, $2,200.00 was allocated for advertising in the Family Fun Guide. Preliminary discussion occurred regarding the Second Annual Ice Carving event scheduled for February 14th.

The meeting included the review and approval of the October 2025 meeting minutes, including executive session minutes. The Board signed necessary documents and reviewed several monthly reports pertaining to Real Estate, Personal Property Exemptions, Abatements, and the Fiscal 2026 Commitment Book documents, including Warrants. Key documentation signed included the FY2026 Real Estate Commitment & Warrant and the FY2026 Personal Property Commitment & Warrant. The Principal Assessor announced an upcoming WCAA meeting scheduled for December 3rd. The Board adjourned to executive session.

The board meeting included the review of monthly reports for November, specifically the Motor Vehicle Abatement Report for 2023, 2024, and 2025, as well as the Real Estate Exemptions and Abatement Report for November 2025. Other documentation processed included Motor Vehicle Commitment & Warrant #6 and various Chapter Land applications and liens. The Principal Assessor provided an update indicating current work on forms of list and income and expense returns. The meeting concluded with an adjournment to executive session.