Acton Select Board backs recreation director, spars with school committee over tax post

The Acton Select Board defended the recreation director against social media criticism and approved a one-day liquor license, a training mannequin purchase, and a recreation committee appointment. School committee members confronted the board over a school budget comparison posted on the town website alongside tax bills, saying it lacked context and overstated what the schools asked taxpayers to fund.

Key points

• Board members and the recreation liaison praised the rec director's work, citing eight new coaches this year and enrollment on par with prior years, and urged residents to bring concerns to town hall rather than social media.
• School committee members said a budget comparison posted on the town website showed figures about $1 million higher than what the schools actually asked taxpayers to raise, and asked that it be taken down; the board chair said the schedule was accurate and meant to explain a 9 percent tax rate increase.
• The board voted to approve up to $1,500, excluding shipping, for a 176-pound rescue training mannequin, with the fire chief noting he had gathered at least three written competitive prices.
• The board approved a one-day liquor license for a catering company serving a wedding at Bluewood Hill Farm on Saturday, September 26.
• The board appointed Karen Nash to the Recreation Committee for a term ending June 30, 2027, after an interview; she was described as bringing experience from Kennebunk.
• The board authorized the town administrator to negotiate with the realtor for a property across the street, possibly on a contingent purchase basis, with more discussion expected at a future meeting.
• Fire Chief Wayne reported that Engine 1, a 2003 truck, may fail inspection next year due to frame rust, prompting discussion of replacement versus rehab, with a new truck estimated near $1 million and a mini pumper around $675,000.
• Public commenters asked for a clearer breakdown of what drove the 9 percent tax increase, including county tax and snowplowing costs, and a school committee member explained that added teachers reflect growing enrollment and a commitment to small class sizes.

Next steps

• The board will review the updated capital plan and the parking lot and memorial design proposal at its next meeting.
• The town administrator will consult the realtor about the property across the street and report back.
• The transfer station concrete bid decision is on hold pending an updated quote using wire mesh instead of rebar.
• The board will discuss the budget timeline, including a tentative April 10 town meeting date, next week.
• The recreation committee meets Monday, September 28 at 6 p.m., and the Pumpkin Carving Festival is set for October 17.

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