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This is an auto‑generated summary of key takeaways from the Finance Committee liaison report for the Aug. 20, 2025 Chairs Breakfast, provided by Karlen Reed. View the full report here (pp. 10–12) in the Finance Committee's Aug 28 meeting packet. This auto-generated summary is a community resource, not official record. Report factual errors here and we will correct them.
Electric bills
The Light Plant is moving to time‑of‑day rates. A cost‑of‑service study says no additional revenue is needed overall, but some customers’ bills will rise if they cannot shift usage away from peak hours. Battery systems are also in the works.
Question 1 (from the August Special Election) money and project priorities
After Q1 passed, Public Works wants residents at the Sept. 10 hybrid meeting to help prioritize long‑range projects. The Transportation Advisory Committee expects planning sessions on how to spend the funds and will coordinate with Public Works. The Climate Action Committee noted Q1’s passage while updating the town’s resilience plan.
Real estate transaction tax
The Municipal Affordable Housing Trust held an Aug. 26 roundtable and flagged a Sept. 9 State House hearing on both Concord’s home‑rule petition and a statewide option. They encouraged letters of support for this new transfer fee on Concord residents. The Housing Authority said it will support a local transfer fee.
Town finances under the microscope
Finance Committee on Aug. 28 will set metrics for budget guidelines and hear a debt presentation from Hilltop to understand impacts on Concord’s bond rating. The Select Board approved forming a Financial Work Group focused on reserve policies.
Tax relief survey coming
The Tax Relief Evaluation Task Force is preparing fall outreach and an Oct.–Nov. survey on RTE and other town tax‑relief programs, with the stated aim of promoting economic diversity and helping seniors stay in town.
Schools and the failed “amenities” vote
Schools open next week. The School Committee is disappointed with the vote outcome and will continue to advocate for permanent bathrooms. An antisemitism discussion is also on the agenda.
Open Meeting Law and basic governance
An OML complaint was filed about committees not posting minutes on time. The Town Clerk is launching quarterly governance trainings (first session Oct. 18 at Town House). AI is not a substitute for minutes, and once draft minutes exist an audio recording can be deleted. Committees are urged to include minutes on agendas.
Housing pipeline updates
CHDC is working with Habitat on the Assabet homes and has 91B Main Street under review for workforce housing. MAHT is funding both Assabet and 91B Main. CHDC is also watching the land‑use matrix and the MCI Concord project.
Section 8 pressure and housing policy
The Housing Authority reports cuts in local Section 8 vouchers affecting residents and landlords. It also approved a revised smoking policy shifting from fines to lease‑term enforcement, effective Nov. 1.
2229 Main Street oversight
The holding basin is slated to be encased in March, the 95% design has been reviewed, and EPA may host a community meeting in November or early next year. The committee is exploring better ways to share information publicly.
CPC deadlines and unspent funds policy
CPC is weighing a policy on last‑minute grant agreements and whether unspent funds can be reclaimed. Next meeting is Sept. 16; application deadline is Sept. 19.
Land Use Task Force
Work is underway to assess impacts on public facilities, compile site data, and understand timelines and market values. A first report to the Select Board is due in two months.
Town Meeting access discussion
The Town Moderator reported a July 23 State House hearing on Concord’s bill, with testimony supporting remote participation at Town Meetings.
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