Canton Boards Discuss Future Planning, BOF Approves Funding for Dispatch Console Upgrade

This week the boards of finance, education and selectmen held their annual Tri-Board meeting to begin planning for next year's budget process and more. 

"Our tri-board meeting on Monday had similar themes to recent years. Our budgets are stressed by revenue challenges from a depressed grand list and recent revaluation without enough offsetting economic development," Board of Finance Chairman Brian First said. "Spending challenges include maintaining an aging infrastructure, increased healthcare costs, and contractual payments. I’m committed to dealing with these challenges while emphasizing public awareness and participation as we closely review and prioritize our expenses across the BOF, BOS and BOE."

Also Monday, the Board of Finance approved $13,616 for a a software/firmware upgrade for the town's emergency dispatch console. During the budget process earlier this year, the finance board trimmed capital improvement funding, which resulted in leaving out $65,000 for half the cost of a replacement console.  

"A recent example of our boards working effectively together was the request by the BOF to the BOS to explore alternatives to full replacement of the Dispatch Console at the Canton Police Department," First said about the issue. "Diligent efforts by our Police Chief and CAO paid off and saved the town $100,000 when they identified a software solution versus full hardware replacement and extended the current system’s use for up to 6 years."