The Selectboard recently discussed the 80-90 Upper Main St (new municipal complex) project in November and December. The discussions centered on grant funding the Town has been selected to receive to complete design of the public roadway, stormwater, sewer, water, and other public infrastructure serving the larger site. Along with the $500,000 in grant funds, the Town must provide $1 million in funding; there were various strategies discussed at the 11/10 meeting as to how this could be accomplished without increasing property taxes. Under the grant agreement, the Town must submit a "Notice to Proceed" to formally begin the project to the potential grantor (Northern Borders Regional Commission) by March 1, 2026. Discussion evolved into focusing on public input the project has received to date, and whether the Selectboard feels it is sufficient for them to be satisfied that they understand the majority will of the voters to continue to advance this project.

The Selectboard decided to continue discussions on placing an advisory question on the March 2026 ballot, direct the Town Manager to request an extension of the deadline with NBRC, and conduct outreach efforts associated with the project around the ballot items. After Town Meeting Day, if voter input indicates support for the questions asked, the Selectboard will approve a funding plan for the $1 million and submit a Notice to Proceed to NBRC.

The expected timeline should the Selectboard feel ready to commit to a funding plan for the project after a ballot vote, that it would take approximately 3 months to get the documentation in order to submit for a Notice. The project schedule is approximately 24 months, so with a conservative project start date of fall 2026, this provides two full years to finish the work within the fixed schedule.