Select Board meeting August 11, 2026

The Walpole Select Board meeting on August 11, 2026, included several procurement and budget-related discussions. The board approved the designation of Walpole as a Purple Heart Community, including plans for signage and an annual appreciation event. They awarded bid number 2007-01 for cleaning and redevelopment of the Kilby Road Treatment Plant of Gravel Brook Wells to Weston and Sampson with a low bid of $156,560. The board also voted to close the 2026 fall town meeting warrant, which includes capital articles and union contracts. Extensive discussion focused on fall capital requests, particularly water and sewer infrastructure projects, with recommendations to fund $1 million in water borrowing and $830,000 for sewer water meter system upgrades. The board expressed interest in increasing water main improvement borrowing from $1 million to $1.5 million, emphasizing the need for sustainable funding tied to water rate adjustments. Additional capital projects discussed included school HVAC improvements and the high school construction closeout. The board also received updates on solid waste management, including a potential Memorandum of Agreement with a trash vendor and plans for new trash bins, aiming for cost savings and improved service. Motions related to procurement and budget allocations were unanimously approved throughout the meeting.