Select Board meeting September 1, 2026

The Walpole Media Select Board meeting on September 1, 2026, focused on several procurement and budget-related topics. The board approved memorandums of agreement with local unions covering police, library, and town hall clerical employees for a three-year term. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to updates on public safety, including police and fire department reports, personnel changes, and training. The board discussed the ongoing capital improvement project for Fire Station Two, reviewing site feasibility, design considerations, and estimated costs ranging from $9.2 to $12.3 million. Funding strategies include grants, borrowing, and cash reserves, with the project subject to state permitting and legislative approval. Additionally, the board approved a solid waste intermunicipal agreement with 33 towns, with Walpole as the lead community, and reviewed the 2026 Fall Town Meeting warrant, which included budget allocations, revolving fund adjustments, and water and sewer budget shortfalls. The meeting concluded with acceptance of a $96,000 donation from Allied Recycling for a downtown lighting project. Motions related to contract approvals, budget allocations, and intermunicipal agreements were passed unanimously, reflecting active procurement and capital planning efforts.