Essex-Manchester-MERSD Joint Collaboration Meeting | September 23, 2026

The Essex-Manchester-MERSD Joint Collaboration Meeting held on September 23, 2026, focused primarily on regional collaboration opportunities between the towns and the school district, with significant discussion on capital projects and budget planning. Key procurement-related topics included the upcoming $32 million school building project, with concerns raised about communication and timing for public approval, as well as the need for clear tax impact information. The meeting addressed the challenges of managing facilities and DPW equipment, shared services, and the search for a new facilities manager with technical expertise. Participants discussed strategies for financing the school project, including bond issuance and debt scheduling, with an emphasis on aggressive and transparent communication to the public. Action items included finalizing project cost estimates, scheduling joint meetings with finance committees and select boards, and enhancing public outreach through various media. The meeting underscored the importance of coordinated planning and information sharing to support capital improvement projects and regional collaboration efforts.