Essex Board of Selectmen Meeting | September 28, 2026

The Essex Board of Selectmen met on September 28, 2026. The board approved a change order of up to $3,000 for Revived Property Solutions to paint replacement trim at the public safety building, and approved the weekly warrant for $215,121.33. The board discussed a proposed Weston & Sampson bridge study, including an engineered load rating for the Landing Road bridge estimated at about $30,000 within a broader $60,000 planning allowance; the transcript does not capture a final vote. It also supported moving forward with a federal PROTECT grant application for Essex Causeway flood solutions, with MassDOT as lead applicant, the town as co-applicant, potential grant funding exceeding $2 million, and approximately $21,000 in local funding. A letter of support for a town 604B watershed grant application was also considered. The board reviewed a school replacement project borrowing article for upcoming town meetings and elections; the Essex share was discussed at roughly $25 million, with final project figures still being refined.

The fall town meeting warrant discussion included proposed water and sewer rate studies estimated at $50,000–$60,000, possible DPW equipment and generator purchases awaiting cost details, and a roughly $26,000 late snow-removal invoice that would require a nine-tenths vote to fund. The board discussed setting a policy for event-related public safety costs and possible fire department budget reductions, but made no final decisions on those items. It also ratified an intermunicipal agreement for Manchester to provide senior transportation and a Community Preservation Committee contract with Artfluence for project promotion. The Chebacco Lake Association license was deferred to October 5 pending a signed copy.