# Select Board

The HCAM Select Board meeting of November 11, 2026, included a public hearing on the FY2027 tax classification and interviews for the police chief position. The Board voted 4–1 to retain a single tax rate and set the residential factor at 1; it voted not to adopt an open-space discount, residential exemption, or small-commercial exemption. It also approved the LA5 form 4–1. The assessor reported a proposed rate of about $14.36 per $1,000 of assessed value and a total levy just over $109 million. Members discussed potential tax relief for residents, effects on local businesses, and requested further analysis of tax-rate options and senior relief measures for a future discussion.

The Board interviewed three police-chief finalists but made no appointment; members agreed to continue deliberations and vote at the following week’s meeting. Candidates discussed staffing, overtime, training, equipment, grant funding, and technology. The interim chief cited completed Taser 10 upgrades and described the Flock camera contract as a past decision that was reversed after community concerns; no new procurement or contract award was approved. The Board deferred consideration of an Ashland water-supply intermunicipal agreement and the town manager’s report. It approved the consent agenda as amended, including a change limiting a temporary display to no more than 14 days, and confirmed the appointment of Lisa Racine as youth services supervisor.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Public Safety
**Published:** November 11, 2026

### Sources
- [Select Board](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfXMQKasaFc) - HCAM