In a split decision on the town’s $16,656,263 Capital Improvement Plan, Town Meeting voters rejected a controversial $2,488,088 proposal for a new police firearms training range. While several other capital items passed, the firearms range (Item T) failed to secure the required two-thirds majority, as residents raised concerns regarding the high cost during a period of fiscal tightening.

Opponents of the range, including residents Holly Clark and Scott Greenbaum, questioned the necessity of the multi-million dollar expense. Kevin Gens suggested the town explore regional partnerships or mobile ranges instead. However, Town Administrator Jim Boudreau and Police Chief Mark Thompson argued that existing training facilities are disappearing and do not accommodate modern de-escalation or night-shooting training scenarios. The item ultimately failed with 108 votes in favor and 72 against.

The remainder of the capital plan was largely approved, including $5,985,750 for headworks upgrades at the wastewater treatment plant (Item EE) to improve OSHA compliance. Other approved items included $100,000 for a portable ADA-compliant restroom (Item Z) and $85,000 for a new fire department pickup truck (Item J). Select Board Vice Chair Susan Harrison noted that purchasing the portable restroom would be more economical than the current $36,000 annual rental fee.

Motion: I move that the town vote to appropriate $16,656,263 for the various capital projects listed in Article 3.

Vote: Passed (Item T for the Firearms Range failed 108-72)