The recent Finance Committee meeting in Charlton highlighted significant discussions surrounding public safety and community events, reflecting the town's ongoing commitment to resident welfare and engagement.

One of the primary topics was the police department's budget, which included a proposal to add two new positions—one civilian and one police sergeant. This addition aims to enhance the department's capacity to respond to increasing calls, particularly in light of recent incidents that have raised community concerns. The police chief emphasized the importance of mutual aid agreements with neighboring jurisdictions, which have proven effective during emergencies. He noted that the department is often stretched thin, especially when responding to minor incidents that can escalate quickly.

The committee also discussed the funding for community events, particularly the upcoming Old Home Day and the Pan Mass Challenge. The police chief proposed an increase of $7,000 to cover costs associated with these events, which require significant police presence for safety and traffic management. The chief expressed frustration over the financial burden these events place on the police budget, especially when road closures are involved for private events like road races. He urged for a more structured approach to funding these events, suggesting that organizers should contribute to the costs incurred by the town.

In addition to public safety, the meeting touched on the water and sewer budgets, which remain largely stable with minor adjustments. The sewer budget saw a slight increase due to maintenance costs and a rise in the Veolia contract for plant maintenance. The water budget, on the other hand, is expected to remain level-funded, reflecting the town's careful management of resources.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members acknowledged the importance of balancing community needs with budgetary constraints. The discussions underscored a collective effort to ensure that Charlton remains a safe and vibrant community, with adequate resources allocated for both public safety and community engagement initiatives. The next steps will involve further refining the budget proposals to align with the town's goals and the needs of its residents.