The MCI Concord Advisory Board convened on December 16, 2024, to discuss critical budget allocations for the upcoming fiscal year, with a particular focus on the wastewater treatment facility and its implications for the town's broader planning efforts. A significant concern raised during the meeting was the allocation of funds, with members expressing apprehension that too much emphasis was being placed on the wastewater component at the expense of essential planning activities.

Board members highlighted the urgency of addressing the wastewater treatment facility, which is a key element in the town's legislative framework. The discussion revealed a consensus that while the facility's needs are pressing, the overall project requires a more comprehensive approach that extends beyond the immediate fiscal year. Members emphasized the importance of not only meeting the June 30 deadline but also ensuring that the planning and economic components receive adequate funding and attention.

One proposal discussed involved reallocating $45,000 from the Community Public Works feasibility plan to bolster the budget for the wastewater treatment project. This adjustment aims to enhance the town's capacity to manage the accelerated timeline for the wastewater facility while still addressing the broader planning needs of the community.

The board acknowledged the challenges posed by the tight schedule and the potential for delays in receiving necessary responses by the end of January. Members expressed a desire to create a funding mechanism that would support ongoing work into fiscal year 2026, ensuring that the town is prepared for future financial requirements.

As the meeting concluded, the board recognized the need for a strategic approach to budgeting that aligns with the town's long-term goals. The discussions underscored the importance of balancing immediate project needs with sustainable planning for the future, setting the stage for further deliberations on funding strategies in the coming months.