The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously on July 14 to allow MAC Base to hold a portion of its reported surplus so funds are available for potential camera and security work at two communications sites.

MAC Base representatives told the board their 2024 audit showed a surplus of $99,115; after recent furniture purchases the remaining surplus was about $89,085, with $63,554.43 identified as available surplus. MAC Base asked the board to allow the surplus to be held until November to ensure funds are available if needed to install cameras or other security measures at Federal Hill and Crown communications sites.

A motion to allow MAC Base to hold the funds passed by voice vote; the board recorded the motion as carrying 4–0. Board members clarified the funds would be held by MAC Base and that the work would be subject to available ARPA funds and other budget considerations if required.

The selectmen did not appropriate the money to a town account; the vote authorized MAC Base to retain the surplus for possible near-term expenditure and to return funds if not used. The board requested updates on planned expenditures and suggested MAC Base coordinate with DPW and the interim town administrator on implementation details if cameras are installed.