The Select Board received first readings of a new procurement policy and a purchasing‑card (P‑card) policy proposed by the town administrator and finance staff.

Town Administrator Andrew explained that a P‑card program (Bank of America discussed) can simplify small purchases and reimburse the town through merchant rebates, but it requires clear controls; he described plans to store any town card in the Treasurer/Collector’s office, limit cards (initially one card envisioned), and implement sign‑out procedures and monthly reconciliations. Board members asked questions about segregation of duties, whether departments such as Parks (which handles frequent retail sales and cash) should have a separate card, and a pilot program with the bank for the first year.

On procurement, the proposed policy would clarify thresholds that require Select Board approval for contracts (a suggested $50,000 total contract threshold was discussed) and set more detailed procedures and attachments for RFPs, prevailing-wage handling, and transparency. The board requested clearer wording that a $50,000 threshold refers to the total contract value (not an annual spend), and asked staff to provide the full procedural attachments and a redlined version against the current policy.

The Select Board did not vote on either policy; members asked staff to make edits, expand the procurement procedures where needed, and return the documents at the Feb. 24 meeting for a second reading and possible vote.