Jay Bykofsky, FC Chair, explained that the purpose of the BTM was to go through the Warrant and entertain any questions or comments from the public as we prepare for the Town Meeting. The Chair also mentioned that the FC voted on each article, recommending it or not. Each FC member read one or more articles from the Warrant, noted if it was recommended by the FC, and asked for questions or comments.

The only article on the Warrant not recommended was section 19 of Article 9. That was a request for the Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad’s purchase of an ambulance – a capital expense. It was also the only one discussed at length. FC voted not to recommend the capital expense.

There was only one question. It was related to another section of Article 9. That section was for funds to purchase a large lawn mower for the Highway Department. The question was whether they had abided by the initiative to purchase electric rather than gas-driven machinery whenever possible. Town Manager did not know, speculated that large scale electric mowers may not be available, and said he would check.

That concluded review of all articles on the Warrant that related to financial matters and therefore under the purview of FC.