Kingston officials are grappling with a persistent $300,000 budget deficit for the upcoming fiscal year, a figure that Town Administrator Scott Lambiase hopes to close once the state certifies the town's free cash. During the April 7 Board of Selectmen meeting, Lambiase expressed cautious optimism regarding the fiscal year 2027 outlook, noting that while the gap remains, he believes the town has an avenue to overcome it. I am confident that we can overcome this and we'll be ready for town meeting with a balanced budget, Lambiase told the board, though he noted the final numbers depend heavily on the pending certification.

The financial pressure is compounded by a staggering $9 million backlog in road paving, a figure that has nearly doubled in the last three years. Highway Superintendent Sean Anderson highlighted a department under significant strain, operating with fewer staff than it had three decades ago. We haven't increased staffing since 1995, Anderson said. Back in '95, we actually had two more employees than we have now. The population's growing, road miles are adding up, and it's getting hard to take care of with the employees we have. Anderson informed the board he is currently seeking to add three employees to the department, which is also facing immediate shortages due to staff medical leaves.

Selectman Carl Pike suggested the town may need to move beyond incremental budgeting to address the deteriorating infrastructure, particularly with town parking lots like the library’s falling into disrepair. I've been hearing about the difficulty in keeping the roads in decent shape for many years, Pike said. It seems to me it was only about three years ago that it was a $5 million problem as opposed to $9 million. I think the only way we're ever going to really get the streets back in top shape is to bite the bullet and do a five or ten million dollar long-term loan. Chair Eric Crone underscored the growth pressure, noting that Kingston's population has jumped approximately 30 percent since 2000, while total road miles have increased from 90 to 113.

In a significant personnel move, the board moved to grant the Town Administrator broader oversight regarding an internal matter. Motion Made by K. Emberg to delegate to the Town Administrator full authority to place an employee on a paid administrative leave and to initiate, direct, and complete an investigation into matters related to that employee, including the authority to retain outside investigators or labor counsel. Motion Passed 5-0. Lambiase explained that the authority was necessary to determine if the employee is performing their duties in accordance with expectations and to ensure the investigation follows all legal and collective bargaining requirements.

Public safety officials also presented their progress and future needs. Police Chief Brian Holmes provided the first monthly data from the department’s new Family Services Unit, which launched in March to handle mental health and substance abuse calls. The unit recorded 33 deployments in its first month, a figure Holmes said was a lot busier than everybody thought it was going to be. He noted that 37 percent of all police calls now involve a mental health component, which illustrates the need for the service. Looking toward long-term goals, Holmes advocated for a growth plan that would eventually bring the department to 33 sworn officers, noting his current million-dollar request includes three new patrol positions. Selectman Donald Alcombright voiced his continued support for the public safety expansion, while Selectman Melissa Bateman focused on the administrative side, moving the appointment of several new officials.

The Fire Department presented a more stable financial picture, submitting a level-service budget. The Fire Chief noted that ambulance billing revenue has surged from $600,000 to approximately $1.7 million over the last nine years, aided by seven federal FEMA grants. The fire department is in a good stable place, the Chief said, though Pike cautioned that the town cannot afford to be 100 percent staffed for 100 percent of requirements and urged continued regional cooperation to save money.

Infrastructure concerns also extended to utility poles on Wapping Road, where the board held a public hearing for a new jointly owned pole. Julie Longer, representing Eversource, explained that the work is necessary to provide service for a development off of Wapping Road. Vice Chair Kimberley Emberg questioned the placement, noting residents’ frustrations with utility infrastructure. We've had some poles placed in the middle of people's driveways and double poles throughout town, Emberg said. Motion Made by D. Alcombright to approve the request from NStar Electric Company doing business as Eversource Energy and Verizon New England Incorporated to install one JO Pole 3/75-5 on Wapping Road. Motion Passed 5-0.

Resident Will Coachman addressed the board during the open forum, seeking updates on sidewalk repairs and advocating for more volunteers to join the Commission on Disability. As it's the budget season, I know, so I don't want to put any more pressure on you guys, but I'm just hoping for a possible update and possible work on the sidewalks, Coachman said. He noted that the commission has four vacancies and requires a majority of members to have a disability. The board also handled several seasonal appointments. Motion Made by M. Bateman to appoint Jared Walkas and Clayton Marshall as Assistant Harbor Masters through June 30, 2026. Motion Passed 5-0. Additionally, Motion Made by M. Bateman to appoint Deborah Mueller and Brian Holmes as animal inspectors through April 2027. Motion Passed 5-0.

Closing the meeting, Chair Crone reminded the community of the upcoming 300th Anniversary events, including the Art Festival on May 9 and the parade on July 25. He also stressed the importance of the Annual Town Meeting on May 2. You will be selecting your next two selectmen at the May 16 election, Crone noted, adding that four candidates are currently vying for the two seats. Emberg also reminded residents that property tax bills are due on May 4.