Committee approves public works operating budget; members flag sidewalk/plowing and platform maintenance costs

The Budget Review Committee voted to approve the public works and facilities operating budget for FY26 at $1,263,950 after staff presented revenue adjustments and line-item changes.

Steve, the newly introduced public works director, and department staff told the committee the department—s operating increase was modest (about 0.3%) but included a proposed additional equipment operator position and contract-driven salary uplifts. Committee members noted a 19% salary increase reflected in the draft budget tied to contractual obligations rather than local policy decisions.

Discussion centered on winter operations and sidewalk plowing. Staff said sidewalk-plowing costs rose under a new contract and recommended keeping a $175,000 line for town landscaping and winter services; committee members proposed exposing $75,000 of that amount rather than increasing the tax-supported appropriation immediately. Members asked that staff review historical actuals and return recommended adjustments for next year.

Committee members also discussed maintenance responsibilities at the rail station. Staff said a federally funded New England passenger rail project will add a new platform and elevator system; under a longstanding local agreement the town will maintain platforms and should anticipate higher operating costs associated with elevator maintenance. Members asked staff to estimate six-month operational costs tied to the new platform and include those estimates in future budget materials.

The committee approved the department revenues and the $1,263,950 operating budget by voice vote. Members directed staff to provide a more detailed breakdown of snow-removal costs (to separate downtown/transportation-center snow work from townwide snow budgets) for next-year planning and to refine sidewalk and winter services estimates with contract pricing and actuals.