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Selectmen and candidates defend operating budget and capital priorities, including Grange Hall and EMS contingency funds
Summary
Candidates and selectmen described a proposed $8.37 million operating budget, capital projects funding, and set‑aside funds for EMS and the Grange Hall; speakers stressed limited prospects for further cuts and targeted uses of capital reserves.
Speakers at the March 4 forum reviewed the operating and capital budgets and defended specific warrant articles that fund town operations, equipment and preservation of the Grange Hall.
Budget figures: The forum cited a default operating budget of $7,935,699 and a proposed operating budget of $8,370,000. Multiple speakers said selectboard and budget committees reduced preliminary increases to reach the current proposed number and emphasized the difficulty of further cuts without impairing services.
Capital and special articles: Presenters summarized capital‑improvement choices including road rehab, rail‑trail funding, sidewalk work and town bridge repairs. Article 9 was described as a funding package allocating $685,000 across categories (DPW, road rehab, rail trails, highway and cemetery equipment, sidewalk and bridge), with selectman Joe DeRousse praised for prioritizing road and trail work.
Grange Hall: Committee members and selectmen described recent roof and stabilization work at the Grange Hall and said there is currently no funding in this year’s budget to fully restore the building. A presenter advocated fundraising and an RFP for painting rather than relying on tax dollars.
EMS contingency: Speakers said the current EMS contract with the county will end and that the town is setting funds aside to smooth a transition to a commercial provider or other arrangement. Forum remarks cited prior three‑year contract costs around $80,000 and possible future contract estimates “up to $300,000 a year,” though speakers said the exact figure is not finalized.
Why it matters: The budget and capital priorities determine the town’s capacity to maintain services and to implement warrant articles for infrastructure and preservation. Forum participants urged voters to review the town report and attend deliberative sessions.
