Townwide operating budget largely flat; finance staff flags compensation study and $40,000 capital request for furniture

Finance staff briefed the Finance Committee on townwide operating expenses for the Select Board, Office of the Town Manager and Human Resources. The presenters said the combined budget for those offices is relatively flat, with a net increase of about 2.8 percent (roughly $45,500), mainly driven by salary and step increases.

Staff highlighted a DSR‑5 request for a compensation and classification study to update pay ranges and steps; the packet notes the town typically performs such a study roughly every five years. The study is included on the warrant as a one‑time appropriation and, if approved, would inform competitive pay scales intended to help with recruitment and retention.

Staff also noted a $40,000 capital request to replace aging office furniture and to procure more ergonomic desks and chairs for municipal staff. The presenters said last fiscal year’s turnback included an administrative vacancy and the town did not propose any DSR‑4 (new ongoing personnel) requests in the manager’s recommended budget, consistent with broad across‑the‑board limits on new positions.

Committee members asked timing and scope questions about the compensation study; staff said a prior study paid for in 2017 was implemented on July 1, 2021, after COVID‑era delays in data collection and implementation. Staff said the current DSR‑5 would follow a similar timeline if approved at town meeting.

No formal vote was taken; department budgets will be discussed and the Finance Committee is scheduled to vote departmental totals the next week.