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Select Board debates budget increases, default budget implications and several warrant articles
Summary
The Select Board reviewed a budget proposal that staff said reflects sizable personnel and insurance cost increases and discussed several warrant articles including funds for a stormwater plan, EMS reserve and tax-exemption reauthorization.
The Select Board reviewed the proposed municipal budget and a slate of warrant articles ahead of town meeting, weighing fiscal pressures, voter expectations and program priorities.
Staff summarized the draft budget and said much of the increase is driven by personnel costs, market-based compensation adjustments (police and other departments), rising health-insurance and workers'comp costs, and increases for part-time staffing. The presentation showed a projected tax-rate impact and compared the proposed budget to the state-determined default budget.
Select Board members debated whether the Select Board should present a lower budget number to voters to avoid a default budget outcome at town meeting. One board member said he planned to propose a reduced default number and urged departments to review budgets to trim a targeted percentage. Another member urged more public outreach and a voter guide with dollar figures showing what would happen to taxes if each article passes.
Several warrant articles were discussed: $100,000 for a comprehensive stormwater plan to inventory and prioritize stormwater and related infrastructure; $100,000 to build the town's EMS reserve account ahead of contract renewal with Cheshire EMS; reauthorization of a five-year commercial/industrial tax-exemption tool (the exemption can run up to 10 years for a given project); and equipment purchases for elections including voting booths and ballot boxes.
Staff said the stormwater plan would make the town more competitive for future SRF and other grants by documenting needs and priorities. On EMS, staff said the current contract runs through mid-year and the reserve is intended to smooth a transition to higher payroll costs when the contract is re-bid.
Ending: The board did not adopt a final budget at the meeting. Members asked staff to provide a voter guide and to return with options to reduce the proposed increase before warrant printing.
