The Kingston Budget Committee voted Wednesday to add $1,116 to the museum’s 2025 budget to fund police and fire public‑safety detail for up to two planned events, but declined a separate $600 request for a paid recording secretary.

The vote, taken during the committee’s Jan. 8 meeting, followed remarks from Jeff, a museum representative, who told the committee the museum expects to host a barn‑opening event and possibly another public event and that “these are non fundraising events.” Jeff said the Friends of the Museum would provide volunteers and asked the panel to budget for a public‑safety detail in case the police chief requires it.

Committee members asked how many hours and how many officers would be required. A discussion with town staff estimated two officers and two emergency‑medical technicians for roughly three hours per event; that scenario produced an estimate near $1,116 to cover two events. After a motion to add $1,116 to the museum budget, the committee approved the increase by voice vote, 7 to 3.

Separately, the museum asked for $600 for a recording secretary because the group’s long‑time volunteer secretary cannot continue. Committee members and the select board representative raised a procedural concern: the museum had already hired and paid someone before the new line item was approved for 2025, and the committee’s finance representative warned that committees should not spend money from a line item that had not been appropriated. The committee put the $600 motion to a vote and the motion did not pass at the meeting.

Committee chair Stacy Dion noted the select board has authority to move money if necessary and asked the museum to raise the timing and authorization question with the select board if they were already spending funds before voter approval.

The committee incorporated the $1,116 increase into the museum line when it approved department totals later in the meeting; the recording‑secretary request was not added.