Budget overview and urgent furnace replacement highlight funding uncertainty for Brentwood Rec

Jason, the program coordinator for the Brentwood Recreation Department, reviewed the department budget that had been submitted to the select board. The only increase in the draft budget was the seasonal salary line tied to a salary change approved by town meeting earlier this year; Jason told commissioners that other line items held steady pending select board review.

Commissioners focused substantial time on a deteriorating heating, ventilation and air‑conditioning system at the community center. Jason reported he had gathered multiple quotes and described three usable estimates, including local firms and proposals from a contractor identified as Rick Wenzel. Two contractors recommended installing two smaller HVAC units in the basement so each floor has dedicated heating and cooling; another vendor proposed a larger single unit. One quoted lead time noted on bids was "4 week lead time." Commissioners discussed using capital reserves to fund the work and agreed they would seek capital funding from the select board if needed.

Several participants stressed the urgency. "If it goes and the heat isn't working and the pipes freeze and burst, then you're gonna have a much bigger problem in that building than you have right now. It's gonna be a lot more expensive," a commissioner said. Jason noted figures discussed for full replacement and related work could approach tens of thousands of dollars and later in the meeting referenced about $40,000 as an estimate for the project if a larger system is required. The commission asked staff to pursue refined, itemized quotes and to coordinate with a newly hired building inspector for an on‑site review.

Complicating spending plans, commissioners said the town had not yet issued the department’s annual bill and that a delayed municipal billing process has left the commission uncertain about available funds. Jason and others said a prior estimated town bill figure had been discussed but no official invoice was available; commissioners warned the lack of a current account balance could defer tree work, aeration and other maintenance until the select board clarifies funding. Jason said he will present the department’s budget to the select board at its Oct. 28 meeting and would follow up with commissioners.

Ending: Commissioners directed staff to gather itemized HVAC quotes, pursue energy‑efficiency support through the program referenced in the meeting materials, and prepare a capital request or other path to funding for presentation to the select board.