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Brookfield selectmen debate budget trade-offs as they approve chip seal and reclaim projects
Summary
Selectmen approved a $95,488 reclaim and binder on Moose Mountain Road and a $64,045.80 chip seal for Stone Road after discussing budget overruns, prior encumbered funds, and the trade-off between maintenance types.
Budget and pavement strategy drew extended discussion at the May 6 Brookfield selectmen meeting. Chris, the town road agent, summarized bids and recommended moving forward with several projects this construction season. His presentation noted rising petroleum-related costs and that upgrading one Moose Mountain section to a heavier binder added roughly $30,000 to this year’s paving total, which pushed the pavement line over budget.
Selectmen weighed using operating budget flexibility and encumbered funds from last year to cover the overrun rather than delaying work. One selectman said preserving recently paved sections through chip sealing would extend pavement life and justified the incremental cost.
Board actions After discussion the board authorized the road agent to proceed with the Moose Mountain reclaim and binder project (amount discussed approximately $95,488) and approved the Stone Road chip seal (town line to town line) at $64,045.80. The selectmen acknowledged the combined projects will exceed the originally budgeted asphalt-maintenance line but agreed to reallocate funds and track encumbrances and expenditures.
Project details and finance notes - Moose Mountain Road: reclaim plus 3 inches of binder for the described section; additional cost stems from heavier asphalt specification. - Stone Road: chip seal quoted at $64,045.80; the vendor offered a reduced per-square-yard price but the combined projects produce a budget gap.
Selectmen asked the road agent to sign contracts and report back with scheduling and final invoices. No changes to scope were made after the approvals; the board recorded motions and carried votes on both items.
What the transcript shows The road agent gave itemized contract amounts and the board discussed options for covering a $24,000–$30,000 overrun (figures cited during the meeting). The board referenced prior encumbered funds and a separate asphalt-maintenance line; members agreed the work’s immediate value for road preservation justified proceeding.
Next steps The road agent will execute contracts, schedule work this construction season and provide final invoices and completion reports to the board. Selectmen indicated they may reclassify budget line items in accounting to reflect the commitments.
