Tamworth select board backs 2025 budget, advances most warrant articles; split on library solar and EV chargers

The Tamworth Select Board on the evening of the 2025 budget hearing voted to recommend the proposed 2025 operating budget and offered recommendations on the town's slate of warrant articles, approving most and recording split votes on several contested items.

The hearing included an overview of the budget and revenues, discussion of a list of warrant articles (numbered articles 1–33 on the warrant), and public comment. Town staff said health insurance costs rose 9.9% and PrimeX liability and workers' compensation costs rose about 12%; the draft includes a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) for employees. Staff and the board said the town expects to use a portion of the unassigned fund balance and various capital reserves and grants to pay for planned capital investments (bridges, fire and rescue vehicles, radios and highway equipment) while noting the amount to be raised by taxation would be lower than 2024 under the current plan.

Why it matters

The board's recommendations shape what voters will see at the town meeting and signal how the town plans to spend unassigned reserves and grant funds. Several articles in the warrant would spend substantial sums from the unassigned fund balance or create/modify expendable trust funds that affect future budgets and the tax rate.

Key budget and warrant decisions

- The select board recommended the overall 2025 budget as presented (roll call recorded as 4 yes, 0 no). The board then proceeded through the warrant articles, recommending most articles after staff presentations and public questions.

- Several capital and reserve articles were recommended by the board, including: article 2 (establish a buildings, equipment and infrastructure expendable trust fund; $164,190 from unassigned fund balance; contingent on article 3), article 6 (add…