The Department of Public Works presented a draft 2026 operating budget that would increase overall spending principally to cover road paving, outside labor for drainage and street sweeping, cemetery paving completed this season, and anticipated equipment and repair costs.

Joe (DPW) told the board Mountview Cemetery paving finished this week at a cost in the high‑$20,000s to $30,000; that paving, plus pay increases and a new truck‑driver position funded 70% by DPW and 30% by the cemetery account, account for a significant portion of the cemetery budget rise. Part‑time salary lines were consolidated and some full‑time salary increases reflect recruitment and licensing expectations.

On roads, the operating budget includes higher asphalt and paving costs driven by a scheduled set of road projects (listed in the meeting: Foxglove, Parachute (sic), Cedar, Seminole Lane, Christian Hill and Sugar Hill). Joe said typical annual asphalt spending runs near $330,000 in prior years; next year’s plan raises that figure because of the condition of several streets and an expressed board interest in addressing Seminole Lane due to the Carpenter Home.

“Not doing it this year doesn’t make it any better next year,” Joe said, describing the tradeoff between deferring work and facing higher future reconstruction costs. Board members asked whether the Carpenter Home lane (about $24,000) could be deferred; Joe noted it had been added at the board’s request and could be a candidate for postponement.

Bridges were discussed separately: Joe said estimates for bridge‑safety systems — either flashing lights or metal barriers — are roughly $40,000 in equipment plus $10,000 installation per bridge in early estimates, though he said contractor estimates have not been returned and installation feasibility varies by location. Other towns’ experience shows some localities moved from lights to metal barriers after lights proved ineffective. Board members also raised whether cameras and alarm-line costs should be assigned to IT or CIP rather than the maintenance budget.

The board did not adopt any changes at the meeting but asked staff to reexamine the road list, consider deferring the Carpenter Home lane paving if necessary, and return with refined contractor and equipment estimates. Joe recommended continuing planned paving so deferred maintenance does not compound future costs.