Budget committee approves planning board budget after debate over 2.8% vs. 3% raises

The Brentwood Municipal Budget Committee voted 4-3 on Nov. 10, 2025, to set the planning board—s appropriation at $119,548, using the committee—s 3% calculation (the 13-week/39-week split) rather than the Select Board—s maximum recommendation of 2.8%.

The vote followed more than an hour of discussion over whether that increased planning-board bottom line—about $102 to $400 higher depending on the calculation—was appropriate and whether the committee should exceed the Select Board—s guidance. Committee members who supported the higher figure cited local inflation data and fairness for municipal employees. One member said the Northeast and New England 12-month inflation measures suggested the 3% figure better matched local costs.

Select Board chair Paul Kliman urged restraint during public comment. "The increases to the staff ... are going to be 2.8% at a maximum based on merit," he told the committee, noting that while the budget committee can appropriate dollars, the Select Board later determines what raises are actually awarded.

Opponents of the 3% motion cautioned that approving a higher number for a single department could create inconsistent expectations across departments and complicate the town—s tax-cap math. Committee leadership also explained process boundaries: "The Select Board proposes a budget to the budget committee," the chair said, and the committee—s bottom-line approval is what is reported to the state and the legislative body.

After a member amended the motion to use the 13/39 weeks split that yields a $119,548 planning budget, the committee voted to approve the amended number 4-3. Chair remarks indicated the approved total will be transmitted as the committee—s recommendation to the town—s next steps in the budget process; actual raises remain subject to the Select Board—s later decisions and any required town meeting actions.

What happens next: the BUDCOM-approved figure becomes part of the package presented to the legislative body and the Select Board. Committee members said they would flag the broader compensation question for future meetings so the committee can consider townwide impacts before voting on additional department budgets.