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Select Board approves $385,678 use of free cash to cover health insurance, snow and ice and retro pay
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Summary
The board voted to appropriate $385,678 in free cash to cover an unplanned health‑insurance payment, contract retro pay and snow‑and‑ice shortfalls and to place remaining funds into capital stabilization; the motion passed by roll call.
The Templeton Select Board voted March 26 to authorize the use of $385,678 in free cash to cover several immediate FY26 shortfalls and to seed capital stabilization.
Town staff told the board the request reflects an unplanned mid‑year health‑insurance payment of about $91,000, the DPW contract retro (the town’s share ~$18,005.72), a continuing snow‑and‑ice deficit of roughly $275,000 and a 5% rollover consistent with board policy. The administrator summarized: "So, obviously, that was unplanned. It was 91,000 and change," noting the payment caused the need to backfill the health‑insurance account.
After discussion about capital priorities, windows at the elementary school and vehicle replacements, a motion to appropriate $385,678 in free cash for the identified items was made and seconded. The board adopted the appropriation by roll-call vote; the chair called each member’s name and recorded votes in favor.
What the appropriation covers: the motion specified funding for (a) the unplanned health‑insurance payment, (b) FY26 union/contract retro payments for DPW and others, (c) addressing the snow‑and‑ice deficit and (d) allocating the policy 5% rollover with remaining funds directed to capital stabilization. The administrator said the recommended split will preserve policy goals while addressing urgent liabilities.
Next procedural step: The administrator will adjust warrant language and budget documents to reflect the approved free‑cash appropriations and will send an updated warrant draft to town counsel in advance of the April 6 meeting.
