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Recreation projects and aging services see modest revenue gains, program pressures persist
Summary
Recreation staff projected a roughly $80,500 revenue increase for 2026 and identified $64,573 in expense savings; aging and nutrition lines show reclassifications and a $11,000 federal funding decline for senior meals while the program still serves about 140 meals weekly. Staffing and part‑time wages were a central concern.
Town recreation staff briefed the board on Oct. 22 about a multi‑line budget that includes recreation, aging and nutrition programs. The department projects a roughly $80,500 revenue increase for 2026 driven by modest rental‑fee hikes, expanded program offerings and marketing, while identifying about $64,573 in expense reductions through line consolidations.
The recreation director said the department treats several discrete budgets as a package: recreation, aging, nutrition, special events and the farmers market; special events and the market are funded by sponsorships and donations rather than taxpayer dollars. The aging budget shows a reported $44,000 decrease from 2025, but staff explained that change mainly reflects moving senior softball revenue into the recreation budget, not an actual service cut.
On the town’s nutrition program, staff reported an approximate federal funding decrease of $11,000 and said weekly meals served average about 140 (roughly 27 per day). "We are not seeing a drop in participation," the recreation director said, but officials noted that many participants now waive a suggested $3.50 contribution, which reduces program revenue.
Several board members and Supervisor Evans pressed the department on part‑time wages and recruitment. The supervisor said the town moved base part‑time pay to $18 an hour last year and proposed a 3% non‑represented increase in the 2026 budget; recreation staff disputed whether all part‑time positions reflected that increase and asked the controller to confirm and correct payroll records if needed.
The workshop discussion did not produce a vote; department requests and wage adjustments will be incorporated into the town’s budget calendar.
