Executive committee advances FY25 work program and budget to full commission

The Windham Regional Commission executive committee voted unanimously to forward the draft FY25 work program and budget to the full commission for review and approval at the August meeting.

Staff said the work program showed minimal changes overall but flagged a federal 10% cut to the Emergency Management planning grant that, at some Regional Planning Commissions, translated into a larger local reduction. Chris said hazard-mitigation formula funds tied to last July’s flooding will largely offset the near-term cash effect, and staff will push the state to stabilize funding so RPC operations are not subject to large federal swings.

Anessa summarized budget details: town assessments are set to rise 3% (down from the 4% previously considered), a $30,000 line for housing infrastructure and community engagement was added, and staff allowed $50,000 for a graduate assistant or intern. Health insurance was budgeted assuming a roughly 10.5% increase. The packet showed a projected surplus moving from about +$19,000 to +$73,000.

On compensation, staff proposed a 3% across-the-board increase and discussed the option of year-end bonuses contingent on fiscal results. Staff also noted an $80,000 legislative allocation to help with ACT 250 reforms; they described it as one-time funding and said it was not yet clear whether it would become part of the baseline.

Finance Committee Chair Tim moved the motion to advance the work program and budget; Jack seconded. The committee approved the motion unanimously.

The Executive Committee asked staff to correct a suspected phone/internet line-item digit error and to confirm where Zoom and connectivity costs are recorded. Staff said they would revisit those entries before the full commission review.

The packet and vote will be forwarded to the full Windham Regional Commission for final consideration at its upcoming meeting.