Nelsonville finance committee moves amended 2026 budget to full council

The Nelsonville Finance Committee voted to forward an amended 2026 budget to full council for final consideration. Staff told the committee that the most substantial changes in the amended budget are the creation of a grant‑writer position and a new shared position separating HR and payroll for an employee named Ashley; these positions will be split across three funds. Other edits included contractual increases and departmental operating adjustments.

Staff explained shared salary and administrative costs were proposed to be split proportionally across the general fund and the municipal enterprise funds (water and sewer) to better align costs with the size of each fund. The sewer enterprise was described as running at a positive projection after a new contract (referred to as the "leech contract"), while the general fund remains tighter largely because of an uncertain litigation‑fee estimate. Staff said litigation expenses are outside the town’s retainer and were an estimate that contributed to the shortfall.

Committee members said they would have a week to review the materials before full council and asked for clarifications on attorney fees and any outstanding invoices. A motion to move the amended 2026 budget to full council was made and the committee approved the motion by voice; the transcript records the vote as "I" and does not include a roll call tally.

Why it matters: The budget sets staffing and service priorities, and the added positions (grant writer and HR/payroll split) could affect grant revenue capacity and administrative costs. The uncertainty around litigation fees could require adjustments or appropriations later in the fiscal year.

Next steps: The amended budget will go to full council; staff and council members expect to review attorney‑fee assumptions and provide answers before the council meeting.