Town staff to recommend $25,000 boost to Public Works winter budget ahead of Town Meeting; board approves warrants and moves to executive session

Dwayne Morin told the Select Board April 7 that he will recommend increasing the winter Public Works budget by $25,000 — from $705,000 to $730,000 — at the upcoming Town Meeting, proposing to use funds set aside in excise-tax accounts so the adjustment would not require additional taxation on residents. Morin said the change is prompted by higher-than-expected winter product usage after March weather increased expenses.

Morin also said the Library budget was "on edge" going into Town Meeting but that he does not expect problems with passage. The board kept Town Meeting items on the agenda for further review, with Morin noting the proposed budget adjustment as his planned recommendation to voters.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of March 17, 2026 minutes: motion by Selectperson Michael Johnson Sr., second by Selectperson Charles Galemmo; vote 5-0 (approved).

- Acceptance of warrants (March 24: $18,328.78; March 31: $20,627.26; April 7: $274,537.88): motion by Selectperson Jonathan Hall, second by Selectperson Charles Galemmo; vote 5-0 (approved).

- Move to executive session (approx. 30 minutes beginning ~7:15 p.m., adjourning afterward): motion by Selectperson Charles Galemmo, second by Selectperson Michael Johnson Sr.; vote 5-0 (approved).

The board recessed during the meeting to recognize Selectperson Charles Galemmo's 15 years of service; staff also reported that site migration for the town website is scheduled to begin April 16 and go live around April 30. No new formal policy was adopted during this session.