Pittsfield council sets Dec. 3 public hearings after wide-ranging budget debate

The Pittsfield Town Council on Nov. 19 moved to set public hearings for ordinances 24‑11 through 24‑15 — covering the general fund, capital improvements, sewer and water six‑month budgets — on Dec. 3, 2024, after an extended council debate over personnel costs, fleet replacements and possible tax effects.

Town Manager Jacob reported the 2022 audit is complete and that auditors are working on the 2023 audit. Jacob and staff walked councilors through preliminary budget figures for the six‑month fiscal period, including an estimated first‑half mill rate near 11.43 and an annualized increase that staff described as roughly equivalent to $1.8 million in full‑year terms. "We don't have all the final bills for November yet, but we have a pretty good idea," Jacob said, explaining why staff recommended setting the public hearings while continuing to finalize numbers.

A key tension centered on interim staffing. Councilors discussed hiring an interim town manager at an estimated $95 per hour for up to 90 days — an expense a councilor estimated at about $46,000 — and whether to increase contingency funding to cover that cost. One councilor advocated raising the contingency from $60,000 to $80,000 "so you can cover the interim and the new town manager for the six months," noting the town could reduce interim hours to lower the price.

Public Works needs also drew close attention. Staff described an immediate need to replace a 2016 truck to maintain plowing capacity, and councilors debated financing options for larger fleet purchases. Purchasing a brand‑new $250,000 dump truck would carry an estimated debt‑service payment of about $68,000 annually, a figure several members said would sharply increase taxpayer cost if fully included in the six‑month period. Alternatives discussed included buying newer used trucks, refurbishing existing equipment (refurb estimates ranged from $45,000 to $95,000), or borrowing a smaller amount now and reassessing later. A councilor warned against "panic buying," urging flexibility to take advantage of good used‑truck opportunities.

On utilities, staffer Travis presented a proposal to keep water rates unchanged while establishing a minimum sewer bill based on a 9,000‑gallon base to stabilize sewer revenue. Travis said the change would affect roughly half of sewer customers and close part of an estimated $125,000 shortfall.

After debate, the council voted by voice to set the Dec. 3 public hearings for ordinances 24‑11 through 24‑15 and directed staff to circulate final budget numbers, including an updated fund‑balance figure, ahead of the hearing. The meeting concluded with further fleet inventory review and the council moving into executive session.

The council will take public testimony and consider amendments at the Dec. 3 hearing.