Road commissioner proposes split-rate increases and flags sand, salt, and crack‑sealing needs

Road Commissioner Will Langley presented proposed adjustments to town equipment and labor rates at the Jan. 28 Select Board meeting, saying he tried to split the difference with state rates and proposed a partial increase this year.

Langley reviewed a spreadsheet comparing current town rates, state rates and proposed town rates. Board discussion focused on which items see actual town spending, how labor and equipment are separated in the budget, and whether some seldom‑used line items should be removed from the schedule.

Specific changes noted in discussion included leaving the laborer rate at $27.04 (to match a 4% across‑the‑board increase), and changing the pickup/service truck (re‑labeled “patrol vehicle”) to $62.40 per hour. Langley said loader base rates were adjusted by splitting the difference with the state rate; the board discussed adding a per‑yard surcharge for larger loads. Chainsaw/handheld tools were listed at $39.51 including labor.

Langley also described winter operations: recent salt deliveries—four loads to the north district and five to the south—with one more boat delivery expected, and higher-than-usual sand use in December and January. He said he may haul an additional 500 to 1,000 yards of sand depending on usage.

On pavement maintenance, Langley said he had asked two contractors for crack‑sealing estimates but expects to put the work out to bid and was advised to request quotes by linear foot. Board members asked for clearer reporting of how much the town actually spends in each rate category so they can assess budget impact.

No formal vote was taken on rate changes at the meeting; Langley left the board with the spreadsheet and an agreement to refine which lines remain in the schedule and to clarify expense history for budgeting.