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Lebanon Selectboard reviews bridges, paving and equipment needs as budget timing is finalized
Summary
Board reviewed an inventory of bridges in need of repair, paving priorities (Long Swamp, Little River, Blanchard), equipment purchases and budget timing; members said CIP bridge funds exist but scheduled work and legal obligations (e.g., road acceptance) must be clarified before spending.
The Lebanon Selectboard spent substantial time reviewing road and bridge needs, budgeting questions and choices about equipment purchases. Staff presented a list of bridge sites (including Lord Road, Upper Middle, Upper Guinea, Orus Hill and Little River), explained which are town responsibilities and where state involvement exists, and confirmed capital improvement (CIP) bridge funding is available for needed repairs.
Paving priorities named in the discussion included Long Swamp and Little River roads, potential work on Blanchard Road and Orus/Or Hill, and different repair approaches (full‑depth grind versus a 1.5‑inch mill) depending on base condition. Board members discussed using remaining town funds (approximately the $60,000 figure referenced in staff materials) and the Local Road Assistance Program (LRAP) to finance near‑term repairs; members emphasized that any purchase to be charged to the current fiscal year must be received and paid by June 30.
On equipment, staff said they are exploring a shoulder mower rental or purchase and a loader attachment; options include trading older equipment, soliciting sealed bids or using an RFP process. Members discussed trade‑ins for an older loader and possible impacts on line items. Fleet reliability items were flagged — one town truck had a coolant leak and required on‑site repair.
Budget timing: the board debated whether to delay final action on the general government budget until an absent member (Bill) could participate. Several members recommended waiting to finalize warrant articles and to leave contingency for dispatch and legal bills; staff estimated possible schedule dates for warrant signing and public meetings later in July or August.
Next steps: staff will produce a prioritized list of bridge and paving projects with cost estimates, confirm what can be charged to this fiscal year (deadline June 30) and obtain quotes for equipment purchase or trade. The board will revisit the general government budget after Bill’s return and finalize warrant timing.
