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Sullivan voters approve $1.24 million in reserves and multiple appropriations, lower tax interest rate to 4%
Summary
At its June 24 town meeting, Sullivan voters approved applying $1,240,000 in reserves and surplus to lower the 2024–2025 tax commitment and passed a slate of budget appropriations, including $636,600 for town roads and $183,500 for the fire department. Voters also amended the proposed 8% late-tax interest rate down to 4%.
Voters at the Town of Sullivan annual meeting on June 24, 2024, approved a series of budget and warrant articles that together set the town’s fiscal plan for 2024–2025. The Selectmen and Budget Committee recommended passage of the majority of items, which were carried by vote.
Key votes included approving the application of $1,240,000 in funds, reserves and surplus to reduce the town’s 2024–2025 tax commitment; authorizing the Selectmen to accept grants and expend departmental revenues; and multiple appropriations across departments. The meeting record lists projected revenue items (motor vehicle excise, revenue sharing, homestead reimbursement, interest on checking, and various fees) that underpin the budget.
Voters approved a substantial roads appropriation of $636,600 that funds plowing, salt, maintenance and a large paving line; a $183,500 appropriation for the fire portion of Fire & Rescue (covering wages, equipment testing, SCBA and station repairs); and a $86,800 appropriation for EMT services. The meeting also approved up to $65,000 from surplus for a fire truck reserve and $60,000 to purchase a power stretcher and ambulance attachment. Other appropriations included funding for transfer station operations ($43,950), cemetery maintenance ($35,000), town properties ($96,400), community services ($31,000), and contributions to local nonprofits ($21,750).
On Article 7, which set tax-payment timing and a proposed 8% per annum interest on unpaid taxes after 120 days, resident Bethany Leavitt moved to amend the interest rate to 4% per annum; the amendment passed and the article carried as amended.
Articles that authorize administrative authorities — including allowing Selectmen to sell tax-acquired property (with a public hearing required for shorefront parcels), to accept unconditional gifts on behalf of the town, and to cover unanticipated expenditures from other accounts or surplus — were also approved. Article 39, which would have increased the maximum property tax limit to the statutory maximum, was moved and then rescinded/passed over because the proposed budget resulted in a tax commitment smaller than the previous year.
The meeting concluded with a motion that the taking of alewives for 2025 be regulated by the Selectmen under applicable state law, and adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
