Hope Select Board approves FY25 budget, revenue estimate $1.21 million

The Hope Select Board voted July 23 to adopt key elements of the town’s fiscal year 2025 budget, approving a revenues estimate with overlay of $1,206,276 and multiple cost-center allocations that together define spending priorities for the coming year.

The board voted, by 4-0 roll call, to approve Administration cost center allocations totaling $452,737: Town Administration $313,573; General Administration $72,959; Municipal Buildings $15,006; Professional Services $48,199; and General Assistance $3,000. The board also approved the Public Safety cost center at $246,215, which included Animal Control ($8,433), Fire Department ($119,754) and Ambulance ($118,028). The Public Works cost center was approved at $936,362, with line items for Recreation ($13,250), Streetlights ($1,400), Roads ($853,506), Sanitation ($59,839) and Cemeteries ($8,367).

In separate motions, the board approved Reserves of $29,170 and the revenue estimate with overlay of $1,206,276. The board also approved American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) expenditures totaling $58,149. All motions were made by Charlie Weidman and seconded most often by Wayne Luce or, in a few cases, Crystal Robinson; each vote passed unanimously, 4-0.

Why it matters: These votes set the town’s spending allocations and authorize the revenue estimate the town will use for tax-rate calculations and departmental spending into FY25. The ARPA approval commits previously awarded federal relief funds to specific local expenditures.

Votes at a glance: Charlie Weidman moved the principal budget motions; Wayne Luce and Crystal Robinson provided seconds as recorded. Each listed line-item motion passed 4-0. The minutes record individual motions and seconds for each line item as approved by the board.

The Select Board adjourned at 7:08 p.m. after completing the budget votes and related business.