Sterling selectmen approve budget keeping mil rate at 22.00, appoint Planning & Zoning member

The Sterling Board of Selectmen approved a proposed budget on Feb. 18 that keeps the town’s mil rate at 22.00 and includes the Board of Education budget, Treasurer Sara Sleboda said.

"The town will be able to keep the mil rate at a steady 22.00," Sleboda said while presenting key budget changes that include a capital transfer, salary increases, hiring a part‑time Department of Public Works worker, annual cost increases and cuts to recreation spending. Selectman Patricia Massey moved to approve the proposed budget; the motion was seconded by Ronald Whitcomb and carried 3‑0.

The meeting also included a formal appointment to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Selectman Massey moved to appoint Edward Adams to a three‑year term expiring Dec. 1, 2028; Whitcomb seconded the motion and it passed 3‑0.

Selectmen approved a series of routine operational items by unanimous votes. The board accepted an updated Snow & Ice Policy after Treasurer Sleboda said she and DPW foreman Aaron Mitchell reviewed and made minor specification changes. The board approved monthly invoices totaling $205,478.35 and carried a motion to retain a set of 72‑inch culvert pipes that failed to attract bids at a government auction for use on future road projects; Joslyn said the pipes will be stored in the Industrial Park.

Several agenda items were removed from the active agenda until updates are available, including a WRDA extension request and the Water Filtration Plant funding discussion. First Selectman Jack Joslyn acknowledged correspondence on a proposed solar project and letters from the state labor department and the attorney general’s office and said no action was required on those items.

The board concluded by directing Selectman Joslyn to reach out to Sterling Community School superintendent Ted Friend and Board of Finance Chairman Bob Salisbury to schedule a Tri‑Board meeting. The selectmen adjourned at 10:16 a.m.