Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget And Finance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Officials warn of rising utility costs; schools and town face combined shortfall
Summary
Staff told the board that changes in billing structures have driven sharp increases on some line items and projected about an $80,000 budget shortfall for schools and $54,000 for the town versus three-year averages; staff cited a new system that also reduced electricity use at one building by roughly one-third.
Town staff briefed the Board of Selectmen on recent increases in utility charges and the likely budget effects for the town and schools.
Staff said changes in rate structures and added charges have produced very large percentage increases on certain bill line items — staff cited increases "between 1,300% and 2,400%" on some components — and estimated the schools face about an $80,000 deficit compared with a three-year average while the town faces about a $54,000 shortfall for this fiscal year.
The presenter said some of the increases relate to program charges and a millstone agreement; staff are continuing to monitor rate developments and expect some adjustments in April. Officials also noted operational improvements: a newly installed system reduced electricity use at one building by roughly one-third compared with the prior year, and facilities staff are monitoring monthly utility results to refine forecasts.
Board members were advised that three buildings will be maintained at reduced settings while decisions about use of the Campus Learning Center and other facilities remain pending; staff emphasized the need to track trends and present more detailed figures at a future meeting.
No formal budget action was taken at the meeting; staff will continue monitoring and present updated forecasts to the board.
