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Sharon selectmen agree to 3% COLA in budget planning; hear historical society’s one-year request
Summary
At a March 3 budget workshop the Sharon Board of Selectmen agreed in principle to a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for most town positions and heard a request from the Sharon Historical Society for a one-year budget increase to cover costs tied to the town’s 250th anniversary celebration. The board discussed a $36,000 proposal to digitalize the town clock and noted uncertainty about transfer-station costs after changes at the Torrington site.
Selectman John Hecht said the Sharon Board of Selectmen broadly agreed to plan for a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for most town positions as part of the proposed 2026–27 budget. The board reviewed the budget page by page during a March 3 workshop at Town Hall and made several line-item adjustments.
Abby Nova and Rhonda Schwartz, representing the Sharon Historical Society, asked the board for a one-year increase in their budget to cover anticipated costs for the town’s 250th anniversary celebration, administrative expenses, and expanded public events. The representatives said the increase is intended "for one year based on need" and that they expect to submit a reduced request next year. The board thanked them for appearing.
Mr. Flanagan reported that, following routine maintenance, the town clock no longer rings. He said the clock company submitted a proposal to replace the mechanical movement with a digital mechanism at a cost of $36,000; the board took no formal action on that proposal at the workshop.
Officials also discussed staffing-line items. The Assessor will rework her request after identifying an individual interested in the Office Support position who could later serve as an Assistant Assessor. The Town Clerk said she will review long-term plans for the Assistant Town Clerk position. Representatives listed for Sharon Day Care did not appear.
Board members flagged uncertainty about transfer-station costs after recent changes at the Torrington site and said they will explore options as clearer information becomes available. There was no recorded formal vote during the workshop; the 3% cost-of-living adjustment was an agreed planning assumption rather than a finalized appropriation.
The workshop opened at 10:00 a.m. and adjourned at 12:32 p.m.
