Sandown selectmen authorize up to 5% raises as default budget debate continues

The Sandown Board of Selectmen voted at its March 23 meeting to authorize employee pay increases of up to 5% as it reviewed the town's 2026 default budget.

The decision followed a lengthy discussion of the town’s proposed default figure (presented to the board as $6,000,004.27) and how to retain municipal staff amid vacancies. A board member urged support for raises to avoid turnover, saying, “I would support giving it to her,” and noting the high cost of hiring and training replacements for positions such as police officers.

Gail, the town’s finance staff member who addressed the board on budget numbers, said the additional 2% portion of the proposal would cost $18,009.24. Board members discussed funding sources including savings from vacant positions and encumbered funds; one member argued that the 3% matrix amount was already secured and that the additional 2% could come from vacant positions or per-diem savings.

Proponents framed the increase as a retention measure. One department head, speaking both as an official and a citizen, urged adherence to the wage matrix to avoid repeated recruitment and retention costs. Opponents and skeptics warned that repeated default budgets and public votes had constrained town revenue and that messaging to voters about tax impacts would remain a challenge.

The board moved and seconded the motion authorizing raises “up to 5%,” which passed by voice vote; the transcript records at least one opposed vocal response and does not provide a roll-call tally. The board instructed staff to proceed with implementing the increase consistent with employee evaluations and budget constraints.

Next steps: staff will calculate precise line-item impacts and finalize allocations so departments know their spending limits for the year. The board noted it will continue to monitor payroll and other line items as the year progresses.