Sanbornton committee recommends $4,500 Plan‑It software purchase to centralize CIP records

On May 4, 2026 the Sanbornton Capital Improvements Program Committee voted unanimously to recommend that the Selectboard purchase Plan‑It software for a total of $4,500.

The motion, made by Joe Bodwell and seconded by Selectman Mark Brown, would fund a $2,500 base license, two additional editing users at $500 each, and the optional Replacement Plan Manager module for $1,000. The committee recorded unanimous approval of the recommendation.

Committee members discussed why the software would be useful. Chair Andy Sanborn said the Plan‑It demo produced helpful reports but that the demonstration did not explain how those reports are generated and that it is “not fair to a volunteer to have to manage a spreadsheet.” Joe Bodwell said the software’s multi‑user capability would reduce reliance on a single volunteer maintaining the town’s spreadsheet. Audry Barriault stated that the town might not need the software if Trustees of the Trust Fund provided regular balance reports and a maintained list of projects slated for those accounts.

Selectman Brown asked how many paid users would be required; members expressed support for a limited number of paid accounts to trial the system for one year, paired with the Replacement Plan Manager module to plan vehicle replacement schedules.

The committee did not specify a funding source for the purchase during the meeting. The motion was recorded as a recommendation to the Selectboard; final purchase authority and funding allocation remain with the Selectboard.

The committee’s action is procedural: it recommends that the Selectboard authorize the purchase and any associated expenditure. The committee did not take final procurement or contract action itself.