Stratford selectboard advances 2025 department budgets to Feb. town hearing

The Stratford Selectboard voted on Dec. 16 to advance several department budgets for the 2025 fiscal year to the town’s annual budget hearing in February. Selectboard members Harry Juergens, Clayton Macdonald and Charles Goulet recorded unanimous agreement to forward proposed budgets for the cemetery, library, water and sewer, the tax collector’s office and the fire department.

The moves followed presentations by department representatives and residents. Ron Connary and Rose Connary briefed the board on the cemetery budget; Dawn Hall discussed the library proposal; Erik Lynch reviewed the water and sewer budgets; Maryann Lister presented the tax collector’s budget; and Chuck Stinson III relayed points about the fire department and a security concern at the Public Works building. Each item was approved by the board to be placed on the town-wide budget hearing in February 2025.

Why it matters: advancing budgets to the town hearing means the proposals will be discussed publicly at the Feb. 5, 2025 hearing, where voters or their representatives will review appropriations and any competing priorities. The meeting minutes do not list dollar amounts or line-item changes, only that the board agreed to move the proposed budgets forward.

Board members also flagged operational concerns tied to the budgets. Selectboard member Harry Juergens asked public works to address potholes and noted the state repaving of Route 3 did not restore a driveway apron at Center Cemetery; the board agreed to lay gravel as a temporary measure to maintain safe access. Selectboard chair Charles Goulet said he would follow up to ensure the apron/gravel work is done to avoid icing issues for visitors.

Next steps: the budgets will be presented at the Town Budget Hearing on Feb. 5, 2025 at 6:00 p.m., where the public may comment and the board will consider further action.