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Selectmen review 2026 budgets; warrant articles eyed for rescue pumper and sidewalk plow
Summary
Department heads presented 2026 budgets to the Hillsborough Board of Selectmen, which discussed a lease-to-own rescue pumper warrant article (two-year build), increasing the road construction warrant to $400,000, and a proposed $215,000 sidewalk plow; water use and staffing for parks and recreation, radio replacement schedules for police and fire, and transfer station cost increases were also reviewed.
Department heads presented the town’s proposed 2026 operating and capital budgets during the Board of Selectmen meeting.
Police Chief Chris Parsons told the board that contract services, health benefits and payroll costs have increased and that 2026 contains a 53rd payroll week; the department plans to replace two radios each year for its 18 sworn officers. Parsons also noted dispatch revenues from neighboring towns — Antrim, Deering, Bennington, Washington and Hancock — amount to about $130,000.
Fire Chief Kenneth Stafford said the overall fire budget decreased about 6% because the ladder truck has been paid off, but the department plans to replace two of 28 radios annually. The administration will present a warrant article for a Rescue Pumper under a lease-to-own arrangement; Stafford and Ms. Buono said the pumper will take about two years to build and the town must confirm interest rates and consult the Department of Revenue before finalizing the financing.
Road Agent Ernie Butler reported scheduled service for the grader and loader, increases across clothing, electricity, rentals, lubricants and materials, and asked the board to increase the road construction warrant article to $400,000; he said a warrant article for a $215,000 sidewalk plow will be presented.
JT Clough said the Teen Center averaged about 23 children per day in 2025 and that the revolving recreation account is now self-sufficient. Parks maintenance will increase to start a six-year field rehabilitation rotation; water use in 2025 totaled roughly 158,000 gallons and Clough said the town was short by about $34,000 for irrigation in dry conditions. Trustee Riche' Colcombe noted there are funds available in the trustees’ accounts (over $300,000) that may support Manahan and requested a meeting with the Selectmen about TTF expenses.
Angie Polochuv said transfer station trash contract and tipping fees are increasing and that the backhoe may need repair or replacement.
Board members asked clarifying questions about timing, financing and replacement schedules. Ms. Buono said she will arrange further department meetings and will consult the Department of Revenue on financing options for capital warrant articles.
No formal votes on budget warrant articles were taken at this meeting; the board reviewed department requests and approved routine administrative items elsewhere on the agenda.
