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Jackson Select Board reviews proposed 2026 budget as TAN interest, professional fees and CRFs draw scrutiny
Summary
At the Jan. 20, 2026 budget hearing, Jackson Select Board members examined a proposed 2026 operating budget that includes 3% cost-of-living increases, higher professional fees, and larger debt-service entries tied to a bridge and recent TAN borrowing; the board debated cutting capital reserve contributions and tabled final decisions until a Feb. 3 continuation.
The Jackson Select Board on Jan. 20, 2026 conducted a line-by-line review of the proposed 2026 operating and capital budgets, focusing attention on debt service, professional fees, health-insurance changes and capital reserve funding levels.
Barbara Campbell, chairman of the Select Board, opened the budget review and said the board preferred beginning with a level-funded operating budget to justify any increases. "The Select Board agreed this is a responsible approach," the minutes record. Selectman Bob Thompson urged starting level-funded to better justify increases given an upcoming major bond.
The financial administration line rose to a proposed $292,511 for 2026, driven by an increase to $75,000 in professional fees described as audit and one-time accounting expenses, and 3% wage increases across many departments. Campbell said part of the increase reflects added administrative demands, including legal work and added support for the building inspector.
On personnel costs, staff reported a midyear change in the town's health insurance plan that raised out-of-pocket costs; Barbara Campbell said employee contributions increased from 3% to 5%. Resident Sarah Clemons asked for the insurance percentage expected in June; Campbell said she would provide the missing rate information to the board.
Debt service and cash-flow were a central focus. Julie Hoyt, town administrator, explained that the town had faced a fall cash-flow gap that required a $1 million tax anticipation note (TAN). "The town faced a fall cash-flow gap with large county and school bills due, requiring a $1 million TAN—now repaid—resulting in about $51,000 in interest," the minutes summarize. Resident Eric Mogensen commented that the TAN was a major cost driver for the budget.
The board also debated the recurring capital reserve funds (CRFs). Bob Thompson proposed reducing the fire department truck CRF contribution from $80,000 to $40,000 and discussed trimming other CRF lines (highway truck, ambulance, heavy equipment, police cruiser) to level-fund the budget. Planning and zoning master plan funding (requested at $5,000 for a ten-year plan year) and an added $17,000 misc. engineering line in building inspection (separate from septic design revenue) were among other items the board flagged for follow-up.
Bill Terry and Kevin Bennett discussed septic-design revenue offsets and engineering costs; Campbell said engineering expenses are not fully offset by septic revenue and the Select Board would revisit the item with Burr Phillips. Lt. Mike Mosher noted police budget changes were influenced by a payout package and by budgeting for a new hire.
The Select Board did not finalize CRF levels at this hearing and agreed to continue the budget discussion on Feb. 3. Barbara Campbell adjourned the meeting at 6:56 p.m. with the budget hearing tabled until that continuation meeting.
