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Wolfeboro Budget Committee warns of unbudgeted fuel hit and a 24% insurance spike
Summary
At its June 11 meeting the Wolfeboro Budget Committee heard that fuel bids opening June 25 are expected to produce an unbudgeted cost impact, a Select Board representative reported a 24% rise in health insurance premiums, and members flagged a possible $1,000,000 sewer-plant expense.
On June 11 the Town of Wolfeboro Budget Committee was warned that rising operational costs could tighten this year92s town budget.
Interim Town Manager Barry Muccio told the committee that fuel bids opening June 25, 2026, are expected to produce "a big hit that was not budgeted," and urged the committee to be conservative in expenditures going forward. Muccio said the appropriations report will be presented to the Board of Selectmen at the next meeting and provided a snapshot of the general fund, firefighters92 overtime and ambulance service.
Select Board Representative Brian Deshaies said the town faced a large increase in employee health insurance costs this year, adding that "the Town had a 24% increase for premiums this year." Member Bob Tougher raised concerns that sewer-plant payments could create a significant outlay, saying he believes the sewer project will require about $1,000,000, which would affect the balance of revenue and expenditures.
Committee members pressed for clarity on revenues and accounting. Muccio reported that electric revenue is meeting expectations and that water/sewer accounting has not yet been fully balanced in the finance software but should be within a couple of weeks. Tom Bell noted that tax collections have only recently begun for the year.
The committee discussed possible strategies to address the risk: early notification of budget pressures to the Select Board, conservative spending through the summer, and awaiting the formal appropriations report. Muccio said he would notify the Board of Selectmen if fuel-price developments require mid-year adjustments.
Why it matters: higher fuel and insurance costs can force adjustments to municipal services or require transfers from fund balance if not offset by revenue. The committee scheduled continued budget review and will consider the appropriations report when it is delivered to the Board of Selectmen.
The committee92s next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 13, 2026; the appropriations report will be presented to the Board of Selectmen prior to any formal budget adjustments.
