Lyme Budget Committee reviews Select Board's proposal that raises operating budget 5.06%

The Town of Lyme Budget Committee met Nov. 12 to review the Select Board's proposed operating budget, which would raise town spending by $151,888, a 5.06% increase over the current year, Judy Brotman, the school representative, told the committee.

The Select Board's proposal seeks to limit capital reserve appropriations this year to help offset rising school costs, Brotman said, but she warned that a larger contribution to capital reserves may need consideration in future budgets.

The proposal includes several line-item changes that together drive the increase. The Cemetery Trustees requested a $6,000 sexton stipend; the Select Board recommends $5,000 and noted cemetery mowing costs have risen. The Fire Department requested $20,000 for the administration line this year (it had requested $7,500 last year); the Select Board recommends $10,000. Chief Rich requested a $20,000 Fire Chief stipend while some department members requested $40,000; the Select Board recommends $27,500 for the post. Select Board leaders also proposed moving an $11,500 radio-repeater purchase to a warrant article rather than including it in the operating budget.

Highways and Streets (regular and winter) show a 6.3% proposed increase, with the Highway Road Agent's stipend shifting from a department request of $5,000 to a Select Board recommendation of $6,500. Solid-waste expenses rose 16.4%, Brotman said, largely because Lebanon Landfill fees and haul fees have increased. Parks and Recreation costs are proposed to increase 2.9%.

The legal line was increased because, Brotman told the committee, the town currently has seven open court cases; the Select Board expects more frequent consultation with counsel and more time spent preparing and appearing in court. Administrator Dina Cutting said insurance premiums rose after the CAP program with Primex ceased to be available and because the replacement cost of vehicles and equipment has increased.

No formal vote on the operating budget was recorded at the Nov. 12 meeting. Committee members set the next budget meeting for Dec. 10, 2025, citing that school budget figures would not be ready for the earlier Dec. 3 date. Earlier in the meeting, Jennifer Boylston moved to approve the Nov. 5 minutes; Bill Malcolm seconded and the motion passed with eight in favor and one abstention (Vince Berk). At 8:18 p.m., Phil Kinsler moved to adjourn; Brian Spence seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

The committee will reconvene Dec. 10 to continue review and consideration of the Select Board's operating budget and any warrant articles.