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Selectboard reviews FY27 highway equipment schedule, operating increases and staffing plans
Summary
Selectboard members reviewed the FY27 highway equipment replacement schedule, expressed concern about timing for heavy equipment replacement (including a grader), and discussed operating increases, health insurance cost pressures, recruitment for on-demand/seasonal positions and expanding winter service contracts.
The Sharon Selectboard spent significant time Dec. 1 reviewing FY27 budget items for the Highway Department, including the equipment replacement schedule and operating line items.
Finance Manager Lucy Pierpont told the board that the replacement schedule shows no vehicles slated for immediate replacement in FY27 but flagged the planned replacement of two pieces of heavy equipment, including a grader, that may require schedule adjustments. The board reviewed operating budget increases for items previously underfunded — notably hydro-seeding and guardrails — and noted health insurance is a growing line item.
To mitigate staffing constraints, the town will advertise vacancies for on-demand and seasonal positions and continue recruiting for a full-time Level 2 operator. The board also discussed expanding an existing winter services contract with Chase to ensure coverage until vacancies are filled. The Selectboard scheduled further budget deliberations at a special meeting Dec. 6 to evaluate overall effects on the budget.
