Johnson voters approve $3.34 million operating budget

Johnson voters on March 7 approved an operating budget of $3,341,120.22 for fiscal year 2024, with $2,084,868.79 to be raised by taxes and an estimated $1,256,251.43 to come from non-tax revenues.

Select-board member Beth presented the budget and walked the meeting through revenue and expense changes, including a proposed bump to highway and capital reserve contributions, adjustments to pilot and grant revenue, a larger allocation for reappraisal services and an increase in some salary and insurance lines. “We need to add a little bit more money into our capital reserve fund so that we are properly accounting for and spreading payment for equipment,” Beth said while explaining a multiyear equipment plan.

Residents pressed the board for details on several line items. Susan Moore asked why miscellaneous reimbursements were $57,000 actual versus $4,050 budgeted; staff explained much of that reflected reimbursements tied to the Trailhead Building and a family sponsorship. Questions also focused on the Holcomb House maintenance request and reappraisal funding; the select board said the town will share assessor services with a neighboring town to limit costs.

After discussion the moderator put the operating-budget motion to a voice vote; aside from one “no” the ayes carried and the motion passed. The meeting record shows the vote language as read on the warning: authorize total fund expenditures for operating expenses of $3,341,120.22, with the tax and non-tax revenue amounts stated above.