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Isle La Motte Selectboard reviews 2025 budget as highway costs rise 14%
Summary
The Selectboard reviewed a draft 2025 budget that shows a 6.9% increase in the General Fund and a 14% increase in the Highway Fund; members said higher inflation and labor costs plus years of deferred road work explain the jump and will be addressed at the informational Town Meeting.
Selectboard Chair Peter Brzozowy led a review of the town’s 2025 draft budget on Jan. 26, saying the current proposals show a 6.9% increase in the General Fund and a 14% increase in the Highway Fund compared with 2024. The Board discussed how a 2023 highway surplus and grant money received in calendar year 2024 will affect the town’s reported surplus for 2024 and, in turn, the 2025 numbers.
Robin Martin, identified in the minutes as the new Road Commissioner, told the Board she agreed that inflation and rising labor costs are contributing to higher highway expenses and that deferred maintenance needs—particularly road repairs and roadside tree trimming—are driving much of the proposed increase. Board members said they will clearly explain those drivers to taxpayers at the informational Town Meeting.
Board members did not adopt a final budget at the meeting but concluded the current draft reflects the stated percentage increases and scheduled a follow-up meeting on Jan. 29 to continue review. The Selectboard adjourned at 4:01 PM.
