Selectboard trims proposed paving increase, sets outside‑paving line at $200,000 amid wider DPW budget debate

The board spent the largest portion of the meeting on the Public Works budget, focusing on how to balance paving, staffing, and maintenance amid recent contract increases. DPW Supervisor Nate reported that the draft budget included $248,000 for outside paving (up from a historical $187,000). Board members disputed whether to roll the full increase into the base budget or to put the roughly $61,000 extra to an appropriation vote. Chair (speaker 2) proposed limiting the town‑funded paving line to $200,000 while asking voters to consider a $50,000 appropriation to complete specific projects if needed; the board coalesced around $200,000 as the prudent, affordable base.

Members also reviewed a proposed $367,000 estimate to replace downtown sidewalks and discussed whether to put that question on the ballot. Salary lines were reallocated across public‑works‑related departments to reflect recent union contract increases (a roughly 12% contract increase and an additional 2% step described by staff). The board adjusted winter‑operations allocations: regular salt moved toward $70,000, sand was reduced and calcium chloride/brine funding increased; ditching received a modest $3,000 addition in the revised budget. Staffing shortages and high overtime driven by older equipment prompted discussion of hiring and potential part‑time/seasonal assistance, but no new permanent hires were approved at this meeting.

The meeting produced direction rather than a final adoption of the full DPW budget: the board left the outside‑paving budget at $200,000 and asked staff to refine line‑item changes (ditch/sand/brine reallocations) and to prepare appropriation language should the board decide to refer additional paving dollars to voters.