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Town adopts 2025 budget after debates over signs, subcontracting, excavator and museum support
Summary
The 2025 General Fund Budget was adopted. Amendments to increase the road-signs line from $1,500 to $10,000 and to raise excavator funding from $40,000 to $80,000 failed; an increase of $200 for Old Home Day passed. Town discussed high 2024 subcontracted services costs ($45,620.50) and FEMA reimbursement expectations.
Town Meeting approved the 2025 General Fund Budget as presented. The floor reviewed several line items and considered multiple amendments before a final vote. Residents and officials discussed road signs (line 4312.65), which had $1,500 budgeted for 2024 and 2025; Jessica Simonds moved to increase the 2025 line to $10,000 but the amendment failed after a show-of-hands vote. Participants noted sign replacement is important for emergency response and school routes and that prior prison-made signs are no longer available.
Vehicle maintenance (4312.71) ran about 50% over the 2024 budget, attributed in part to past maintenance neglect and higher parts costs. Subcontracted services (4312.90) showed a 2024 actual of $45,620.50 versus a $15,000 budget for 2025; officials said much of the 2024 overrun was flood-related and they expect FEMA reimbursement. Clerk/Treasurer Gary proposed amending line item 4315.87 to $80,000 (from $40,000) to purchase a used excavator; the Road Crew expressed concerns about personnel to operate an excavator and the amendment failed. A motion to increase Old Home Day support from $800 to $1,000 passed, adding $200 to the 2025 budget. The full budget was accepted.
