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Draft budget proposes 4% COLA and several staffing additions
Summary
Staff proposed a 4% cost‑of‑living adjustment for all town employees, merit pools and targeted hires (part‑time public‑records support, full‑time youth librarian, and a lead water‑plant operator). The finance director said these personnel costs are a primary driver of the general fund.
Finance Director Steven Kaplan told council the draft budget includes a 4% cost‑of‑living adjustment for all employees, mirroring the police collective‑bargaining settlement. "Included in the draft is a cost of living adjustment for all employees of 4%," Kaplan said, adding that merit pools and career development initiatives are also funded.
Kaplan outlined specific staffing requests: a part‑time administrative assistant to manage body‑worn‑camera public‑records requests, a full‑time youth librarian to replace difficulty recruiting at a part‑time level, and a lead operator role at the water‑treatment plant to cover supervisory gaps. Staff estimated the town’s pension and benefits packages (including a defined‑benefit police plan) are material contributors to personnel costs.
