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Sharon Selectboard holds public hearing on 2026 capital budget plan
Summary
TRORC consultant Bryan Kovalick told the Selectboard the draft 2026 Capital Budget uses "today's dollars" and does not factor inflation; he recommended annual updates and offered TRORC support for project cost assessments. No public comment was received and the hearing closed.
The Sharon Selectboard opened a public hearing July 20 on the Town's Draft 2026 Capital Budget and Program. Bryan Kovalick of the Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission provided the overview and answered Selectboard questions.
Kovalick said the cost estimates in the draft are stated in "today's dollars and do not factor for inflation," and he recommended the Selectboard revisit and update the capital budget annually. He also told the board that TRORC can assist with assessing costs on projects in the TRORC district, especially highway projects. Selectboard Chair Scott Henkels highlighted recommendations included in the report materials.
After Kovalick's presentation the board opened the hearing for public comment. No written or oral comment was submitted or offered. Chair Henkels adjourned the hearing at 6:45 p.m.
Why it matters: the capital budget frames near-term infrastructure priorities and informs future capital planning and potential borrowing; clarifying whether estimates include inflation affects project phasing and reserve planning. TRORC's offer to assist provides a local technical resource for cost estimation and prioritization.
What's next: the Selectboard tabled detailed capital program decisions for continued review and may consider updates at the August 3 meeting or in subsequent budget cycles.
