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Committee debates gravel funding and CRF split as costs and demand rise
Summary
DPW said $34k annual gravel buys roughly 1,800 yards and that higher prices and trucking costs mean requests should rise; the committee weighed a combined $54k–$80k strategy split between operating budget and a capital reserve stockpile.
DPW told the committee that last year’s operating allocation for gravel bought about 1,800 yards, and that rising trucking and material costs mean that amount now covers less work. Members said 1,800 yards equates to roughly two miles at the stated cross-section and cautioned that using all the operating allocation without a CRF stockpile leaves the town vulnerable to emergency repairs.
"1,800 yards that we got this year ... I could blow through that in a week and 0.5 just on 2 dirt roads," a staff speaker said when describing how quickly supplies can be consumed (Agency official, SEG 3620–3622). Several members proposed asking for a larger operating allocation this year (one figure discussed was $80,000) while also building the CRF so that the town can stockpile gravel for emergency or reconstruction needs. The committee discussed directing staff to prepare a spreadsheet that quantifies miles maintained per yard and a multi-year stockpile plan for the Select Board and voters.
Budget context: the committee discussed how CRF practices and prior-year encumbrances have masked the real annual cost of road reconstruction. Members urged clearer presentation to voters this year to explain why the request for operating and CRF funds is increasing and how those choices affect the tax rate.
