Budget committee recommends 3.3% COLA for employees, 2.8% for elected officials

The joint budget committee met after the select board adjourned and spent much of the session debating how to set COLA for town employees and elected officials. Committee members discussed whether to match Social Security’s 2.8% increase (select board recommendation) or the 3.3% Employment Cost Index (ECI) (compensation committee recommendation). After discussion that weighed inflation measures, effects on senior taxpayers, and recruitment pressures, the committee moved to recommend a 3.3% increase for town employees.

The committee separately addressed stipends for elected officials (select board, tax collector, treasurer, town clerk, road commissioner). After debate about whether elected officials should be treated like employees and whether a separate independent committee should make recommendations, the committee voted to recommend a 2.8% increase for elected officials. During the employees motion members cited fairness to employees; opponents stressed taxpayer impacts and seniors on fixed incomes.