Trustees continue 2025 budget discussion, set Dec. 3 public hearing to resolve projections

Trustees spent the work session probing the proposed 2025 budget and directed staff to return with updated year‑end projections and audit numbers before adopting a final plan. Staff walked the board through the proposed operating and capital funds, noting that legal, planning and professional services are largely budgeted and that items such as updated fee schedules will be brought forward based on the board’s direction.

Trustee Bell presented comparative data he compiled from other similarly sized towns and municipal audit reports to test claims that the town could not afford renewal of the town manager position. He summarized the town’s reserves and operating actuals and said, “I’m open to data,” and urged trustees to base decisions on the latest audited figures. Staff and trustees also discussed summer‑season line items—most notably porta‑potty service costs—and asked Victoria to run a one‑month breakout to show typical peak expenses. The board voted to continue the public hearing on the 2025 budget to Dec. 3, 2024 to allow time to reconcile audit reports and present clarified year‑end projections.