Board backs FY2027 DPW general fund budget with modest 1.4% increase

Director Paul Brinkman presented the proposed FY2027 DPW General Fund budget, which reflects an approximate 1.4% increase from the prior year and remains below the town’s requested maximum increase of 2.5%–3%. Brinkman said salary allocations for the Engineer and Project Manager were redistributed across divisions to reduce pressure on the town engineer budget, and the Highway budget was tightened while preserving critical items such as asphalt for pothole repair. The asphalt line had remained at $15,000 for several years and was increased to reflect rising costs. The Board voted to support the proposed General Fund budget (motion by Pat Harrington; second by Jim MacDonald), passing unanimously (3-0-0).