Bill Austin

The meeting included a discussion regarding a reported ash borer sighting at Buttermilk Falls and the suggestion to email a detailed Conservation Commission budget request. Key agenda items involved reviewing progress on the Annual Report, which is due shortly, and discussing potential funding sources, including remaining money in the Energy Workshop grant for potentially acquiring a second camera. Planning was also initiated for a forthcoming session with State Senator Terry Williams concerning Star Lake, involving wetland classifications and graphics from a previous community meeting. Action items included completing the Annual Report, following up on the Budget Workshop spreadsheet, coordinating with the Senator, and preparing input for the next ChitChat newsletter.

Key discussions included reviewing town budget data and coordinating the spending approach for mission-related funds, planning for aquatic nuisance control for the upcoming season, and developing input for the ChitChat newsletter covering topics like Star Lake harvesting, infrared cameras, legislative follow-up, and fundraising. Specific new business involved a proposed guest tour of vernal pools, planning follow-up with State Senator Terry Williams, and discussing fundraising efforts to assist with amortizing a harvesting machine.

The meeting agenda was approved after adding a discussion item regarding the Cider Days recap, with a decision made to consult with the Conservation Trust for adjacent space in preparation for the 2026 event. The Recreation Committee provided an update concerning the State of Vermont 2026 Recreational Trails Program pre-applications, with group preference shown for the Shunpike trails needs. The commission passed a motion by acclamation to purchase a Thore 500 camera using remaining MERP grant funds. Key discussions regarding Star Lake included necessary tree work in the park, with action items assigned to inventory trees needing treatment, and a plan to rework a letter and seek a meeting with local legislators concerning Star Lake matters. Furthermore, the group discussed storing Robert's harvester for the winter and exploring a means for tax-exempt contributions to the Town of Mount Holly.

The meeting focused primarily on Town Budget finalization, where a motion passed to approve a general fund budget of $452,755 and a highway fund budget of $584,900, totaling $1,037,655, after proposing reductions to the early payment discount and highway labor/retreatment allocations to mitigate a potential 11% tax increase. The Board unanimously approved a motion to place a proposal on the Town Warning to eliminate the position of Town Auditor, replacing it with a Town Report Committee, pending a town vote. A letter from the Chair of the Planning Commission prompted a discussion regarding recent statements made by the Chair concerning the Belmont General Store, involving allegations about voting procedures and the veracity of commission actions. A Planning Commission member announced their resignation. Further discussion on this matter was tabled until the next meeting when the Chair would be present, with the Board planning to address it in executive session later. Participants were reminded of the upcoming public discussion regarding the Housing Needs Assessment and Action Plan.

The primary discussion focused on the continuation of the Town Budget Workshop. Key elements reviewed included rising Highway Operating Expenses, the need for competitive pay rates for the open Highway maintenance position, and a proposed 6% increase in that area. Budget submissions from the Volunteer Fire Department and the Conservation Commission were addressed. Furthermore, costs for the Treasurer function were consolidated under a single budget item. A significant proposal involved applying $35,000 from the specified fund balance and $85,000 from the general fund balance to reduce the tax burden, which would result in an 11.46% budget increase rather than a potential 20% increase, while maintaining a low risk of running down necessary operating surpluses.