Darren Kennedy

The town's budget overview for fiscal year 2025 includes total requested expenditures of a little over $4.5 million, which is an 11.5% increase over the current year's budget. $400,000 is set aside for flood damage repairs. A 3% wage increase is proposed for non-union employees, and the union contract with the police department calls for a 4.5% increase. The total proposed wages for 2025 is $1.5 million. Health insurance premiums increased by about 10%. The town is budgeting $253,000 for a new loader for the highway department and is looking to replace one of the police department cruisers at a cost of $55,000.

The meeting addressed concerns about the sale of town property and traffic impact, a budget presentation, and a Northern Borders Regional Commission grant application for the Scott Hill Loop project. An engineering contract was awarded for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program at 963 Jones Brook Road. The board discussed Paine Turnpike North closure, a special event application for the Capital City Stampede, Crosstown Road Mud-Season Closure, April 8 Eclipse Planning, and VEM Flood buyout agreement. The board also discussed the Local Cannabis Control Commission. The meeting concluded with a discussion on boot allowance rate for the highway department, and an executive session for personnel matters.

The meeting included discussions and decisions on various topics, such as the Treasurer's report, approval of licenses, permits, vouchers, and applications, and the annual financial plan for town highways. The board also discussed winter sand bids, tabling one bid for further review and continuing an agreement with a hauling servicer. Additionally, the purchase of a hose machine for the Road Foreman was approved. The Town Administrator reported on a rail study grant application from Montpelier, ambulance service contract renewal from the Town of Barre, and trail use request from the Barre Town Thunder Chickens.

The meeting included discussions on the treasurer's report, covering an upcoming asset management workshop for the water division and updates on properties sent to the attorney for tax sale. The board approved forgiveness for balances under five dollars and general fund accounts payable. They also discussed the appointment of a town representative to Central Vermont Internet and a solar project proposal from Green Lantern Group, focusing on a potential agreement for the town to purchase net meter credits at a discounted cost. The Town Administrator provided updates on EMS reports, the 302 bridge, a preliminary engineering report for the development of the fourth well, the town plan approval process, and ergonomics recommendations.

The meeting included discussions regarding premature public discussion of personnel issues, which led to an executive session with the Town Administrator and Police Chief. Additionally, there was a roundtable discussion where Staab requested information on EOC radio estimates, and Towne provided an update on the status of the town's new highway pick-up truck.