1 00:00:04,595 --> 00:00:06,325 Good evening and welcome to the Thursday, 2 00:00:06,375 --> 00:00:09,245 April 23rd, 2026 Town Council meeting. 3 00:00:10,185 --> 00:00:12,685 Before we get going, councilor Foot, would you 4 00:00:13,705 --> 00:00:14,705 Yes. 5 00:00:14,705 --> 00:00:15,565 Yeah. Thank you. I 6 00:00:21,925 --> 00:00:26,365 coordination of regard invisible with liberty and justice. 7 00:00:28,695 --> 00:00:31,965 Thank you. Just as a reminder, 8 00:00:32,635 --> 00:00:33,765 emergency exits are at 9 00:00:33,765 --> 00:00:34,805 the back of the room and the side of the room. 10 00:00:34,865 --> 00:00:36,725 And please silence all cell phones. 11 00:00:38,735 --> 00:00:41,085 We'll start with roll call. Councilor Mills. 12 00:00:41,555 --> 00:00:43,365 Good evening, Councilor Healy. 13 00:00:43,435 --> 00:00:46,165 Good evening, councilor Webb. Good evening, councilor Chase. 14 00:00:46,275 --> 00:00:47,885 Good evening, Councillor Foot. Good evening. 15 00:00:48,345 --> 00:00:49,845 And good evening from the chair. 16 00:00:50,805 --> 00:00:52,645 Councillor Flood will not be joining us this evening. 17 00:00:53,715 --> 00:00:57,045 Alright, we do have a consent agenda. 18 00:00:57,165 --> 00:00:59,045 I think it's just one thing on there. Yep. 19 00:00:59,285 --> 00:01:02,285 Consent agenda to approve item 26 42 20 00:01:02,585 --> 00:01:03,725 to approve the minutes from the 21 00:01:03,725 --> 00:01:06,485 April 16th, 2026 budget workshop. 22 00:01:07,625 --> 00:01:09,785 I make a motion that we approve the consent agenda. 23 00:01:10,085 --> 00:01:14,145 Second. Alright, on the motion. 24 00:01:14,175 --> 00:01:17,785 Council mills? Yes. Councillor Healy. Yes. Councilor Webb. 25 00:01:17,925 --> 00:01:20,145 Yes. Councillor Chase? Yes. Councillor Foot? Yes. 26 00:01:20,205 --> 00:01:24,185 And chair votes? Yes. Motion passes. Seven zero. All right. 27 00:01:24,245 --> 00:01:27,185 We are here tonight for public hearing 28 00:01:27,405 --> 00:01:30,985 for 26 31 resolution 2026 dash zero eight 29 00:01:31,405 --> 00:01:33,745 to adopt the FY 27 town budget 30 00:01:33,965 --> 00:01:37,425 and FY 27 to FY 32, capital improvement plan. 31 00:01:37,525 --> 00:01:40,265 And I will turn it over to town administrator Mike ler. 32 00:01:43,855 --> 00:01:45,225 Alright, good evening. 33 00:01:46,605 --> 00:01:51,025 So tonight this is one of the final steps in our fiscal 27 34 00:01:51,605 --> 00:01:54,265 budget in our six year CIP plan. 35 00:01:55,435 --> 00:01:58,625 We've had a couple of budget workshops 36 00:01:58,685 --> 00:02:01,905 and we did an initial presentation on April 7th. 37 00:02:02,405 --> 00:02:04,865 So lemme just go through some of the highlights as 38 00:02:04,865 --> 00:02:05,985 to the overall budget. 39 00:02:06,965 --> 00:02:08,505 It is definitely a year-round process. 40 00:02:08,645 --> 00:02:10,105 We have to, you know, be on top 41 00:02:10,105 --> 00:02:13,705 of the data points looking at projected valuations. 42 00:02:14,225 --> 00:02:16,785 There's always constant consultation with planning 43 00:02:16,885 --> 00:02:19,745 and economic development about what's in the pipeline. 44 00:02:19,745 --> 00:02:22,025 That's an important projection that we have to look at 45 00:02:22,165 --> 00:02:25,545 as far as setting the tax rate inflation data. 46 00:02:25,545 --> 00:02:29,025 Obviously we keep an eye on that pretty religiously just 47 00:02:29,025 --> 00:02:30,305 because of world events. 48 00:02:30,305 --> 00:02:33,185 And that has an impact on how much we can raise 49 00:02:33,525 --> 00:02:37,145 as a maximum cap on our tax rate coordination 50 00:02:37,145 --> 00:02:39,225 with department heads on any of their staffing needs. 51 00:02:39,245 --> 00:02:43,065 If anything has changed, obviously preliminary quotes have 52 00:02:43,065 --> 00:02:46,785 to be sought and sometimes that takes a lot of lead time 53 00:02:46,805 --> 00:02:49,145 to get an accurate quote, knowing 54 00:02:49,145 --> 00:02:51,905 that sometimes you won't have possession of that vehicle 55 00:02:52,125 --> 00:02:54,025 or that equipment for maybe two 56 00:02:54,025 --> 00:02:55,425 to three years in some instances. 57 00:02:56,125 --> 00:02:59,525 And then obviously financial projections from our CFO on 58 00:02:59,525 --> 00:03:02,085 motor vehicle registrations and interest incomes. 59 00:03:02,505 --> 00:03:04,805 That's obviously, you know, looking at the data 60 00:03:05,025 --> 00:03:06,045 and providing that. 61 00:03:06,105 --> 00:03:09,485 So get a lot of input from everybody that you see here 62 00:03:09,505 --> 00:03:11,885 behind me and, and they all do a wonderful job at, 63 00:03:11,905 --> 00:03:14,285 at keeping the data fresh so 64 00:03:14,285 --> 00:03:15,365 that we can provide accurate 65 00:03:15,365 --> 00:03:16,925 projections to the town council. 66 00:03:18,345 --> 00:03:21,125 So let's start with what the tax rate is 67 00:03:21,185 --> 00:03:23,805 for the past year tax year 2025 68 00:03:24,355 --> 00:03:26,845 town rate is $5 and 39 cents. 69 00:03:26,865 --> 00:03:30,325 And I highlighted the yellow just for illustration, 70 00:03:30,715 --> 00:03:32,005 that in the last year 71 00:03:32,645 --> 00:03:34,365 it went up 14 cents at 72 00:03:34,385 --> 00:03:37,725 2.66% on the tax rate. 73 00:03:37,985 --> 00:03:40,405 And that is only a portion of the total rate 74 00:03:40,785 --> 00:03:42,725 of $18 and 99 cents. 75 00:03:42,725 --> 00:03:45,485 So the next slide is to illustrate that 76 00:03:46,595 --> 00:03:49,885 this budget only is reflecting 28% 77 00:03:50,425 --> 00:03:53,685 of the expenditures in that comprise 78 00:03:53,685 --> 00:03:56,605 of the 9 18 99 total tax rate. 79 00:03:57,545 --> 00:04:01,765 All the other individual groups have their own legislative 80 00:04:01,765 --> 00:04:05,045 process that don't involve the group that's here tonight. 81 00:04:06,635 --> 00:04:08,365 Okay. Now, one of the areas 82 00:04:08,395 --> 00:04:12,565 that is very important talk about is that we have a tax cap 83 00:04:12,625 --> 00:04:15,805 and we have had in in dairy for many years, 84 00:04:16,105 --> 00:04:17,365 and it's in our town charter. 85 00:04:17,705 --> 00:04:21,485 So the way that it works is the 2026 tax rate maximum 86 00:04:21,965 --> 00:04:23,285 increase is determined 87 00:04:23,465 --> 00:04:26,045 by the trailing years consumer price index. 88 00:04:26,145 --> 00:04:29,365 So for CPIU Northeast, 89 00:04:29,395 --> 00:04:32,405 it's estimated at 3%, 3.3%. 90 00:04:33,465 --> 00:04:36,565 And when you take last year's tax rate at $5 91 00:04:36,585 --> 00:04:39,645 and 39 cents, add 3.3%, 92 00:04:39,745 --> 00:04:43,125 the maximum allowable is 5.57. 93 00:04:43,305 --> 00:04:46,965 So $5 and 57 cents is what we're working on as the maximum 94 00:04:48,115 --> 00:04:52,605 rate the capital improvement program must fit within the 95 00:04:52,605 --> 00:04:55,365 allowable increase in the tax cap without depleting the 96 00:04:55,365 --> 00:04:57,085 capital reserve funds for each department. 97 00:04:57,085 --> 00:05:00,005 So that's also important to know that we have to make all of 98 00:05:00,005 --> 00:05:03,245 that fit within the tax cap number. 99 00:05:04,955 --> 00:05:07,845 When we look at valuation, this is another important part 100 00:05:07,845 --> 00:05:09,365 of the equation. 101 00:05:09,945 --> 00:05:12,405 So on or about April 1st of each year, 102 00:05:13,425 --> 00:05:15,885 the assessor looks at any of the new construction 103 00:05:15,885 --> 00:05:19,085 that had happened in the previous year and assesses that 104 00:05:19,185 --> 00:05:21,325 and puts that on the roll for 2026. 105 00:05:22,305 --> 00:05:24,445 In the trailing year, we had made an estimate 106 00:05:24,445 --> 00:05:27,525 that there was $20 million of new valuation. 107 00:05:27,905 --> 00:05:30,605 The actual valuation increased by 55 million. 108 00:05:30,665 --> 00:05:33,965 So that was a really positive development on that. 109 00:05:34,625 --> 00:05:38,565 Fiscal 2027, again, consulting with numerous departments, 110 00:05:38,855 --> 00:05:42,365 we're looking at about $50 million of new valuation 111 00:05:42,365 --> 00:05:44,565 for projects that have been completed. 112 00:05:45,425 --> 00:05:48,805 And again, we also wanna point out there's additional 113 00:05:48,805 --> 00:05:51,965 development within the DCC TIF district Abbott Court, 114 00:05:52,265 --> 00:05:55,405 and that ultimately supports the TIF district expenditures. 115 00:05:55,405 --> 00:05:58,365 And that would be out in fiscal 28 and beyond. 116 00:06:00,025 --> 00:06:02,405 So let's take a look at the tax rates. 117 00:06:02,585 --> 00:06:04,965 So one of the things that I have in front 118 00:06:04,965 --> 00:06:07,765 of you is looking at the last 10 years 119 00:06:07,865 --> 00:06:10,765 and seeing what the CPI is now, not in, 120 00:06:10,985 --> 00:06:15,285 not in all cases did the council take an action to 121 00:06:15,865 --> 00:06:18,365 put in the full value to the tax cap, 122 00:06:18,465 --> 00:06:21,925 but you can see on the left the numbers you went 123 00:06:21,925 --> 00:06:23,645 through fiscal 18 to 22, 124 00:06:24,065 --> 00:06:27,085 all those years had under 2% inflation. 125 00:06:27,145 --> 00:06:28,605 And that's, you know, guided 126 00:06:28,705 --> 00:06:32,085 and restricted what the towns budget could be increased 127 00:06:32,145 --> 00:06:33,365 by then the COVID 128 00:06:33,545 --> 00:06:37,005 or post COVID years hit, those are highlighted in yellow. 129 00:06:37,465 --> 00:06:40,165 Now we've come back down to maybe more normalized. 130 00:06:40,305 --> 00:06:42,205 I'm not sure if you know, I'm not an economist, 131 00:06:42,285 --> 00:06:44,605 I can't predict what the future years would be like, 132 00:06:44,625 --> 00:06:47,645 but we're trending around 3% per year 133 00:06:48,295 --> 00:06:49,725 after those two spike years. 134 00:06:49,865 --> 00:06:53,405 So just to kinda give you some history of, of where 135 00:06:53,675 --> 00:06:56,205 that tax rate has been increased. 136 00:06:57,865 --> 00:07:00,045 And again, just this is just a data point 137 00:07:00,225 --> 00:07:04,245 for the CPIU Northeast, it's just a running index 138 00:07:04,245 --> 00:07:05,405 that you look back and, 139 00:07:05,425 --> 00:07:07,885 and you know, what we ended up doing was you take those two 140 00:07:07,885 --> 00:07:11,365 numbers, you can apply them year over year, 141 00:07:11,425 --> 00:07:13,445 you can apply them over a 10 year period, 142 00:07:13,665 --> 00:07:16,285 but it gives you an idea of 143 00:07:16,475 --> 00:07:18,445 what the inflation increases are. 144 00:07:18,705 --> 00:07:20,685 I'm sure in each individual, you know, homeowner, 145 00:07:20,685 --> 00:07:22,405 they can say, geez, you know, my price 146 00:07:22,405 --> 00:07:25,285 of heating oil has really, you know, not reflected this 147 00:07:25,305 --> 00:07:26,565 or the cost of a vehicle, 148 00:07:26,825 --> 00:07:28,485 but it's a blended average that the, 149 00:07:28,505 --> 00:07:30,325 the federal government keeps and, 150 00:07:30,325 --> 00:07:33,565 and it's an important benchmark that they report each month. 151 00:07:35,225 --> 00:07:37,365 So one of the things that's within our budget 152 00:07:37,365 --> 00:07:41,725 that we do end up having to to talk about is our budget is, 153 00:07:41,745 --> 00:07:43,885 is definitely reflective of local, regional, 154 00:07:43,885 --> 00:07:45,285 and global economic trends. 155 00:07:45,705 --> 00:07:48,565 So the CPIU is up 32% 156 00:07:49,255 --> 00:07:51,405 since July, 2017. 157 00:07:52,265 --> 00:07:55,045 But we also have a number of products 158 00:07:55,075 --> 00:07:56,685 that haven't followed that. 159 00:07:56,785 --> 00:08:00,405 For example, we put down 3,500 tons of salt a year. 160 00:08:00,405 --> 00:08:02,965 That price was $54 a ton back then, 161 00:08:03,315 --> 00:08:07,445 it's now almost $80 a ton and we're waiting a new price. 162 00:08:07,545 --> 00:08:11,005 So that's 47% increase trash disposal, 163 00:08:11,115 --> 00:08:12,845 that was $64 a ton. 164 00:08:13,585 --> 00:08:17,285 Now that's $105 per ton. That's a 65% increase. 165 00:08:19,065 --> 00:08:21,845 One of the largest drivers in this year's budget has been 166 00:08:21,845 --> 00:08:24,245 the increase of employee healthcare. 167 00:08:24,505 --> 00:08:28,925 So again, for the public's edification, we generally, our, 168 00:08:29,025 --> 00:08:30,805 our employees are covered 169 00:08:31,235 --> 00:08:35,005 with comprehensive healthcare at 87% town share. 170 00:08:35,005 --> 00:08:36,925 There's one contract that is not that way 171 00:08:36,925 --> 00:08:39,805 because they have an alternate health system. 172 00:08:40,185 --> 00:08:42,845 But essentially those costs are driven 173 00:08:43,225 --> 00:08:44,485 in our personnel budget. 174 00:08:44,985 --> 00:08:46,685 So just to put this into context 175 00:08:47,065 --> 00:08:49,965 for the plans are essentially the same from 10 years 176 00:08:49,985 --> 00:08:51,205 ago to what they are now. 177 00:08:51,585 --> 00:08:54,925 But an Anthem AB 15 plan, the total cost, again, 178 00:08:55,065 --> 00:08:58,765 we didn't break it down between employee and employer, 179 00:08:59,225 --> 00:09:01,885 but essentially all three categories. 180 00:09:02,145 --> 00:09:07,085 One person, two person family, that's up 90% since FY 18. 181 00:09:07,145 --> 00:09:10,445 And we had a pretty significant spike this year of 27%. 182 00:09:10,545 --> 00:09:14,045 So you can imagine what that means as far as us having to, 183 00:09:14,145 --> 00:09:16,845 you know, try to balance this budget within the tax cap. 184 00:09:17,625 --> 00:09:20,045 So I do want to talk about how do we manage the tax cap. 185 00:09:20,065 --> 00:09:21,805 So we have to leverage, you know, state 186 00:09:21,805 --> 00:09:24,325 and federal grants for operations and infrastructure. 187 00:09:24,825 --> 00:09:27,525 All all the major departments are constantly looking 188 00:09:27,625 --> 00:09:30,085 for those grant opportunities to leverage our funds 189 00:09:30,595 --> 00:09:32,005 with state or federal funds. 190 00:09:32,535 --> 00:09:34,485 We've been really good at looking at energy 191 00:09:34,485 --> 00:09:35,605 efficiency projects. 192 00:09:35,905 --> 00:09:37,245 We have a solar field 193 00:09:37,245 --> 00:09:39,885 that is going online very shortly at the landfill. 194 00:09:40,505 --> 00:09:43,085 We have always been involved with cooperative purchasing 195 00:09:43,085 --> 00:09:46,845 of materials either through state or other cooperative bids. 196 00:09:47,605 --> 00:09:50,245 We also look at right time capital improvements. 197 00:09:50,265 --> 00:09:54,085 You know, we, we try to wait until something has 198 00:09:54,085 --> 00:09:56,405 to be replaced, but we don't wanna wait too long 199 00:09:56,415 --> 00:09:58,245 until the repair bills are too high. 200 00:09:59,145 --> 00:10:02,565 We also have effective use of fund balances that have been 201 00:10:03,085 --> 00:10:05,445 placed for specific purposes. 202 00:10:05,825 --> 00:10:07,925 And then in some instances, quite honestly, 203 00:10:08,145 --> 00:10:10,085 the town goes without and, 204 00:10:10,145 --> 00:10:12,485 and that's just the reality items such 205 00:10:12,485 --> 00:10:13,765 as curbside trash pickup. 206 00:10:14,115 --> 00:10:17,085 There's several positions that other peer communities have, 207 00:10:17,105 --> 00:10:18,525 you know, perhaps deputies 208 00:10:18,585 --> 00:10:20,805 or additional, you know, folks on the line 209 00:10:21,075 --> 00:10:22,285 that we just can't afford. 210 00:10:22,345 --> 00:10:26,565 So every decision we have to really take a hard look at 211 00:10:26,565 --> 00:10:28,005 because of the tax cap 212 00:10:28,745 --> 00:10:30,965 and all of the other factors that come into play. 213 00:10:32,305 --> 00:10:33,685 So what does our budget support? 214 00:10:33,685 --> 00:10:38,125 So emergency services 24 7 365, full fire and police. 215 00:10:38,545 --> 00:10:41,645 Our municipal center is open 45 hours per week Monday 216 00:10:41,645 --> 00:10:43,405 through Friday for in-person services. 217 00:10:43,425 --> 00:10:48,325 And obviously people can utilize online servicing as well. 218 00:10:48,865 --> 00:10:50,365 We have a full station, full service 219 00:10:50,555 --> 00:10:51,765 drop off transfer station. 220 00:10:52,385 --> 00:10:55,045 We have our DPW operations for road maintenance 221 00:10:55,045 --> 00:10:56,085 and building maintenance. 222 00:10:56,745 --> 00:11:00,125 We have two highly regarded libraries that are operated. 223 00:11:00,625 --> 00:11:03,605 And then we have recreational activities parks year round 224 00:11:03,605 --> 00:11:07,005 including tennis courts, rail trail, hiking areas, 225 00:11:07,005 --> 00:11:10,205 conservation parcels, summer concerts and fireworks. 226 00:11:11,285 --> 00:11:12,325 Additionally, we have access 227 00:11:12,325 --> 00:11:14,085 to government meetings through dairy cam. 228 00:11:14,665 --> 00:11:16,965 We support a number of social service programs. 229 00:11:18,275 --> 00:11:20,685 Just wanna make a point that the users support the water 230 00:11:20,705 --> 00:11:22,805 and sewer systems that's not covered by 231 00:11:23,345 --> 00:11:24,645 the general fund taxes, 232 00:11:25,645 --> 00:11:28,045 although you'll see references to that in this budget. 233 00:11:28,195 --> 00:11:31,365 Only the people that are utilizing those services are paying 234 00:11:31,365 --> 00:11:32,925 for those costs. 235 00:11:33,625 --> 00:11:36,605 The tiff district revenue support activities within the 236 00:11:36,605 --> 00:11:38,205 boundaries of the, the district. 237 00:11:38,205 --> 00:11:40,365 We have two of them, which called the Dairy commerce 238 00:11:41,365 --> 00:11:43,925 corridor, TIFF and the Gateway TIFF District. 239 00:11:44,385 --> 00:11:46,245 And then as we had mentioned earlier, 240 00:11:46,385 --> 00:11:48,565 the capital improvement plan is also covered 241 00:11:48,785 --> 00:11:50,125 within the annual budget. 242 00:11:52,385 --> 00:11:56,325 So these are the final details of, we went through a number 243 00:11:56,505 --> 00:11:59,285 of discussions with council. 244 00:11:59,905 --> 00:12:02,085 You had a few minor adjustments. 245 00:12:02,325 --> 00:12:05,645 I went over those adjustments on the 21st. 246 00:12:06,105 --> 00:12:08,445 But essentially what you see here is a list 247 00:12:08,445 --> 00:12:09,925 of all the different categories. 248 00:12:09,925 --> 00:12:13,685 General fund, capital improvements, capital bonds, 249 00:12:13,895 --> 00:12:17,485 water fund, wastewater fund, cable revolving fund, 250 00:12:18,245 --> 00:12:20,605 TIF districts, and then we have revenues. 251 00:12:20,625 --> 00:12:23,285 And so in the end, what you see at the bottom is 252 00:12:23,285 --> 00:12:25,765 what we started with the tax rate last year was 253 00:12:25,765 --> 00:12:27,125 $5 and 39 cents. 254 00:12:28,075 --> 00:12:30,485 This budget delivers when it nets out 255 00:12:30,485 --> 00:12:33,245 after revenues are subtracted $5 256 00:12:33,305 --> 00:12:37,485 and 57 cents, which matches the 3.3% increase. 257 00:12:37,945 --> 00:12:41,125 So to put into perspective for, you know, real terms 258 00:12:41,825 --> 00:12:46,685 on an average $500,000 assessed home in dairy. 259 00:12:46,685 --> 00:12:48,685 And we have, you know, that's, that's pretty close to the, 260 00:12:48,705 --> 00:12:52,885 the average, if you go up at that 3.3% increase, 261 00:12:52,885 --> 00:12:56,165 that's a $90 increase over last year's tax rate. 262 00:12:56,165 --> 00:12:58,885 And again, remember that is only one portion 263 00:12:58,945 --> 00:13:01,005 of the four legs within your tax bill. 264 00:13:02,995 --> 00:13:06,325 Okay. And again, just to put this little bit larger here, 265 00:13:06,455 --> 00:13:10,165 gross appropriations are 77,000,914 266 00:13:10,345 --> 00:13:11,645 $185. 267 00:13:12,155 --> 00:13:14,765 Once you subtract out revenues, veterans credit 268 00:13:14,945 --> 00:13:17,845 and overlay, we come down to the bottom line 269 00:13:17,845 --> 00:13:21,605 of $31,818,022. 270 00:13:22,145 --> 00:13:25,365 You divide it by the total estimated valuation 271 00:13:26,105 --> 00:13:27,485 of 5.7 billion. 272 00:13:27,705 --> 00:13:31,845 And that's how we arrive at the 5.57 tax rate. 273 00:13:33,655 --> 00:13:35,605 Again, just want to go through some of the major 274 00:13:36,315 --> 00:13:37,645 variances year over year. 275 00:13:37,645 --> 00:13:39,765 These are the big drivers in our budget. 276 00:13:40,405 --> 00:13:42,845 Full-time wages because of union contracts 277 00:13:42,845 --> 00:13:43,965 that were recently settled, 278 00:13:44,805 --> 00:13:47,445 those are up 5.2% over last year. 279 00:13:47,755 --> 00:13:50,845 It's important to note that that is representative of steps 280 00:13:51,265 --> 00:13:54,405 for, you know, as a, a junior employee works their way 281 00:13:54,405 --> 00:13:55,925 through and gets more proficient. 282 00:13:56,345 --> 00:13:57,565 You have to compensate them 283 00:13:57,585 --> 00:14:01,125 and also cost of livings that are enveloped within there. 284 00:14:02,185 --> 00:14:04,645 Health insurance, as I had referenced earlier, 285 00:14:04,665 --> 00:14:06,965 that's up 27.4%. 286 00:14:07,485 --> 00:14:09,405 That was a pretty vicious spike for the town 287 00:14:09,405 --> 00:14:10,685 to have to absorb this year. 288 00:14:11,405 --> 00:14:13,885 Workers' comp is up 9.4%. 289 00:14:14,025 --> 00:14:16,405 That's just been a trend that we've seen. 290 00:14:16,815 --> 00:14:19,525 Retirement contributions are up 7.1%. 291 00:14:19,655 --> 00:14:23,405 Again, that's a result of just increased full-time wages. 292 00:14:24,265 --> 00:14:26,925 It service contracts up 4.8%. 293 00:14:27,385 --> 00:14:31,845 We are dropping our electricity 12.9% as a result of 294 00:14:32,445 --> 00:14:34,805 better costs that we're getting as a result 295 00:14:34,805 --> 00:14:36,565 of the solar field going online. 296 00:14:37,105 --> 00:14:40,085 And then lastly, one of the concerns 297 00:14:40,085 --> 00:14:42,245 that we had in our budget was to make sure 298 00:14:42,245 --> 00:14:45,725 that typically roadway maintenance is funded at 299 00:14:45,725 --> 00:14:47,805 around the $1.6 million level. 300 00:14:47,825 --> 00:14:50,405 And the council has done a great job at keeping up with that 301 00:14:50,425 --> 00:14:51,565 as time has gone on. 302 00:14:52,265 --> 00:14:54,365 We did an assessment and looked at the condition 303 00:14:54,365 --> 00:14:55,925 of the roads town wide 304 00:14:55,925 --> 00:14:56,925 and they're at an 88, 305 00:14:56,925 --> 00:14:58,805 which is the highest number that we've had. 306 00:14:58,835 --> 00:15:00,725 It's, it's beyond the good category. 307 00:15:01,225 --> 00:15:03,725 We also have a number of projects that are concurrent 308 00:15:04,475 --> 00:15:07,005 that are going to continue to enhance the roads such 309 00:15:07,005 --> 00:15:08,885 as Chinita Road Exit four A. 310 00:15:09,425 --> 00:15:13,005 So those projects are going to also enhance the road 311 00:15:13,005 --> 00:15:15,925 and we felt it was prudent this year to help with some 312 00:15:15,925 --> 00:15:17,405 of the other pressures on our budget 313 00:15:17,505 --> 00:15:21,245 to reduce the roadway maintenance budget by $250,000. 314 00:15:21,425 --> 00:15:25,735 So, so major goals of the fiscal 27 budget. 315 00:15:26,455 --> 00:15:30,095 We want to continue favor momentum in our development train. 316 00:15:31,075 --> 00:15:33,255 We wanna sustain core functions, emergency 317 00:15:33,255 --> 00:15:34,375 and regular town service. 318 00:15:34,845 --> 00:15:36,935 This does meet the town charter 319 00:15:37,205 --> 00:15:39,975 with the 3.3 tax rate increase. 320 00:15:40,715 --> 00:15:42,255 We also had as part 321 00:15:42,255 --> 00:15:45,135 of the negotiations address competitiveness in pay 322 00:15:45,135 --> 00:15:47,855 through the CBA implementation trust fund. 323 00:15:47,875 --> 00:15:51,055 So we were u we are utilizing a significant amount 324 00:15:51,055 --> 00:15:55,535 of money in that fund to make sure that we don't continue 325 00:15:55,535 --> 00:15:59,495 to see some hemorrhaging of police officers fire off fire 326 00:16:00,015 --> 00:16:01,575 fighters and DPW employees. 327 00:16:02,185 --> 00:16:04,335 We're gonna continue to support the TIFF 328 00:16:05,495 --> 00:16:06,855 District economic expansion 329 00:16:07,115 --> 00:16:09,895 and it continues to support infrastructure growth, water, 330 00:16:10,025 --> 00:16:11,095 sewer, and exit four. 331 00:16:11,175 --> 00:16:15,055 A couple of highlights that I just wanna put out there. 332 00:16:15,155 --> 00:16:16,935 All staffing levels, capital 333 00:16:17,075 --> 00:16:19,095 and debt service are funded within this budget. 334 00:16:19,815 --> 00:16:22,815 The administrator's budget does include one new full-time 335 00:16:23,135 --> 00:16:24,895 position, which is a building inspector. 336 00:16:24,955 --> 00:16:27,535 And again that's reflective of the development 337 00:16:27,535 --> 00:16:28,855 that we're seeing out in the field. 338 00:16:28,875 --> 00:16:31,615 We don't want people to be waiting unnecessarily for permits 339 00:16:31,615 --> 00:16:32,775 and and responses on that. 340 00:16:32,955 --> 00:16:35,415 And it's been something we've, we've identified for a number 341 00:16:35,415 --> 00:16:36,855 of years but just couldn't afford. 342 00:16:37,155 --> 00:16:39,135 But now we think the revenues can support that. 343 00:16:40,935 --> 00:16:45,215 Revenues in motor vehicles, that's up 4% interest income, 344 00:16:45,225 --> 00:16:47,015 we've projected up 4% as well. 345 00:16:47,555 --> 00:16:49,695 And then state sources mainly rooms 346 00:16:49,715 --> 00:16:52,495 and meals tax, that's up 2.6%. 347 00:16:52,955 --> 00:16:54,375 And then as we had mentioned earlier, 348 00:16:54,435 --> 00:16:56,295 the roadway management program is reduced 349 00:16:56,295 --> 00:16:58,815 as a one year adjustment by 250,000. 350 00:17:01,215 --> 00:17:03,805 Again, some other variances, full-time wages, 351 00:17:04,865 --> 00:17:08,165 health insurance, workers' comp, electricity 352 00:17:08,165 --> 00:17:09,325 and IT contracts. 353 00:17:12,145 --> 00:17:14,205 One of the features of this budget is the 354 00:17:14,205 --> 00:17:15,285 use of dedicated funds. 355 00:17:15,305 --> 00:17:20,245 So the CBA implementation trust has been built over the last 356 00:17:20,315 --> 00:17:22,845 five years and we are requesting use 357 00:17:22,845 --> 00:17:26,085 of $1.275 million primarily 358 00:17:26,345 --> 00:17:28,685 to overcome the health insurance increase. 359 00:17:29,355 --> 00:17:31,965 That wasn't anticipated last year. 360 00:17:32,005 --> 00:17:33,645 I believe we had a 15% increase. 361 00:17:33,905 --> 00:17:38,125 But to make the budget work within the tax cap, that is one 362 00:17:38,205 --> 00:17:40,565 of the the relief measures that we're looking to do. 363 00:17:41,135 --> 00:17:45,365 We're also seeking to use $569,000 a fund balance. 364 00:17:45,425 --> 00:17:48,645 That's been an a regular practice of the council. 365 00:17:49,155 --> 00:17:51,525 There's still $444,000 366 00:17:51,625 --> 00:17:55,285 of COVID trust per previous designation by town council. 367 00:17:55,945 --> 00:17:59,765 And then we also move $675,000 368 00:17:59,865 --> 00:18:01,485 for compensated absence funds. 369 00:18:01,675 --> 00:18:03,845 Similar contributions for past years. 370 00:18:03,845 --> 00:18:06,525 This is for if we have an employee who leaves 371 00:18:06,785 --> 00:18:08,525 and has a large earn time balance 372 00:18:08,665 --> 00:18:11,925 or whatnot, we have funds at our disposal to make 373 00:18:11,925 --> 00:18:14,645 that without making an unnecessary hit on the 374 00:18:15,125 --> 00:18:16,245 existing years budget. 375 00:18:17,635 --> 00:18:19,605 Okay, so to cap off, 376 00:18:19,635 --> 00:18:21,765 this is the schedule that we've gone through. 377 00:18:21,825 --> 00:18:25,645 So we've had, this is the fifth opportunity to go 378 00:18:25,645 --> 00:18:27,805 through some of the discussions on the budget 379 00:18:27,945 --> 00:18:32,485 and the CIP the council is scheduled to vote on May 5th 380 00:18:32,985 --> 00:18:34,605 to adopt both of those budgets. 381 00:18:34,665 --> 00:18:36,725 And your playbook will look something like this. 382 00:18:36,865 --> 00:18:39,765 You have two resolutions public hearing 383 00:18:40,245 --> 00:18:42,165 and two resolutions for the water 384 00:18:42,265 --> 00:18:45,965 and sewer rates that'll be in effect for FY 27. 385 00:18:46,465 --> 00:18:48,045 And then you have two resolutions. 386 00:18:48,825 --> 00:18:51,725 One to adopt the town budget FY 27 387 00:18:52,185 --> 00:18:55,125 and a second one to adopt the FY 27 388 00:18:55,185 --> 00:18:57,405 to 32 capital improvement plan. 389 00:18:57,465 --> 00:19:00,325 And we'll go over that here momentarily. 390 00:19:01,435 --> 00:19:03,405 Alright, so I guess one of the questions, 391 00:19:03,505 --> 00:19:06,405 did you wanna break and have any questions on the budget? 392 00:19:06,625 --> 00:19:09,445 We can do that. Or would you rather me steam through the CIP 393 00:19:10,025 --> 00:19:12,845 and take any questions and public comment at that point? 394 00:19:13,355 --> 00:19:14,765 Yeah, I think if you wanna finish your, 395 00:19:14,915 --> 00:19:16,925 your presentation then we can do the public hearing 396 00:19:16,985 --> 00:19:19,245 and then counselors can ask questions from 397 00:19:19,245 --> 00:19:20,325 there if that's all right with everyone. 398 00:19:20,355 --> 00:19:21,355 Okay. 399 00:19:23,145 --> 00:19:25,925 All right. Thank you Owen. Alright, 400 00:19:26,105 --> 00:19:30,725 so now looking at the FY 27 to FY 32 CIP, 401 00:19:30,815 --> 00:19:34,405 again, this is a, a really iterative process. 402 00:19:35,065 --> 00:19:36,885 Lot of help from department heads 403 00:19:36,885 --> 00:19:39,725 and senior staff looking at, you know, 404 00:19:39,895 --> 00:19:41,685 needs in about four categories. 405 00:19:41,685 --> 00:19:44,845 So we're looking to replace existing units that are due 406 00:19:44,845 --> 00:19:46,205 to be replaced on their age 407 00:19:46,205 --> 00:19:48,285 or their future projected repair cost. 408 00:19:49,065 --> 00:19:52,325 If there's an enhanced service opportunity, you'll see some 409 00:19:52,325 --> 00:19:53,765 of those, A bonded 410 00:19:53,765 --> 00:19:56,725 or grant funded project for a utility expansion 411 00:19:56,945 --> 00:19:59,005 and then ongoing maintenance for roads. 412 00:19:59,005 --> 00:20:01,285 So generally fall into those four categories. 413 00:20:03,275 --> 00:20:06,925 Process starts before January of 26th, 414 00:20:06,985 --> 00:20:09,885 but typically all the department heads submit their needs 415 00:20:09,905 --> 00:20:12,685 and cost estimates to the town administrator and the CFO. 416 00:20:12,945 --> 00:20:14,205 We review that, take that 417 00:20:14,205 --> 00:20:16,885 to the planning board in mid-February. 418 00:20:17,755 --> 00:20:18,885 Then we look at this 419 00:20:18,885 --> 00:20:21,125 and see how it can fit within the budgets 420 00:20:21,125 --> 00:20:23,845 that's been submitted by each department in April. 421 00:20:24,115 --> 00:20:25,525 Then we bring it to town council. 422 00:20:25,665 --> 00:20:28,445 And then on May 5th, the adoption date. 423 00:20:29,825 --> 00:20:34,405 So the six year plan values out to $62.5 million. 424 00:20:34,545 --> 00:20:37,965 The general fund is covering 30.4 million, 425 00:20:38,305 --> 00:20:40,445 the water fund at 12.9 million. 426 00:20:40,625 --> 00:20:43,845 And then the wastewater fund has $19.9 million. 427 00:20:43,945 --> 00:20:46,645 So sounds like a, a substantial number. 428 00:20:47,225 --> 00:20:51,205 But looking at fiscal 27, 26 429 00:20:51,205 --> 00:20:52,405 $0.6 million 430 00:20:52,505 --> 00:20:57,205 of projects general fund 7.4 million water funds 11.6 431 00:20:57,225 --> 00:20:59,765 and the wastewater fund is 7.6 million. 432 00:21:00,945 --> 00:21:04,765 Now this is where this gets interesting. 433 00:21:05,425 --> 00:21:08,925 So in many instances the town has the opportunity 434 00:21:09,505 --> 00:21:13,365 to receive a grant up to 100% reimbursement. 435 00:21:13,425 --> 00:21:15,205 So one of the things that's been going on 436 00:21:15,785 --> 00:21:18,605 the Southern New Hampshire Regional Water Project 437 00:21:19,145 --> 00:21:22,485 is furnishing $11.3 million in grant funding. 438 00:21:22,625 --> 00:21:24,765 And that is 100% of the cost 439 00:21:24,765 --> 00:21:27,085 that's represented as an expenditure. 440 00:21:27,105 --> 00:21:29,125 So it's no net cost to the town. 441 00:21:29,925 --> 00:21:31,245 Vehicles in certain classes 442 00:21:31,385 --> 00:21:33,605 of equipment usually are put on a spread finance. 443 00:21:33,945 --> 00:21:35,005 So five to seven 444 00:21:35,105 --> 00:21:37,045 or seven year financing packages, 445 00:21:37,045 --> 00:21:38,445 those are competitively bid. 446 00:21:38,705 --> 00:21:40,925 But what this does is it promotes level payments. 447 00:21:40,925 --> 00:21:43,445 So if we take a package of several vehicles 448 00:21:43,785 --> 00:21:46,965 or equipment market those to all the different banks 449 00:21:47,305 --> 00:21:48,925 and we get sets of principle 450 00:21:48,925 --> 00:21:51,245 and interest payments that can be woven in. 451 00:21:51,465 --> 00:21:53,045 And so we have some predictability of 452 00:21:53,045 --> 00:21:54,245 what we can and can't afford. 453 00:21:55,485 --> 00:21:59,205 Nearly $10 million of that $62 million plan is committed 454 00:21:59,205 --> 00:22:02,125 to pavement management and that is supported 455 00:22:02,125 --> 00:22:03,525 through annual tax receipts. 456 00:22:03,525 --> 00:22:05,685 So you see that within your annual budget each year. 457 00:22:06,505 --> 00:22:08,405 And then per year council policy, 458 00:22:08,565 --> 00:22:10,965 unrestricted fund balance proceeds are distributed 459 00:22:11,025 --> 00:22:14,725 to each department's capital reserve fund along with use 460 00:22:14,725 --> 00:22:16,005 of current fiscal year funds. 461 00:22:16,065 --> 00:22:19,685 So those are some of the mechanisms that we use to fund that 462 00:22:19,745 --> 00:22:21,525 and again, fall within the tax cap. 463 00:22:22,745 --> 00:22:26,525 So looking at the tax impact of the CIP projects, 464 00:22:26,545 --> 00:22:30,405 you can see in the, in the yellow, that's a dollar 14 465 00:22:30,425 --> 00:22:33,965 of net tax impact on FY 26. 466 00:22:34,305 --> 00:22:36,805 For fiscal 27 we're at a dollar 10. 467 00:22:36,905 --> 00:22:39,205 And then the projects, as you move further out, 468 00:22:39,845 --> 00:22:42,685 sometimes we maybe don't have as good of a handle on some 469 00:22:42,685 --> 00:22:45,685 of the projects out to the sixth or seventh year. 470 00:22:46,105 --> 00:22:49,965 But again, that project list is updated annually. 471 00:22:49,985 --> 00:22:52,205 But just wanted to give everybody an idea of 472 00:22:52,205 --> 00:22:54,405 what those ramifications are on our tax rate. 473 00:22:55,855 --> 00:22:58,445 Again, this is just a large summary of this, 474 00:22:58,475 --> 00:23:00,045 it's probably too small for everybody 475 00:23:00,105 --> 00:23:01,165 to see in the audience, 476 00:23:01,185 --> 00:23:04,125 but this is just a summary of all the various departments 477 00:23:04,145 --> 00:23:05,565 and all the various line items 478 00:23:05,665 --> 00:23:07,005 and how they total together 479 00:23:07,665 --> 00:23:09,645 for the large scale plan that we've put together. 480 00:23:10,145 --> 00:23:13,085 Let me go through some of the highlights of each department. 481 00:23:14,345 --> 00:23:17,405 The police department, they're looking to replace six 482 00:23:18,265 --> 00:23:21,605 of their vehicles with hybrid police interceptors. 483 00:23:22,385 --> 00:23:24,405 And again, the old ones are shown on the left. 484 00:23:24,505 --> 00:23:26,765 The new versions are there on the right. 485 00:23:27,575 --> 00:23:31,005 Again, just to highlight, we are specifying hybrids 486 00:23:31,005 --> 00:23:34,285 because the value in terms 487 00:23:34,305 --> 00:23:37,405 of reduced fuel usage was born out. 488 00:23:37,545 --> 00:23:41,085 And we feel that that's gonna be an actionable item to again 489 00:23:41,645 --> 00:23:44,445 continue to keep the taxpayer's money solvent. 490 00:23:45,555 --> 00:23:48,485 There's also $93,358 491 00:23:48,745 --> 00:23:51,445 for an ongoing communications contract. 492 00:23:52,385 --> 00:23:55,725 And then there's another hybrid police interceptor 493 00:23:55,785 --> 00:23:59,005 for the canine cruiser at just under $60,000. 494 00:24:00,805 --> 00:24:03,585 In DPW, they're looking to purchase a, 495 00:24:03,865 --> 00:24:06,105 a new sidewalk machine at $200,000. 496 00:24:06,975 --> 00:24:09,585 This is a frontline plow truck and F 497 00:24:09,965 --> 00:24:13,465 or 5,500 with plow wing plow and front plow. 498 00:24:13,465 --> 00:24:17,025 That's $165,000 a 499 00:24:17,025 --> 00:24:18,825 chipper, 75,000. 500 00:24:20,315 --> 00:24:23,705 Three smaller pickup trucks with equipped 501 00:24:23,705 --> 00:24:26,385 with plows at $65,000 times three. 502 00:24:26,385 --> 00:24:29,305 And those are situated in various divisions. 503 00:24:29,365 --> 00:24:32,745 One might be in a highway, another one might be in parks. 504 00:24:32,885 --> 00:24:36,105 So those are replaced as needed on the, in the cycle 505 00:24:36,105 --> 00:24:38,225 that we have established by the department head 506 00:24:39,845 --> 00:24:42,265 to support the code enforcement director. 507 00:24:42,665 --> 00:24:44,745 I mean the code enforcement position that we are seeking 508 00:24:44,805 --> 00:24:47,745 to add, we obviously need a vehicle to support 509 00:24:47,745 --> 00:24:49,585 that individual to do their inspection. 510 00:24:49,725 --> 00:24:51,905 So we're proposing a 1500 truck 511 00:24:52,205 --> 00:24:54,985 for $60,000 in the parks department. 512 00:24:55,845 --> 00:24:59,545 One of the areas looking to maybe a force multiplier 513 00:24:59,625 --> 00:25:01,345 as a ball field groomer, we're seeing more 514 00:25:01,345 --> 00:25:05,145 and more teams seeking to play is the weather allows. 515 00:25:05,565 --> 00:25:07,985 So that was a recommendation by the parks 516 00:25:07,985 --> 00:25:11,385 and recreation director at the transfer station. 517 00:25:11,965 --> 00:25:16,105 We had damage to an A former, basically it was a tarped 518 00:25:16,695 --> 00:25:20,185 shed and we we're looking to replace it with a steel 519 00:25:21,425 --> 00:25:22,945 transfer station pre-engineered building 520 00:25:23,565 --> 00:25:26,745 to allow our trash trailers to be undercover so 521 00:25:26,745 --> 00:25:29,785 that they don't be subjected to the weather 522 00:25:30,005 --> 00:25:32,665 and they can go out of here as legal loads, 523 00:25:34,205 --> 00:25:37,585 $1.35 million for the pavement management program. 524 00:25:37,725 --> 00:25:41,985 And that was reduced for fiscal 27 in fire, 525 00:25:43,445 --> 00:25:46,265 $1.3 million for an engine replacement. 526 00:25:46,745 --> 00:25:49,825 I think it's been well chronicled that if we go ahead 527 00:25:49,825 --> 00:25:53,865 and specify and pay for this, it may be several years 528 00:25:53,865 --> 00:25:56,345 because of the, just the way 529 00:25:56,345 --> 00:26:00,025 that the fire engine manufacturing process and fewer 530 00:26:00,045 --> 00:26:03,025 and fewer companies that are out there, that is, 531 00:26:03,025 --> 00:26:06,305 that is a challenge for municipalities across the 532 00:26:06,305 --> 00:26:07,865 northeast and across the nation. 533 00:26:08,365 --> 00:26:09,945 So we need to, to jump on that. 534 00:26:11,805 --> 00:26:14,545 And then also an ambulance replacement at 535 00:26:14,545 --> 00:26:17,025 $446,500 536 00:26:18,525 --> 00:26:19,585 in the water division. 537 00:26:20,125 --> 00:26:22,305 As I had mentioned, the projects ahead 538 00:26:22,305 --> 00:26:25,825 of them in the water division is looking at phase two 539 00:26:26,855 --> 00:26:29,945 with a tank and with a new water main along Old Dairy Road. 540 00:26:30,785 --> 00:26:35,225 DES had also provided some indication that phase two A 541 00:26:35,225 --> 00:26:38,345 and phase two B were going to cost $11.3 million. 542 00:26:38,605 --> 00:26:42,345 So within the CIP you'll see that represented council voted 543 00:26:42,645 --> 00:26:45,925 to accept those grant funds on March 3rd, 2026 544 00:26:46,225 --> 00:26:49,445 to secure no net cost to the rate payers 545 00:26:49,445 --> 00:26:53,045 or taxpayers in wastewater. 546 00:26:53,765 --> 00:26:57,085 A couple of projects of note, 1500 feet 547 00:26:57,085 --> 00:27:00,605 of effluent force main is gonna cost $1.4 million. 548 00:27:01,225 --> 00:27:02,805 We have the sewer main 549 00:27:03,325 --> 00:27:07,005 talking about Route 28 from the Frost Farm working in a 550 00:27:07,005 --> 00:27:08,885 southerly direction towards Ryan's Hill. 551 00:27:09,665 --> 00:27:13,285 Design is being underway as we speak 552 00:27:13,825 --> 00:27:16,325 and that it was within the FY 26 CIP. 553 00:27:16,785 --> 00:27:19,605 The next phase of this would be construction funds. 554 00:27:19,785 --> 00:27:21,045 And so an estimate 555 00:27:21,045 --> 00:27:25,125 of 6.181 million is in the FY 27 CIP. 556 00:27:25,705 --> 00:27:29,885 And an EPA grant will cover 80% of an original cost estimate 557 00:27:30,265 --> 00:27:32,285 of $3.2 million. 558 00:27:32,385 --> 00:27:35,125 So that's also represented in the CIP. 559 00:27:35,145 --> 00:27:37,605 So with that, those are the major projects 560 00:27:37,825 --> 00:27:42,285 and happy to answer any questions or take the public comment 561 00:27:44,695 --> 00:27:45,695 There. 562 00:27:45,695 --> 00:27:46,405 A motion to open the public hearing. 563 00:27:46,545 --> 00:27:49,725 Mad chair, I move open public hearing. Second that. 564 00:27:50,465 --> 00:27:54,645 All right, all those in favor? Aye. Opposed? 565 00:27:55,305 --> 00:27:58,485 All right. Public hearing is open if anyone would like 566 00:27:58,485 --> 00:28:01,805 to come up and speak all about budget or the CIB 567 00:28:07,165 --> 00:28:08,015 just come on up. 568 00:28:09,295 --> 00:28:10,295 I like being first. 569 00:28:15,485 --> 00:28:20,175 Good evening Council. Brian Church, six Rollin Street. 570 00:28:22,105 --> 00:28:24,905 I just first want to congratulate this council 571 00:28:25,005 --> 00:28:26,065 and the town administrator 572 00:28:26,125 --> 00:28:29,425 for putting together a outstanding budget. 573 00:28:32,285 --> 00:28:35,465 We all know that the town of Derry operates under a tax cap. 574 00:28:36,945 --> 00:28:39,985 I like the tax cap. I always tout the tax cap. 575 00:28:41,465 --> 00:28:43,225 A lot of people do not like the tax cap, 576 00:28:43,365 --> 00:28:47,585 but the town dairy's operate under a tax cap for 33 years, 577 00:28:47,685 --> 00:28:50,545 by the way, it started in 1993. 578 00:28:51,715 --> 00:28:52,905 Never been overridden. 579 00:28:53,965 --> 00:28:55,625 And look at we've got done and, 580 00:28:55,725 --> 00:28:56,905 and all the good work that, 581 00:28:56,935 --> 00:28:59,905 that the council has done over the years is fantastic. 582 00:29:02,225 --> 00:29:04,025 A couple of things. I thought 583 00:29:04,025 --> 00:29:06,985 that the adding the building inspector was a smart move. 584 00:29:08,825 --> 00:29:10,585 I know Bob Mackey was a really smart guy 585 00:29:10,585 --> 00:29:12,465 and was here for many years and could do a lot. 586 00:29:13,085 --> 00:29:16,865 And then we have Ms. Owen come in, she's, she's newer. 587 00:29:17,085 --> 00:29:19,265 So with all of the, the building 588 00:29:19,325 --> 00:29:21,385 and development happening, it's a smart move 589 00:29:21,385 --> 00:29:25,585 because I, I know that it can get slow sometimes with, 590 00:29:25,725 --> 00:29:27,225 you know, a two person office. 591 00:29:27,445 --> 00:29:30,065 So that was a smart move. I appreciate you doing that. 592 00:29:32,225 --> 00:29:34,905 A couple of things, concerns that I do have with the budget, 593 00:29:35,765 --> 00:29:37,025 and it's not anything particular, 594 00:29:37,025 --> 00:29:39,105 but it's, I mean this is going across the whole state. 595 00:29:39,765 --> 00:29:40,785 The healthcare costs 596 00:29:41,265 --> 00:29:43,525 as the town administrator mentioned is 597 00:29:43,715 --> 00:29:45,165 something that's really shocking. 598 00:29:45,285 --> 00:29:48,885 A lot of people, London Dairy got hit with a $2 million 599 00:29:49,725 --> 00:29:52,405 increase on their healthcare side of things, 600 00:29:52,455 --> 00:29:55,405 which we didn't, but it's still, it's significant. 601 00:29:55,985 --> 00:29:57,885 It, I don't know how sustainable it can be 602 00:29:57,885 --> 00:29:59,685 because when we keep paying that, 603 00:30:00,145 --> 00:30:01,485 that's taking away from some 604 00:30:01,485 --> 00:30:02,685 of the projects that we wanna do. 605 00:30:02,865 --> 00:30:04,845 So I think maybe in the future 606 00:30:05,585 --> 00:30:07,965 you may wanna have a workshop, a discussion of how, 607 00:30:08,665 --> 00:30:11,325 how we can arrange some of that pricing in if, if possible. 608 00:30:14,545 --> 00:30:16,405 The, the other thing was the concern, 609 00:30:16,425 --> 00:30:17,605 and it's not a major concern 610 00:30:17,845 --> 00:30:19,845 because dairy's always been in the forefront 611 00:30:20,145 --> 00:30:21,205 of the road program. 612 00:30:21,565 --> 00:30:22,885 I know that you've cut 613 00:30:22,885 --> 00:30:27,565 that back $250,000 to make things work. 614 00:30:27,625 --> 00:30:30,245 And I get that because the way the tax cap works, 615 00:30:30,425 --> 00:30:32,965 as Mike said, sometimes you have to go without, 616 00:30:33,185 --> 00:30:36,365 or that's, that's real world folks. 617 00:30:36,555 --> 00:30:38,965 Okay? I don't, I don't know anybody who has a household 618 00:30:39,435 --> 00:30:40,645 that wants to do everything 619 00:30:40,745 --> 00:30:42,805 and they can't, they've gotta prioritize. 620 00:30:43,555 --> 00:30:46,725 However, with the road program, you gotta be careful 621 00:30:46,725 --> 00:30:48,805 because those costs are going up as well. 622 00:30:48,945 --> 00:30:51,565 So we get less and less done for, for, for that money. 623 00:30:52,425 --> 00:30:53,885 So hopefully maybe 624 00:30:53,885 --> 00:30:56,125 that's just a one time thing to make things work. 625 00:30:56,225 --> 00:30:57,445 So that's, that's fine. 626 00:31:01,345 --> 00:31:05,005 So I want to point out something very interesting. 627 00:31:06,625 --> 00:31:09,445 So Mount ca my calculations bring this out 628 00:31:10,105 --> 00:31:12,565 to an 18 cents per a thousand 629 00:31:12,745 --> 00:31:15,805 of assessed value on, on a home in dairy. 630 00:31:16,105 --> 00:31:19,405 That's what your budget is gonna actually produce if 631 00:31:19,405 --> 00:31:20,725 passed 18 cents. 632 00:31:22,625 --> 00:31:26,045 And like I mentioned, you guys have done a tremendous job. 633 00:31:27,755 --> 00:31:31,085 Unfortunately I think people are not gonna see that 634 00:31:31,115 --> 00:31:32,645 because come December 635 00:31:34,035 --> 00:31:36,525 this town is gonna get hit and hit hard. 636 00:31:37,675 --> 00:31:39,965 Okay, school's going way up. 637 00:31:40,645 --> 00:31:43,325 I found out that the county's looking at a 12% increase 638 00:31:44,585 --> 00:31:47,125 and so I think there's gonna be some angry people. 639 00:31:47,985 --> 00:31:50,045 But I wanna leave you with one thing. 640 00:31:50,045 --> 00:31:53,325 And again, good job everybody, Mike, very good job. 641 00:31:55,005 --> 00:31:57,365 18 cents on the tax rate for the town. 642 00:31:58,745 --> 00:32:02,205 The school is going up a dollar 99. 643 00:32:03,265 --> 00:32:07,085 That's 10 times the amount that you guys can raise. 644 00:32:07,425 --> 00:32:08,845 That's 10 years of town 645 00:32:09,195 --> 00:32:11,645 that the school is gonna raise in one year. 646 00:32:13,265 --> 00:32:17,065 And if people talk to me, I'll let them know. 647 00:32:17,165 --> 00:32:18,625 But they don't know 648 00:32:18,625 --> 00:32:21,065 how government necessarily works in in town. 649 00:32:21,065 --> 00:32:22,745 There's a lot of new people that come in and out. 650 00:32:23,645 --> 00:32:27,905 But that's alarming to me 10 times. Okay? 651 00:32:28,085 --> 00:32:29,985 And we all know, 'cause I've sat in 652 00:32:29,985 --> 00:32:32,145 that chair 18 years come December, 653 00:32:32,815 --> 00:32:35,625 they're gonna be calling all you making the complaint. 654 00:32:35,625 --> 00:32:38,025 They're gonna be calling him, they're gonna be calling town 655 00:32:38,025 --> 00:32:40,125 clerk and the people downstairs. 656 00:32:40,225 --> 00:32:41,245 And I don't think that's fair 657 00:32:41,245 --> 00:32:44,725 because we do, the town does the hard job 658 00:32:44,785 --> 00:32:47,325 and they always have and they've prioritized. 659 00:32:47,385 --> 00:32:49,965 And we've done a lot of good job, a lot of good in this town 660 00:32:50,505 --> 00:32:53,165 and we've thought outside the box and things work well. 661 00:32:53,795 --> 00:32:56,445 Okay. So I just wanna say congratulations. 662 00:32:56,565 --> 00:32:58,725 I hope that that everything works out well. 663 00:32:58,825 --> 00:33:01,125 But keep in mind that come December 664 00:33:02,145 --> 00:33:03,405 you may have some angry people. 665 00:33:03,575 --> 00:33:04,575 Thank you. 666 00:33:10,725 --> 00:33:11,985 Is there anyone online? Madam 667 00:33:11,985 --> 00:33:12,985 Chair? 668 00:33:12,985 --> 00:33:13,425 Seeing none rise online. 669 00:33:16,485 --> 00:33:18,625 All right, motion to close public hearing. 670 00:33:19,685 --> 00:33:23,945 Second. Second. All in favor? Aye. Aye. 671 00:33:24,175 --> 00:33:28,185 Opposed or abstentions? All right. Public hearing is closed. 672 00:33:28,195 --> 00:33:30,025 Counselors, do you have any questions or comments? 673 00:33:32,705 --> 00:33:35,545 I know you do. Councilor Webb, 674 00:33:36,495 --> 00:33:37,745 Just a, a couple. 675 00:33:38,545 --> 00:33:42,145 Going back to the COVID funds of, I believe it's 444,000 676 00:33:42,845 --> 00:33:44,705 at some point those are going to run out. 677 00:33:45,105 --> 00:33:46,425 I know it won't affect this budget, 678 00:33:46,805 --> 00:33:48,665 but how do you look at funding that in the future? 679 00:33:49,455 --> 00:33:51,265 Yeah, so I believe in, 680 00:33:51,325 --> 00:33:54,785 and I have to tell you, I don't have that chart with me, 681 00:33:54,805 --> 00:33:56,025 but there was a projection 682 00:33:56,025 --> 00:33:58,545 that was made over a five year period 683 00:33:58,605 --> 00:34:00,265 and it's obviously a declining balance 684 00:34:00,705 --> 00:34:02,825 because the COVID funds came in, they were banked 685 00:34:02,825 --> 00:34:06,585 by a council action this year was 444,000. 686 00:34:06,825 --> 00:34:08,305 I do believe that it diminishes 687 00:34:08,305 --> 00:34:12,745 and it sunsets ARPA funds had sunset, right? 688 00:34:12,765 --> 00:34:15,105 You had a period in fiscal 26. 689 00:34:15,185 --> 00:34:17,865 I think that was the last revenue allocation. 690 00:34:17,965 --> 00:34:20,625 So to your point, yes, that is going to be, again, 691 00:34:20,625 --> 00:34:22,305 another challenge we're going to have 692 00:34:22,305 --> 00:34:24,585 to incorporate in a future year's budget 693 00:34:24,585 --> 00:34:26,105 because that revenue source won't be there. 694 00:34:26,175 --> 00:34:27,175 Yeah. 695 00:34:28,375 --> 00:34:29,865 Another question, this is 696 00:34:31,345 --> 00:34:32,745 somebody in my neighborhood asked me this one, 697 00:34:33,425 --> 00:34:37,905 which surprised me is the DPW pickup truck. 698 00:34:38,405 --> 00:34:40,385 And they said, why don't you get the 699 00:34:40,385 --> 00:34:41,665 hybrid like the cruisers? 700 00:34:42,845 --> 00:34:45,345 And I said, I promise I'd ask. Okay. 701 00:34:45,485 --> 00:34:46,745 No, it's, it's a great question. 702 00:34:46,885 --> 00:34:50,705 So when we typically, we, 703 00:34:50,835 --> 00:34:55,025 we've partnered from day one with Net Zero, Jeff Molten, 704 00:34:55,025 --> 00:34:57,505 Mike fom and the whole committee. 705 00:34:57,525 --> 00:35:00,225 And, and I've had a great opportunity to work with them 706 00:35:00,765 --> 00:35:03,705 as we've evaluated various options for 707 00:35:04,525 --> 00:35:06,705 hybrid electric vehicles. 708 00:35:08,255 --> 00:35:09,905 Sometimes they make sense. 709 00:35:10,205 --> 00:35:13,785 For example, we have two vehicles that are used 710 00:35:13,785 --> 00:35:16,465 by municipal purposes that are in the parking lot here, 711 00:35:16,515 --> 00:35:18,105 which I think have, have come out great. 712 00:35:18,115 --> 00:35:19,865 We've had, we were able to get a grant, 713 00:35:20,205 --> 00:35:22,345 but those don't have heavy loads on them, right? 714 00:35:22,345 --> 00:35:26,385 They go around the police vehicles, the hybrid vehicles, 715 00:35:26,685 --> 00:35:27,985 it was evaluated 716 00:35:28,045 --> 00:35:30,305 and it was felt that an electrical VE electric vehicle 717 00:35:30,425 --> 00:35:31,825 wouldn't have been suitable for them. 718 00:35:32,605 --> 00:35:34,625 But when you think about the needs 719 00:35:34,725 --> 00:35:37,225 for the hybrids had basically the same performance 720 00:35:37,440 --> 00:35:38,765 as a gasoline fired vehicle. 721 00:35:38,955 --> 00:35:41,245 They don't tow anything, they don't push snow, 722 00:35:41,275 --> 00:35:42,805 they don't do anything of that nature. 723 00:35:43,265 --> 00:35:44,925 So again, that was a suitable use. 724 00:35:45,185 --> 00:35:46,765 But when it came to the DPW 725 00:35:46,765 --> 00:35:48,165 vehicles, and I can tell you from my, 726 00:35:48,285 --> 00:35:50,525 I was thinking the, the, I think it was talking about the 727 00:35:50,525 --> 00:35:52,925 one for the inspector, the new one. Yeah. 728 00:35:53,105 --> 00:35:55,405 You know, I, I guess it's something we could look at. 729 00:35:55,525 --> 00:35:57,445 Yeah, if it was just a pickup truck versus that. 730 00:35:57,725 --> 00:36:00,325 I mean I would say one of the things that we do try to do 731 00:36:01,125 --> 00:36:03,085 specific in public works is a lot 732 00:36:03,085 --> 00:36:05,845 of times if you have a lighter use for a vehicle, 733 00:36:05,845 --> 00:36:07,165 it might be in buildings and grounds 734 00:36:07,505 --> 00:36:10,885 and then it can be pushed into a plow truck Gotcha. 735 00:36:11,015 --> 00:36:13,165 Later years. It gives us that opportunity. 736 00:36:13,225 --> 00:36:17,245 So a 1500, a 2,500, they have some capabilities 737 00:36:17,345 --> 00:36:18,485 to put a plow on the front, 738 00:36:18,985 --> 00:36:22,885 but again, we try to to push those out for many years. 739 00:36:22,985 --> 00:36:25,685 So again, we'll have Tom's here in the audience, 740 00:36:25,705 --> 00:36:28,405 he can take a look at that as, as far as the viability, 741 00:36:28,405 --> 00:36:30,125 you have $60,000 in the budget. 742 00:36:30,195 --> 00:36:33,165 Yeah, so, so it is something we could 743 00:36:33,165 --> 00:36:34,445 potentially take a peek at. 744 00:36:35,385 --> 00:36:38,165 And the last thing I have is just general comments. 745 00:36:41,145 --> 00:36:43,325 And again, thank you. I think this, a lot 746 00:36:43,325 --> 00:36:44,325 of work was done on this 747 00:36:44,325 --> 00:36:44,965 and we just wanna 748 00:36:47,675 --> 00:36:49,725 endorse Mr. 749 00:36:49,875 --> 00:36:51,565 Churchill's comments on the healthcare. 750 00:36:52,985 --> 00:36:56,485 But just a reminder to the general public, 90% 751 00:36:56,485 --> 00:36:58,165 of our budget is roughly personnel costs. 752 00:36:58,825 --> 00:37:01,645 And a lot of that was decided when we did the CBAs. 753 00:37:04,355 --> 00:37:06,605 Then the rest is, 754 00:37:07,205 --> 00:37:11,925 I call non-discretionary funds like electricity, diesel, 755 00:37:12,595 --> 00:37:15,485 even office supplies that you just have to have to run a, 756 00:37:15,705 --> 00:37:17,205 run a department that only leaves. 757 00:37:17,705 --> 00:37:19,525 And I know in the case of like the police department, 758 00:37:19,525 --> 00:37:21,165 about 2% discretionary spending. 759 00:37:21,945 --> 00:37:25,925 And so, you know, you gotta recognize the department heads 760 00:37:25,945 --> 00:37:28,965 for being able to bring in new programs 761 00:37:29,475 --> 00:37:33,205 when they really only have a couple percent in their budgets 762 00:37:33,205 --> 00:37:34,205 of discretionary spending. 763 00:37:34,305 --> 00:37:36,125 So that's really nice. 764 00:37:36,125 --> 00:37:39,165 But to go back to health insurance at 27.4%, 765 00:37:39,175 --> 00:37:40,845 we've gotta do a hard look at that. 766 00:37:41,665 --> 00:37:44,085 So the last time we did it was 1994, 767 00:37:44,725 --> 00:37:46,045 I was heavily involved in that 768 00:37:46,785 --> 00:37:51,205 and I remember the numbers that we went from $617 a month 769 00:37:51,205 --> 00:37:54,685 for family plan for Blue Cross JW to $450 a month 770 00:37:55,225 --> 00:37:58,125 for Anthem Blue Choice. 771 00:37:58,825 --> 00:38:01,565 And the council at the time was, oh that's fantastic. 772 00:38:01,575 --> 00:38:02,965 We're saving 200 a month. 773 00:38:02,985 --> 00:38:05,325 And if you look at those figures just adjusted by inflation, 774 00:38:06,035 --> 00:38:08,325 that $450 a month just 775 00:38:08,385 --> 00:38:11,885 for inflation would be $1,150 a month now 776 00:38:12,345 --> 00:38:14,405 or roughly 13,800 a year. 777 00:38:15,255 --> 00:38:19,565 We're paying 50,000 a year now 778 00:38:19,705 --> 00:38:22,965 for health insurance. 779 00:38:23,585 --> 00:38:27,005 And if you adjusted that 13,000 for inflation back in 95, 780 00:38:27,395 --> 00:38:28,605 it'd be 31,000. 781 00:38:29,145 --> 00:38:31,285 So we've gotta take hard work 782 00:38:31,285 --> 00:38:35,485 because that really does, you know, as those COVID funds 783 00:38:36,345 --> 00:38:39,805 go down, as we have to restock the 784 00:38:41,125 --> 00:38:45,365 CBA trusts, we've gotta really look at that. 785 00:38:46,495 --> 00:38:48,765 Thank you. Those are my comment for tonight. 786 00:38:49,745 --> 00:38:52,965 Anyone else Continue? 787 00:38:53,075 --> 00:38:55,205 Yeah, I would just add on, on the health insurance. 788 00:38:55,345 --> 00:38:56,845 You know, I'm concerned with the costs 789 00:38:57,345 --> 00:39:00,205 and I would be interested in maybe pursuing some other 790 00:39:00,205 --> 00:39:03,245 options, but I would just be careful when pursuing those 791 00:39:03,245 --> 00:39:05,885 options that, you know, I believe the plan 792 00:39:05,885 --> 00:39:07,845 that we have right now is very good in 793 00:39:07,845 --> 00:39:10,565 that if we're interested in, in switching 794 00:39:10,565 --> 00:39:13,405 that we're gonna get kind of the same service that we want. 795 00:39:13,525 --> 00:39:15,165 I think a lot of the employees are probably happy 796 00:39:15,165 --> 00:39:19,565 with the health plan now I would be interested in seeing 797 00:39:19,565 --> 00:39:23,605 what else is out there, but I don't want to also decrease 798 00:39:24,145 --> 00:39:26,485 any types of their, their coverage as well. 799 00:39:27,345 --> 00:39:29,325 And I know that would be part of the discussion 800 00:39:29,545 --> 00:39:32,325 and you know, when, if we do go that route, 801 00:39:32,425 --> 00:39:36,045 but I'm, I'm pretty confident that a lot 802 00:39:36,045 --> 00:39:38,125 of the employees are, are satisfied with the plan. 803 00:39:40,035 --> 00:39:41,445 Council mills, did you have something as 804 00:39:41,445 --> 00:39:42,445 Well? 805 00:39:42,445 --> 00:39:43,685 Yeah, I just had a, a small comment. 806 00:39:43,885 --> 00:39:45,725 I wanted to thank all the department heads 807 00:39:45,995 --> 00:39:47,725 that helped put together this budget 808 00:39:47,725 --> 00:39:50,005 because in all my years of doing budgets here 809 00:39:50,305 --> 00:39:52,245 and at the state and everything else, I've never seen 810 00:39:52,265 --> 00:39:55,605 so much diligence put into a, a set of budgets 811 00:39:56,195 --> 00:39:59,245 requiring us as overseers to not have 812 00:39:59,245 --> 00:40:00,525 to do any heavy lifting 813 00:40:00,945 --> 00:40:05,605 and sit here having giant debates on do we need this bus, 814 00:40:05,665 --> 00:40:06,925 do we need this snowplow? 815 00:40:06,995 --> 00:40:09,725 Because it's all been done, it's all been looked at. 816 00:40:09,865 --> 00:40:13,805 And the fact that we've got everything down to literally 90% 817 00:40:13,805 --> 00:40:16,165 of the budget is just wages 818 00:40:16,165 --> 00:40:18,325 and salaries makes it a lot easier to go 819 00:40:18,325 --> 00:40:19,405 through the rest of these items. 820 00:40:20,265 --> 00:40:23,525 So kudos to all the department heads for bringing something 821 00:40:23,525 --> 00:40:24,805 that was so diligent. 822 00:40:24,975 --> 00:40:25,975 Thank you 823 00:40:26,705 --> 00:40:27,705 Mr. Chase. 824 00:40:29,165 --> 00:40:33,085 I just want to echo what Councilor Milt said looking, 825 00:40:33,865 --> 00:40:35,165 excuse me through the line items. 826 00:40:35,445 --> 00:40:39,045 I didn't see any fluff at all. 827 00:40:39,045 --> 00:40:41,885 They, they really did a tight, tight budget this year 828 00:40:42,425 --> 00:40:45,645 and I wanna congratulate on what a 829 00:40:46,675 --> 00:40:49,125 fantastic job that they did in keeping the cost low 830 00:40:49,505 --> 00:40:51,405 and providing the town what it needs. 831 00:40:54,845 --> 00:40:55,845 I concur. 832 00:40:57,185 --> 00:40:59,845 As do i, I I think it, it may be 833 00:40:59,845 --> 00:41:03,285 that five years in I finally have an easier time getting 834 00:41:03,325 --> 00:41:06,165 through all the budget stuff, but I felt like in addition 835 00:41:06,165 --> 00:41:08,685 to being very diligent in, in what they were going 836 00:41:08,685 --> 00:41:12,085 to spend on, I really appreciate all of the department heads 837 00:41:12,145 --> 00:41:15,005 and, and Mr. Fowler putting together, when you come in 838 00:41:15,005 --> 00:41:18,165 with the presentations, it also makes it easier that I have, 839 00:41:18,275 --> 00:41:20,525 I've, I have a list of questions when I walk in the door 840 00:41:20,785 --> 00:41:22,845 and almost all of them get answered. 841 00:41:22,905 --> 00:41:26,045 So I really appreciate that thought that's put into 842 00:41:26,355 --> 00:41:28,845 what you bring to us so that we don't again, have 843 00:41:28,845 --> 00:41:31,445 to be asking a lot of questions in the moment 844 00:41:31,505 --> 00:41:32,605 and having those discussions. 845 00:41:32,765 --> 00:41:33,965 'cause you've already had them and you've already 846 00:41:33,965 --> 00:41:35,125 explained the rationale for them. 847 00:41:35,225 --> 00:41:36,805 So great job. Thank you. 848 00:41:37,355 --> 00:41:40,805 Okay, so now what will happen next is on the agenda 849 00:41:40,985 --> 00:41:45,325 for the five five meeting, you have those resolutions 850 00:41:45,585 --> 00:41:48,125 and you can go right to the vote pursuant 851 00:41:48,125 --> 00:41:49,965 to your agenda that you have. 852 00:41:50,225 --> 00:41:51,885 But there are any questions 853 00:41:51,885 --> 00:41:53,445 that pop up either from the public 854 00:41:53,985 --> 00:41:55,405 or through your constituents. 855 00:41:55,545 --> 00:41:56,725 Please get those to me. 856 00:41:56,785 --> 00:41:58,085 I'm happy to answer any of those 857 00:41:58,185 --> 00:42:00,805 as I do 365 days a year if there's 858 00:42:00,805 --> 00:42:02,005 any questions about our services. 859 00:42:02,885 --> 00:42:04,485 Excellent, thank you. Okay, Thank you. 860 00:42:05,075 --> 00:42:06,885 Alright, that is all we have for this evening, 861 00:42:07,025 --> 00:42:08,405 so there's no vote tonight. 862 00:42:08,785 --> 00:42:10,125 We will be voting on the budget 863 00:42:10,185 --> 00:42:13,405 and our meeting on our regular council meeting on May 5th. 864 00:42:13,855 --> 00:42:14,965 Madam Chair? Yes. 865 00:42:15,265 --> 00:42:16,645 Seeing no further questions 866 00:42:16,645 --> 00:42:19,245 or business, I move to adjourn. Second. 867 00:42:19,595 --> 00:42:22,285 Alright, all those in favor? Aye. Aye. Thank you. 868 00:42:22,395 --> 00:42:23,325 Have a good night everybody.