UPDATE: The Shaftsbury Select Board is urgently addressing the fiscal year 2027 budget, proposing a significant 5% salary increase for town employees in a meeting that just took place on Monday. As discussions evolve, residents are urged to provide input before the next meeting on November 14.
Board Chair Zoe Contros Kearl opened the budget conversation, emphasizing the need for early planning due to rising costs. “This is just the beginning of the conversation. We want to ensure we’re in a good place to understand this budget as things change,” she stated. With increased service demands and external pressures, the town aims to prepare for necessary expenditures, especially those related to the Emerald Ash Borer crisis.
Contros Kearl highlighted the urgent need for tree maintenance, warning that “those trees are already starting to fall.” She noted that residents may have noticed fallen trees in their driveways during recent storms, an indication of the risks posed both to public safety and town liability. “We need to speed up that process,” she urged, as costs for tree management—including a potential new chipper—are integral to the budget.
The board is also grappling with deferred maintenance, particularly regarding the paving reserve. “Instead of $30,000, we really need to put in $88,000 this year, which is a big difference,” Contros Kearl explained, stressing the urgency of addressing past underfunding.
As for employee compensation, the proposed 5% salary increase aims to rectify previous years of stagnant wages. However, the board is considering a more conservative 3% increase to align better with the town’s financial history. “We need to ensure they are adequately compensated,” Contros Kearl emphasized, acknowledging that many employees are already working extra hours to meet their responsibilities due to increased state requirements.
Board Vice Chair Naomi Miller underscored the complexity faced by employees in handling new state mandates, stating, “It’s all gotten more complicated because of state requirements.” This complexity not only affects the workforce but also makes it challenging for residents engaging with town services.
The draft budget additionally proposes funding for a new full-time position within the Department of Public Works, pending approval. This matter will be further discussed with DPW foreman Mike Yannotti at the upcoming meeting, highlighting the board’s commitment to enhancing community services.
As the board navigates these budgetary challenges, Contros Kearl reminded residents about the dual nature of their tax bills: “It’s essential to remember there’s a state education tax as well as a municipal tax.” She encouraged residents to review their tax bills closely, noting that while municipal tax increases are significant, the state education tax plays a larger role in overall property tax burdens.
The final decision on the FY ’27 budget will rest with Shaftsbury voters at the annual Town Meeting scheduled for March 2026. As discussions continue, residents are encouraged to engage and stay informed about the evolving budget landscape.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Shaftsbury Select Board works through these critical budgetary discussions.
