Selectboard and Department Head Meeting: January 9, 2025

Attending:

Robert Cumming (RC), Karen Cruise (KC), Phil Gott (PG), Sherry Patch (SP)

Call to order at 1:04 PM

The board met with department heads to discuss the FY 26 budget, and the impacts of a level funded and/or 5% decrease in their budgets and the potential need for a Proposition 2 ½ override.

Highway Superintendent Ben Metcalf noted that any cuts to budget will be felt by the whole town. Ben stated that if he has to decrease his budget it will come from the road construction account, which took a $100k cut a few years ago. Cuts to the road construction budget will result in delays to several projects and will also impact on the 10-year road plan. Ben stated that costs for parts have increased by 7 to 9%. The Highway Mechanic does the labor which has resulted in savings to the Highway and Police budget as the Police Department is no longer outsourcing repairs.

Library Director Paula Korsvedt stated that a level funded budget is a cut and would result in the library losing certification and $11k in state aid. Other libraries would also have the option not to lend to Princeton residents. Paula advised that if uniform cuts were made across all departments they could apply for a municipal waiver.

Council on Aging Director Judith Webster advised that she did not submit a 5% decrease in her budget, as they have a very small budget and 35-45% of the budget is fixed costs for the building lease and memberships. Judith stated that they have tried to get a Friends of the COA started to help with fundraising but haven’t had any luck.

Chief Patriarca advised that any cuts to the budget would come from auxiliary services such as public outreach, working with the school, coffee w/cop, and Princeton Day. Paul stated that overtime costs will also skyrocket because he would have to cut the number of officers. Paul stated that we have gone from 15 part-time police officers to 2 as a result of Police Reform requirements. Paul stated that cuts to the expense budget will take the town back to 2010 and residents will see potential liability. Paul expressed concern over burnout and safety issues. If we asked the State to cover our Town, Paul advised that the Town would have one trooper from 290 covering the midnight shift when called for emergencies and that the Department would be providing law enforcement services only. Chief Patriarca offered the view the Town of Princeton needs to avoid becoming a “stepping Stone” town. If we do not offer competitive compensation, facilities and work life, Princeton will be able to hire only new officers that’s need to be sent to training at the Town’s expense. Once trained, those officers will go to other Towns with more competitive budgets. Princeton deserves more than this.

PG stated that he would like to see 4 budgets (5% decrease, Levy Limit, level funded and an aspirational budget. In each budget the voters should be able to see what they are getting and what they are giving up. KC stated that residents are not ready for an aspirational budget. KC stated that we need to identify struggles. No Accountant, No Principal Assessor.

Presentation

PG presented “Effective Office Communications”.

Adjournment

RC moved to adjourn. PG 2nd. Voted 3-0.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:50 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sherry Patch

Town Administrator