Selectboard Meeting: February 26, 2025
3:00 pm Annex (large)
6 Town Hall Dr, Princeton 01541
Published on: September 05, 2025 at 6:34am
Last modified: September 05, 2025 at 2:25pm
Location
Town Hall Annex (large conference room) & Virtual Via GoToMeeting
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“The listings of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair 48 hours before said meeting, which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”
List of Topics to be Discussed
Announcements
This meeting is being recorded
Call to Order
Public Comment
Residents may address the Selectboard on matters of interest to the public for up to three (3) minutes.
Old Business
FY 26 Preliminary Budget Update
Review and Vote FY 26 Capital Funding Sources
Attending:
Robert Cumming (RC), Karen Cruise (KC), Philip Gott (PG), Sherry Patch (SP)
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 3PM.
Public Comment
Ed Cichon asked why Free Cash is being moved to the Stabilization Account when it is in excess of metrics. PG suggested using Free Cash to purchase the excavator rather than finance.
Old Business
FY 26 Preliminary Budget Update
SP provided an update on the budget since the preliminary budget presentation. Updates include the retirement assessment, health Insurance, Monty Tech Assessment, and the PFAS/Clock Tower debt. The draft Annual Town Meeting warrant was presented for discussion purposes. SP noted that Zoning Bylaw amendments are pending the Planning Board hearing. KC proposed a smaller stipend for selectboard members. RC stated that many board and committee volunteers work for free. The board agreed to remove the stipend for FY 26. General Government budget. SP noted a $10k reduction in the Energy Reserve budget. Accounts payable Clerk wages have been moved from the Building Department to the Accountant’s budget. Building Admin Asst is paid from the revolving account. Reductions in the elections budget reflect a reduction in the number of elections this year. The increase in the Police Expense budget reflects the cruiser lease payment. The Fire Department Salary line decrease is based on 5-year actuals. Small Capital for turn out gear has been added to the Fire Expenses line 5 units are replaced annually. Noted $16,459.70 increase in Regional Emergency Dispatch Services. Chief Patriarca to confirm call volume numbers. A decrease in the number of veterans received benefits was noted. The board discussed the request for a pickup for the Police & Fire Department for emergency management services. Lease financing for 4 years is proposed. PG stated that he struggles with seeing how it will be utilized. PG stated the PMLD may have a spare pickup truck that can be used. It was noted that the WRSD School budget does not include the discretionary breakout. The Environmental budget reflects a decrease due to reduced sampling requirements approved by DEP. KC will talk to Jeff Arps regarding whether reporting requirements should be reduced as well. The total preliminary FY 26 budget reflects a 5.37% increase.
Reviewed FY 26 proposed capita funding sources. No votes were taken.
Adjournment
RC moved to adjourn the meeting. KC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:33 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sherry Patch
Town Administrator