UPDATE: The Shaftsbury Select Board just announced a 5% salary increase for all town employees during preliminary discussions for the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, highlighting pressing financial challenges the town faces. This urgent meeting took place on November 6, 2023, with further discussions scheduled for November 14.
Board Chair Zoe Contros Kearl emphasized the importance of community input, stating, “We’re starting a little bit early this year. We want to make sure we understand this budget as things change.” The ongoing threat of the Emerald Ash Borer is driving up costs as the town tackles hazardous trees that pose risks to residents and properties.
“Those trees are already starting to fall,” Kearl warned, referring to the numerous downed trees observed after recent storms. The immediate need for a new chipper and other expenditures to manage this temporary project is crucial. “It’s a tremendous liability for the town,” she added.
The draft budget reveals severe financial realities, including a staggering increase in the paving reserve from $30,000 to $88,000, as previous years of underfunding come to a head. “It’s in the red,” Kearl stated, underscoring the necessity of addressing past budget deficiencies.
With employee compensation also a priority, Kearl highlighted the need to adjust salaries to reflect increased workloads. “Many employees do not have enough hours allotted to perform all of their duties,” she said. This situation has led to some staff working additional hours without proper compensation, a trend driven by heightened state recording and reporting requirements.
Board Vice Chair Naomi Miller added, “It’s all gotten more complicated because of state requirements,” complicating the operations at Cole Hall and increasing the demand for services from citizens.
The draft budget proposes the addition of another full-time member to the Department of Public Works, pending approval in the upcoming meeting with DPW foreman Mike Yannotti.
As property taxes loom large for residents, Kearl reminded the community to consider both the state education tax and municipal tax on their bills. “While a municipal tax increase is substantial, it’s the state education tax that’s really driving the large majority of your tax bill,” she explained, indicating that property values will also shift due to ongoing assessments.
Shaftsbury residents will have the final say on the FY ’27 budget during the annual Town Meeting in March 2026. As discussions unfold, community members are urged to engage and provide input on decisions that will shape the town’s future.
Stay tuned for more updates as this critical budget discussion develops.
