BUCKLAND — With the proposed fiscal year 2024 budget of $5.65 million budget containing a deficit of $151,262, the Finance Committee is suggesting an override of $210,000 to cover the deficit as well as an expected increase in the fiscal year 2025 budget.
“The Finance Committee believes that the recommended budget is exceedingly fair,” Finance Committee Chair Larry Langford told the Selectboard the day after the committee had voted to approve the FY24 budget.
Only $151,262 of the override would be reflected in the FY24 tax rate. The Finance Committee is also prepared to present a budget to voters at Annual Town Meeting that includes dramatic cuts to town services in the event that an override vote were to fail. This would be the first time there has been a tax override in Buckland since 2007, according to Finance Committee member Paula Consolo.
The proposed budget includes an increase in operating revenues of $236,906, or 4.5%, and an increase in total operating and debt expenses of $397,065, or 7.6%. Langford said a majority of the budget comes from two areas: education and town operations.
Langford said the $101,788, or 3.4%, assessment increase from the Mohawk Trail Regional School District, Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School, and Franklin County Technical School “increased within expectations.”
Additionally, the 9.5%, or $58,891, increase in the Highway Department budget reflects the cost of fully staffing the department and rising equipment costs.
“We have underfunded this department for many years through understaffing,” Langford continued.
A dramatic increase in cybersecurity insurance and building maintenance accounts for a $41,033 increase. While there is also a dramatic increase to policing costs, this number is not reflected accurately in the budget because it considers funding an independent department compared to sharing services with Shelburne (a decision to be made at Annual Town Meeting).
Town Administrator Heather Butler mentioned the Finance Committee recommended raising four town employees’ salaries to promote retention and to properly compensate the employees for their work. The treasurer’s salary would increase by $7,169 and there is a $15,658 increase in Highway Department salaries.
“The salary increases are to four of our most vulnerable positions,” Butler said. She noted the Edward J. Collins Jr. Center for Public Management helped the town conduct a study that found these four positions are being paid far below the average salary for their skill levels and positions.
There have been several cuts to the budget in response to rising expenses. Cuts have centered around Selectboard and Energy Committee expenses, the reserve fund, election salaries, legal fees and street lights. The largest of these cuts is $6,500 from the Selectboard’s expenses.
“Next year is going to be a tough year,” said Finance Committee member Dena Willmore. Many grants are expected to run out, and an even larger budget increase is expected for FY25.
“We have tucked at every string there is to pull,” Consolo commented. “We need to knit a new sweater.”
Residents will vote on the proposed budget at Annual Town Meeting slated for Saturday, May 6, at 10 a.m.
Bella Levavi can be reached at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com.