HALIFAX SELECTBOARD

TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT

SELECTBOARD SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES—APPROVED

JANUARY 24, 2023 

CALL TO ORDER:

Sumner called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. Selectboard members present were Lewis Sumner, Pete Silverberg, Paul Blais and Patrick McAllister. Others in attendance in person or remotely were Edee Edwards and Mark H., Patricia Dow, Roza Podlaski, Laurel Copeland, Raquel Smith, and Bob Teree. 

NEW BUSINESS

The board has been working on the budget proposal for FY24. We discussed HWY wages and benefits in detail. There was a thorough analysis done by Roberts earlier to show what neighboring towns are paying their employees including their benefits package. The data showed that we were somewhere in the middle. We discussed the option of a 10% raise for HWY employees to offset cost of living and be more competitive with neighboring towns, such as Whitingham and Wilmington.  

Blais motioned to approve version 4 of the Highway budget in the amount of $976,637, seconded by Sumner, passed 4-0. 

Next, we went over the rest of the Selectboard budget that had been left out or marked up. 

Blais made a motion to approve the Selectboard budget version 4 for the amount of $273,989. The motion was seconded by Silverberg, passed 4-0.

We will hold a special meeting next Tuesday, January 31st for the creation of the Town Meeting warning and articles. 

HEARING OF VISITORS

Edwards spoke about Town Meeting Day and Covid era concerns. The governor has not yet signed the extension so we cannot make a decision at this time. If there is a big outbreak at the school then the town should be notified so people can take proper precautions before coming to vote. 

Blais motioned to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Silverberg. Passed 4-0. Meeting adjourned at 9:28 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Roza Podlaski

For the Selectboard

Recording link:

January 24, 2023 Special Selectboard Meeting