OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
January 3rd, 2025
6:00 PM AT THE HALIFAX TOWN OFFICE
CALL TO ORDER
Edee Edwards called the meeting to order at 6:00pm. Other Selectboard members present are Karen Christofferson, Rhonda Ashcraft and Randy Pike. Members of the town and public are Stephen Chait, Emily Dow, Patty Dow, Nancy McCrea, Dennis Annear, Kyle Farnsworth, Kelsey Farnsworth.
CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
There are no changes to be made to the agenda.
NEW BUSINESS
Halifax Fire Co. Insurance Coverage
Edwards reached out to Annear about PACIF and added the generator. Note from Annear that the evaluation for the Fire Dept. Equipment would be a replacement value which currently isn’t set up as such. PACIF can do an “Agreed Value” for which Annear has to apply and if accepted, the town would be responsible for majority of the cost.
Automotive Property Damage Contribution- The modified cash value insurance premium is $15,086.43. Good insurance is required and sets a good basis for the budget. It is noted that the base price for a new Fire Truck as doubled in the last 3 years.
Emergency dispatch is likely to need more funding to update the communications systems in the near term for the State of Vermont.
Notes from the fire department:
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- Keene Fire contributed $16,485 last fiscal year and Annear will reach out to obtain this year’s contributions.
- There is a $4000 increase for testing equipment for OSHA requirements
- OSHA will be required within the next couple years.
- An increase is added to Line Q74 account 6640 – Equipment and Gear
- The Fire Company is responsible for repairs
- The Fire Company receives donated Hoses
- It is roughly $2000 to test the hoses on all the trucks. It is roughly $300-$700 to test the pumps and ladders.
Farnsworth; Animal Control Officer and Constable has been attending calls and cases alongside the Game Warden to assist in delivering notices and warnings. He requested something that would act as a uniform.
Farnsworth contacted the Windham County Sheriff’s Office; they may send him in some situations to visit. If it is an Animal Control situation within the town, he has to be present as he is also the ACO.
Asking price for Line Item 6268, Row 44 – Constable Expenses
Under $500 was spent the years prior, and current year spending has been minimal. Mileage Expenses are also expected to be submitted but were not. Recent previous years have been minimal due to relaxed position or Covid.
Proposed Budget will be set at $500- This includes T Shirts (From the company who creates the Celebration shirts) pertaining roles, magnet sign to mark vehicle, and patches to apply to coats.
Kevlar Vest with Constable patch is between $230-$250 which will be paid current fiscal year.
*A Winter reminder for our furry friends: It is cold, please make sure they are warm and with ample food and water if they are expected to be in the weather conditions*
Edwards make a motion to authorize Farnsworth to get a Kevlar Vest now for the amount that doesn’t exceed $275
Karen seconded
Motion carries 4-0
Roy Richardson is the town’s second constable and his interest is to appear during town celebrations and direct traffic.
The cost for the Sheriff’s Office to be the ACO is an annual $2575 however, there is currently no ordinance for them to enforce. This topic has been brought up during the first Special Budget Meeting. If there are many more neglect issues within the town, future changes may be more serious in regards to animal’s well being.
It is noted that many towns use an ACO. Animal Control was turned over to the Game Warden this current 2025 year. If the Sheriff’s Office ACO appears at a call, they are required to be accompanied by a partner such as the Game Warden. Farnsworth is On-Call whereas the Sheriff’s Office cannot be. As the Sheriff is also a deputy, they may not be available to assist and would call Kyle as a main point of response.
Line 6165 Constable/ACO – After discussion, the board did not choose to go with Windham Country Sheriff’s for a contract for the ACO.
Large Equipment purchase placeholder or estimates
These are the line items in process as the Selectboard agreed to purchase the Loader and Excavator.
M&T has not given a response regarding the Loader as they did not initially accept the bid proposal and is looking for more information.
Beauregard Case Excavator- A preliminary estimate for a 7 year loan at 4.75% interest is $37,878.84. Total cost is $225,200 with no extended warranty information yet as we haven’t received it.
The working estimate for the John Deere Loader includes a purchase price of $156,872 with a 7 year loan at 4.75% for which the annual payment is $26,385.96.
Highway New Hire impacts (salary, benefits)
The newest hire will begin work within the next couple weeks around January 14th. The highway salary was based on the actual offer amount he was given.
July 2025 performance reviews were held early and gave raises as early as possible.
A future idea may include having a Bonus Pool whose purpose is to do something non-monetary such as lunch at the Readsboro Store or grinders from Jacksonville or bringing a grill and having a cookout. This could lead to some appreciation days for the road crew. This could also be funded from donations of sorts from the townspeople. The goal is to support a healthy employee wage considering cost of living.
Final discussion landed on 2.5% for Target COLA Change
Line 7220 health insurance- BCBS new hire
Health insurance increase from last year was 18% do we revisit the health insurance idea?
Income for FY26 and Grants
Highway cell Q83- The Selectboard is still assessing offsets as there is no FEMA in FY26. There is a 7% average increase to the state aid back to the towns.
July 2023 Project- Storm Funding Grants- Vaughn $113K, Pike $179K and Pike Emergency Protective measures are $4K.
Q81 State Aid- Structures and Bridges from VLCT will have majority of the funding.
As some projects may span over multiple fiscal years, the exact completion date may be unknown. The purpose is to oversee projects and the most effective budget for the next year based on anticipated grants and projects.
HEARING OF VISITORS
No visitors wished to speak.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
No Executive Session was held.
CORRESPONDENCE
ADJOURNMENT
Randy made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:08pm. Rhonda Ashcraft seconded. Passed 4-0
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Dow
Halifax Administrative Assistant
Recording Link:
https://youtu.be/7NFHNQY_cb0?si=esaBjpxqd2HPXoko