OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
January 12, 2026
6:00 PM AT THE HALIFAX TOWN OFFICE
CALL TO ORDER
Edwards called the meeting to order at 6:00pm. Other Selectboard members present were Karen Christofferson, Randy Pike, Rhonda Ashcraft and Lori Marchegiani. Members of the public present were Mike Fournier, Stephanie Pike, Mary Brewster, Stephan Chait and Emily Dow.
CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
Mike Fournier added: Discussion about recycling bins usage
Hearing of visitors is moved above budget items
NEW BUSINESS
Salt Supply Issues
Supply and demand issues continue with Cargill, which has delivered only one of four recent salt orders. With about half the salt budget remaining, Fournier requested authorization to purchase additional salt to avoid shortages and recommended contacting a second supplier due to unreliable delivery.
Because of mid‑year changes to the bidding process, the town handled bidding independently and awarded the contract to Cargill. Christofferson recommended Eastern Salt as a backup supplier, noting they were the only other company to engage, though their bid was higher.
Pike advised keeping the outstanding Cargill orders to build extra supply, with Fournier able to limit deliveries to avoid overfilling the shed. It remains unclear whether other suppliers face similar shortages.
Edwards made a motion to reach out to Eastern Salt to try to arrange two to three loads of salt. Including contracting if need be. Pike seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
Additional action items:
- Marchegiani will follow up with Cargill and Eastern Salt on their supply situation.
- Update the town on ongoing salt and sand supplier issues.+
OLD BUSINESS
Winter Sand Supply issues
The road crew is conserving sand due to low supply. Christofferson supported allowing residents limited access and proposed a separate resident pile at the old town garage, though a past pile froze and caused problems. Residents may take sand for personal use but should do so sparingly. Marchegiani suggested posting signs explaining the policy and noting that the town needs to take priority. Fournier recommended building a roofed structure for a public pile to prevent freezing and better manage supply.
Mary Brewster added that the resident taking pickup‑load amounts has been distributing sand to support several neighbors who needed assistance.
Fournier requested authorization to purchase more sand immediately, as supply is running low and delivery may take two weeks. The original budget covered 4,000 cubic yards at $120,000, but the company delivered 4,472 cubic yards and discounted the town the overage as it was their error.
Edwards moved to authorize up to $50,000 in additional sand purchases. During discussion, it was noted that $30,000 represents a quarter of the sand budget, while $50,000 is about 42%. The FY26 budget increased to $120,120 from $100,000, and FY27 includes a 2% increase, adding 500 cubic yards for a total cost of $122,850. Edwards amended the motion.
Edwards made a motion to authorize Fournier to order up to $40,000 for additional winter sand this year. Christofferson seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
Motion to request Scott and Eames Funds for FY26
These public funds are set up so we can use the interest. We are applying them to the general fund to spend on general needs for this year. Dow and the Trustees require a clear paper trail for any transfers into the current budget.
Edwards made a motion that we request from the Trustees of Public Funds $1700 from the Eames Fund and $14,000 from the Scott Fund to be paid to the Town of Halifax and put into the general fund. Christofferson seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
HEARING OF VISITORS
Recycling bins: Fournier reported misuse of the recycling bins, noting trash bags left on the ground and overflowed cardboard and recyclables that didn’t fit into the full container. Edwards will contact Lewis to arrange for the bins to be emptied.
Cost-Benefit Analysis- Paving versus dirt roads: Chait requested an update on the cost‑benefit analysis of paving versus maintaining dirt roads and suggested including factors like town character, appearance, and environmental impacts such as salt use. Edwards said the discussion will occur when the related grant is on the agenda. Fournier noted the grant must be used as stipulated, and because opinions differ on its use, the board will gather more information before deciding.
Given Halifax’s steep terrain and many dirt roads, a deeper analysis is needed to compare long‑term paving and maintenance costs. The grant helps the town meet state road standards, and failing to do so could risk state funding. The town remains eligible for additional grants and retains control over future paving decisions.
OLD BUSINESS Cont.
FY27 Budget and Warning Articles discussion
Warning Articles Discussion: The deadline to warn Article 3 is January 31, requiring final budget numbers and updated wording changing “non‑tax revenues” to “non‑property tax revenues” per VLCT guidance. Article 4, covering the Treasurer’s budget, will stand alone and may still be revised. Edwards will confirm the language with VLCT.
The board discussed two audit issues: moving from a three‑year audit cycle to an annual professional audit, and whether to eliminate the elected Town Auditor position. Christofferson noted this year’s auditors were needed due to a three‑year backlog but recommended annual audits going forward. With NEMRC expected to streamline work, the need for an elected auditor may decline.
Two more proposed articles would create a Highway Equipment Purchase Reserve Fund with $20,000 for future equipment needs and allocate another $30,000 for the operational audit.
Last year the Halifax Community Club was up for renewal for their tax exemption. There may be no renewals this year. Others that may get exemptions include the Fire Company, Historical Society, and Trust for Wildlife.
FY27 Budget:
Road Crew Gross Wages: The exact wage increase can’t be predetermined because there’s no consistent percentage or formula. In past years, the Social Security increase was used as a guide. Edwards recommended budgeting with an estimated base amount plus a simple increase and bonus. Pike supported performance‑based wage decisions and noted that employees recently received a raise, with another scheduled for June 2026. Insurance costs must also be considered.
Pike warned that rising health insurance rates will put the budget over in about six months. If employees paid the full cost themselves, it would equal $4.42 per hour for a 40‑hour week. Although insurance is a budgeted item, Pike emphasized its importance since it is part of the compensation package.
COLA increased 2.8%, as was added for the Town Clerk. Applying the 2.8% COLA to the highway department’s total hourly cost of $151.69 (multiplied by 2080 hours) results in a wage total of $324,349.63. Additional performance‑based increases would be added on top. The board discussed creating a $3,000 bonus pool to support morale and reward strong performance. Mary Brewster argued that COLA and bonuses should remain separate, while Edwards noted that private‑sector raises are often pooled and performance‑based. She also reminded the board that two qualified candidates declined highway positions last year because the town couldn’t meet their experience‑level pay.
The highway wage budget will rise 2.8% for COLA, with possible additional increases for exceptional performance, plus an estimated 220 overtime hours. Health insurance rose 6% in the first half of the year, and the board expects another 5–10% increase depending on employee plan changes. With a 5% increase, the estimated FY27 highway health insurance budget is about $200,000.
Town computer discussion: The town’s computers are too outdated to receive further updates. Mary Brewster noted that Tina Blais needs a new computer for the Listers, which is already budgeted; Patty Dow recently received one; and Brewster does not need one this year. Edwards added that the ZBA secretary also needs a computer and that a wage increase was discussed due to hours required for the position.
The Broadband Committee will be disbanded for FY27.
The Moderator line is budgeted at $500 but remains TBD pending discussion with the School Board about whether it belongs in the school or Selectboard budget.
For the Ballot Clerk, the board will consult with Patty Dow about adjusting the FY27 amount due to the primary election.
Town Meeting expenses will rise from FY26 because of higher postage costs, though more black and white printing will be used to reduce cost.
The Bridge Fund has $65,000 at the end of FY25, with $15,000 more being transferred this year. Bids will be requested for the bridge repairs on Branch and 112. $30K was proposed to add this account for FY27 in the budget.
Other reserve funds have to be discussed with Patty Dow for budgeting amounts.
Contracted Recycling: Casella has yet to send a final contract but the bid was received on June 30, 2025.
Landfill Monitoring is level‑funded to FY26. PFAS testing requirements are changing as the state lowers acceptable levels, and annual testing remains mandatory under Vermont regulations.
Rent will be discussed and on agreement with the school board.
Eames and Scott Funds are level fund to FY26.
There will be a special meeting on January 19th at 6pm to finalize the budget and regular meeting on January 20th.
CORRESPONDENCE
None was shared during this meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
January 6, 2026 Selectboard Regular Meeting: These will be approved during the January 20th meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Ashcraft made a motion to adjourn at 8:47pm. Marchegiani seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Dow
Halifax Administrative Assistant
Recording Link:
https://youtu.be/dYlcmsN4Gyc
