OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 6, 2026
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 were Karen Christofferson, Rhonda Ashcraft, Randy Pike and Lori Marchegiani. Members of the public present were Stephan Chait, Stephanie Pike, Haven Brown and Emily Dow.
CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Highway Dept FY26 (current) salary adjustment discussion
Edwards reported that surplus wage funds dating back to November 2025 are available, though pay parity between newer and long‑term employees remain. The statewide average highway wage of $27.27 per hour is in line with averages of nearby towns, but Christofferson stressed that true parity must also account for performance as well as longevity.
Christofferson proposed raising the new employee’s wage to $28 per hour. Pike countered with $27.25, a motion seconded by Ashcraft. Christofferson argued that $27.25 undervalues the employee’s strong performance, while Pike cautioned that the employee has not yet reached one year of service and that too large an initial raise could set unrealistic expectations and compress the gap with a 20‑year veteran. Christofferson maintained that the crew’s work quality warrants stronger consideration.
Pike reiterated that the employee was promised a review at the one‑year mark, the crew was satisfied with the previous raise, and another review is planned in eight months. Edwards added that traditional across‑the‑board raises are no longer practical in the current labor market. She noted that performance‑based evaluations require management set expectations. Marchegiani pointed out that the town’s robust health insurance package significantly enhances overall compensation.
Edwards asked who is in favor of giving Travis Stone a 50-cent per hour raise, per the earlier motion. The motion carried 4-0-1 with Christofferson opposing. It will be effective in the next paycheck.
Review and discuss sand inventory
The town has already used a large portion of its winter sand. Edwards held back her signature for payment for the deliveries because of discrepancies in billing and a few missing delivery slips. She is working with the vendor to get a written explanation for our records. . . The errors are in the town’s favor and Edwards noted that the town has received more than the budgeted 4,000 cubic yards, and is still just below our budget as invoiced.
Pike noted wide price differences between delivered and the cost if the town trucked it ourselves. Fournier said about half the supply is already gone and emphasized readiness for upcoming storms. Pike stressed the importance of using the remaining sand efficiently and frugally. The sand supply status will continue to be reviewed during regular selectboard meetings.
Chait urged seeking Fournier’s input and maintaining a stable supply, and Edwards noted that the FY27 budget includes an extra $2,000 for sand. Questions were also raised about resident use of the sand, with Christofferson clarifying it is meant only for personal home use and that misuse or taking large loads may require future clarification about policy .
Committee for Animal Control appointment
Diana Salyer expressed interest in volunteering for the Committee for Animal Control, despite no upcoming meetings being scheduled. Edwards contacted the committee chair to request approval for her appointment, but had not heard back. Edwards thought Salyer could bring fresh perspectives to the committee’s work.
Edwards made a motion to appoint Diana Salyer to the Committee for Animal Control until such time that the committee is either revamped or disbanded. Marchegiani seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
Extension of GMP lease at Town Garage property
GMP requested an extension of its May 2025 lease, seeking to continue renting the space from January 31 to September 30, 2026, which would bring the town $9,600 in additional revenue at $1,200 per month. The proposal will be discussed at the February 3rd selectboard meeting, and a lease addendum would be required. Christofferson questioned the value of renting space if GMP’s work is not occurring only in Halifax but suggested directing the revenue to the equipment fund. Pike supported the extension, noting it provides income to the town.
Christofferson made a motion to accept GMP’s proposal to extend the lease on the same terms for 8 months, resulting in revenue to the town of $9,600 and to be applied for equipment purchases; and to be put in an equipment fund as and when that fund exists. Discussion during motion was about historic equipment fund. Christofferson thought it is closed and empty but not deleted. Marchegiani seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
OLD BUSINESS
FY 27 Budget discussion
Grader Refurbishment
Haven Brown attended the meeting to outline two available options for refurbishing the town’s grader and to review the action items identified during its recent inspection. A third refurbishment option is still pending. The board then reviewed the list of findings and necessary repairs identified for the grader.
Grader Inspection findings and required repairs:
- Overdue transmission oil change: No oil change logged for 4,000 hours, despite OMM guidance recommending service every 1,000 hours or annually.
- Transmission oil test showed contamination—likely dirt, iron, or aluminum.
- Clutch pack needs resealing: Metal shavings found in the right drain plug and some in the left, suggesting internal wear.
- Play in front‑wheel steerage linkage.
- Leaks in the hydraulic system-Reseal the main control valve and the side shift cylinder.
- Turbo condition acceptable.
- Minor rust and paint chipping noted—considered normal
- Front hoses are frequently torn off during work and are labor‑intensive to replace.
- Recommendation: Install an extended guard or protective armor to reduce future hose damage and replacement frequency.
- Sprocket for the circle is worn
Quote #1: Level 1 repair (lowest cost option) This option focuses on addressing the most immediate actionable items and performing preventative maintenance, primarily centered on the transmission.
Total cost: $55,899. Extends the grader’s life expectancy for a short period of time. Addresses semi‑actionable items and provides preventative transmission repair. Quote #2- Certified Component Rebuild (CMCR) mid-level This option provides a comprehensive rebuild of the grader’s entire powertrain, including both the engine and transmission. It represents a significant life‑extension investment and includes extensive certified repairs backed by a long‑term warranty.
- Full powertrain rebuild: Multiple component repairs covering both the engine and transmission.
- Certified CAT repairs: All certified work includes a 3‑year / 5,000‑hour CAT warranty.
- Total cost: $186,023.62Represents a major life‑extension rebuild of the grader. Provides long‑term reliability and warranty coverage across critical powertrain components.
Marchegiani asked whether rust repair or repainting was included in the quotes. Brown explained that paint work is commonly discussed during major repairs but is not included in the current estimates; a paint job would typically cost $10,000–$15,000.
Brown reviewed the grader’s condition with the board. The machine has 8,000 hours and is considered to be in good shape, with no major repairs to date. The refurbishment work being proposed is pre‑failure, intended to preserve the machine and extend its useful life. The goal is to keep a grader for approximately 15 years after refurbishment, though additional repairs may still arise over time. Option 2 is not immediately necessary but should be considered as the machine accumulates more hours. Brown noted that the grader’s life expectancy could double, potentially reaching 16,000 hours, assuming no major changes in operating conditions. Christofferson added that the town has owned the grader for 14 years.
Estimated repair timelines are: Option 1: 6–8 weeks; Option 2: 10–14 weeks.
Brown stated that there are no problematic parts at this time, and parts availability should be standard. Pike asked whether the hydraulic pump is included in Option 2; it is not, but Brown will prepare a cost estimate for that component.
The full CPT quote is still being finalized and is expected to fall between $300,000 and $370,000.
No decisions were made during the meeting. The board will share the options with Keith Stone and Mike Fournier for their input.
The current quote expires on March 6, 2026. Prices may change if an updated quote is required, though Brown noted that significant increases are unlikely unless the extension period is a year or longer.
School board-lease & plowing
Edwards and Marchegiani reported back from a recent school board meeting, noting that last year’s $25,000 lease covered plowing both the front and back lots. The highway department will determine the value of the back lot, and the selectboard may propose an offset price to the school board before its next meeting. The school board also has an $8,000 flooring replacement estimate, which its own budget will cover.
They discussed the need to understand potential leasing costs if the school were ever to close. The superintendent offered to send an example. contract and request a joint meeting to negotiate lease terms. Edwards also noted that the town office’s front door is not ADA compliant; while the elevator may meet ADA standards, it is not part of the main entrance.
Set meeting to finalize
A special meeting will be held on January 12 at 6 p.m. to finalize the budget and address several major items, including next year’s wages, insurance, grader refurbishment, and other high‑priority issues.
Sign letter of engagement for FY25 Audit with Batchelder
Edwards found a typo in the date of the letter and will get it corrected.
HEARING OF VISITORS
Stephan Chait emailed Edwards noting that the December 16 meeting minutes omitted the hearing‑of‑visitors section. Edwards updated the minutes to include discussion on how paving priorities are set and Nancy McCrea’s comments about revising the town plan to address Planning Commission administrative costs. Chait also asked about deadlines for town report submissions, which should be sent to Christofferson, Emily Dow, and Patty Dow as soon as possible or by the end of January. He further inquired about grader replacement costs, and Edwards reported that a new grader was estimate to be $445,000 two years ago, but it is likely more now
CORRESPONDENCE
Laurel Copeland wrote to the board suggesting that the selectboard needs to submit a written request to the Trustees of Public Funds to receive budgeted amounts from the Eames and Scott funds. The March 2025 report showed $14k for the Scott Fund and $1,700 for the Eames Fund.
GMP has requested time on the February 3 meeting agenda to thank the town for its partnership, provide an update on work remaining from the last construction season, and present a new set of project scopes for the board to review.
The VLCT website includes information on campaign finance requirements for members running for re‑election, and those candidates are encouraged to review the guidance in case additional reporting obligations apply. Patty Dow has also posted the petition deadline on the town website.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES
Pike made a motion to accept the meeting minutes from December 16, 2025 as amended. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
SELECTBOARD ORDER
The Selectboard orders were signed and Edwards read the aggregate amount for orders on January 6, 2026 for an order total of $11,409.59.
ADJOURNMENT
Ashcraft made a motion to adjourn at 8:51pm. Marchegiani seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-0
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Dow
Halifax Administrative Assistant
Recording Link:
https://youtu.be/SWcC-x7QEgc
