OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES- DRAFT
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 gaps between newer and long‑term employees remain. The statewide average highway wage of $27.27 per hour is in line with local rates, but Christofferson stressed that true parity must also account for longevity and performance.
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, making performance‑based evaluations more effective for setting expectations. Marchegiani also noted 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 raise. It carries 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, and Edwards reported irregularities in delivery records, delaying a new road order until three load slips can confirm the details. A discrepancy shows four full deliveries plus several smaller ones, contributing to costs reaching $122,850—above the $120,000 budget and higher than FY25. Edwards noted that the town has received more than the budgeted 4,000 cubic yards at favorable pricing.
Pike noted wide price differences between delivered and crew‑picked loads. 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 FY27 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 excessive taking may require future policy discussion.
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, noting that Salyer would be a strong addition who 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 when GMP’s work is not occurring 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 the equipment fund and it was determined that 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 and has not yet been presented in detail. The board then reviewed the list of findings and necessary repairs identified for the grader.
Grader Inspection findings and required repairs:
- Overdue 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 (lower cost option) This option focuses on addressing the most immediate actionable items and performing preventative maintenance, primarily centered on the transmission.
- Transmission rebar reseal: Largest portion of the quote. Considered preventative but currently the only component requiring repair.
- Engine oil change needed.
- Transmission oil maintenance required.
- Cost above repair: Further issues may be discovered once work begins.
- Steam cleaning the machine to prevent contamination during repairs.
- Previous inspection will appear as $0 on the invoice.
- Checking the Product Link system is standard protocol and also listed as $0.
- Removing and reinstalling the transmission. Associated parts and repairs as needed.
- Remove and reinstall the shift cylinder.
- Address hydraulic control valve leak.
- $2,500 allocated for hose repairs. Only the amount used will be billed.
Total cost: $55,899. Extends the grader’s life expectancy for a 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.
- Steam cleaning: Standard preventative measure to ensure no debris enters components during repair.
- Standard work items: Includes all items listed in Quote #1 that apply to this level of repair.
- Transmission Work (CAT Recon Certified)- More detailed internal repairs, including: Clutch groups, Input shaft, Transmission pump, Control valve, Parking brake. Covered under the 3‑year / 5,000‑hour warranty.
- Additional Component Work: Replacement of any parts found to be worn or failing.
- Reconditioning of drivetrain oil lines, primarily within the transmission.
- Engine removal and installation: A remanufactured engine may be a more cost‑effective option.
- Emissions module cleaning and reconditioning.
- Hose Allowance: $10,000 allowance for hose replacement, reflecting the extensive work on both the engine and transmission. Only the amount used will be billed.
- Inspection‑Related Repairs: Any issues identified during the inspection (as previously listed) will be addressed as part of this quote.
Total cost: $186,023.62. Represents 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 plowing lease covered 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, and Readsboro plans to send a 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 meets 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. Edwards signed the letter.
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, Edwards, 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 priced at $445,000 two years ago.
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 EANS and SCOT funds. The March 2025 report showed $14k for the SCOT Fund and $1,700 for the EANS 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
