OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES-DRAFT
September 22, 2026
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 Stephanie Pike, Olga Peters, and Emily Dow.
CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
Old Business: Confirm Site Visit meeting
NEW BUSINESS
2026 (FY2027) Highway Wage Increase
Edwards noted that the Green Mountain Care Board Average Increase Allowance is as follows; BCBS – 1.2% Small Group, MVP – 6.2% Small Group for FY27. These numbers are comparable to the town budgeted amount and this discussion topic is deferred for this meeting as there also weren’t final numbers.
Budget discussion for the current fiscal year was held January 12, 2026; it was decided the Highway wage budget would rise 2.8% for COLA, exceptional performance of $2000, and anticipated 220 hours of overtime based on previous research. Christofferson showed the Highway wage increase analysis.
The approved budget for FY27 is $315,350.
FY28 Anticipated Soc Sec COLA increase: 3.4% to 3.6%.
Edwards presented the 2025 VLCT Compensation and Benefits Report and proposed a 2027 wage plan comparing regional pay averages based on a full-time pay schedule. The board aims to balance taxpayer-approved budgets with fair compensation for employees based on their service to the town. There was a brief discussion surrounding the purpose and allocation method for the $2,000 exceptional performance compensation.
Christofferson made a motion to increase the highway department wages and overtime for FY27 using current hourly wage and 3.4% COLA adjustment, starting on September 27, 2026. Discussion during motion Christofferson explained the components of the Highway Wage Increase Analysis excel sheet. Marchegiani seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
Other paid appointment wage increases: Selectboard Administrative Assistant
Edwards noted in the comparison, according to VLCT, the statewide average for Administrative assistants is $25/hr and Windham County averages $23.42/hr. Edwards advocated for the wage increase for the Selectboard Assistant to raise from $20/hr to $22/hr due to COLA increase, even though the wage increase was not budgeted.
Edwards made a motion to offer the Selectboard Assistant $22/hr wage starting on September 27, 2026. Christofferson seconded. Discussion during motion confirmed the position has been budgeted for 15 to 20 hours per week unchanged for two years prior, and some funding in the budget may be from prior year FEMA, which supports being within budget with the raise. Pike noted the need for continued “in office” secretary work to maintain balance to the Board organization and workload. Motion carried 5-0.
Other paid appointment wage increases: Constable
Edwards noted an additional $1000 was previously put into the Constable wages, which includes the Animal Control Officer position.This fund was initially set up as a stipend however, the law acknowledges that these appointed positions won’t pay into overtime. Calls for the animal control officer may rise once the ordinance is enacted.
Ashcraft asked about public interest in an open meeting for the dog ordinance. Edwards explained that crafting the ordinance will require to follow all meeting laws and ordinance structure and intends to open this discussion in the future. Current budget for both positions combined totals $6000; discussion for a raise will prelude communication regarding time dedication, training and roles in January 2027.
OLD BUSINESS
VLCT Annual Meeting Voting Delegate
VLCT Annual Meeting is on October 6, 2026, remotely. Halifax needs to attend the meeting in order to place votes on VLCT policies such as the organizations focus on legislative interests.
Christofferson made a motion to have Edwards as the voting delegate at the VLCT annual meeting for Halifax. Pike seconded. Motion carried 4-0-1 Edwards abstention.
Confirm Site Visit meeting
6:30am meeting at the town garage to rideshare to Pennel Hill then to another site location at 7:30am on Whitneyville Road to observe a Right-Of-Way permit.
ADJOURNMENT
Ashcraft made a motion to adjourn at 7:13pm. Pike seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Dow
Halifax Administrative Assistant
Recording Link: https://youtu.be/C0K9QvS_Y-g
