Committee hears CIP/budget preview: electricity costs up and proposal for daytime custodian

Melissa Roy said the town’s CIP book and generalized budget will be released on Friday, and she called attention to increasing facility costs that are shaping departmental requests.

"We are seeing pretty significant increases in our electricity costs within our buildings," Roy said, noting some sites are seeing very large rises. As a result, the DPW budget includes a request to add a daytime full‑time custodian to provide coverage during operating hours and reduce reliance on contracted cleaning services. Roy explained the town is trying to shift some work from higher‑cost contractors to an internal position to better cover daytime needs for the new public safety building and other facilities.

The committee also heard a preview of likely warrant articles including an HVAC replacement bond for this building and a proposal to change how pavement management is funded (possibly via warrant article rather than operating line). Members agreed they would review the CIP when it is released and may testify before the Budget Recommendation Committee if desired.