Oakland reviews FY2026 budget amendments, approves pre‑design plan and moves to buy sewer inspection camera

Oakland staff reviewed a package of FY2026 budget amendments described in the meeting packet as primarily "clean up" items, saying no department expenditures will be exceeded and that additional income will cover the requested adjustments. Staff explained that audit invoices for fiscal year 2024 arrived late and that audit fees for the current year must be recorded in the current budget.

Municipal complex pre-design: The board considered an agreement with H2H Engineering for preliminary, non‑construction work to assess space needs, internal layout options, conceptual site elevations and parking. The manager described the work as a first step to determine whether the town needs a roughly 10,000-square-foot or a 100,000-square-foot building and said the preliminary scope is not construction plans or surveying. The fee for that preliminary work is $59,760; David Smith of 2H was present to answer questions and staff estimated the study could be completed within about 60 days.

Robotic sewer inspection camera: The board also reviewed resolution 2020 to purchase an interior pipe inspection camera to increase in‑house capacity and reduce frequent, costly outsourcing. Staff said outside providers often require half‑day minimums and can charge about $5,000 for a call; buying a unit through the Sourcewell cooperative contract would allow faster response and split costs between public works and wastewater. Staff noted the town will still need a lateral‑launch attachment for residential laterals and plans future purchases to become fully self‑sufficient.

Irrigation meters and fees: Staff provided a cost rundown for residential irrigation meters: material costs range $430–$498 per meter (not including installation labor), and the town currently charges a $500 installation fee. A minimum bill of $10.98 was noted for meters unused during winter. Staff reported 28 meters have been installed since a recent rate change, and cautioned that customers still incur plumber/hookup costs beyond curb installation. The manager said the town may be losing money on installations at current charges.

Procurement and budgeting: For the camera purchase staff said the procurement would go through Sourcewell, which pre-solicits equipment; staff also solicited quotes from two regional providers for camera service demos. For the municipal pre‑design contract staff indicated the 40% plans and prior environmental studies might be leveraged where applicable. The transcript records motions and seconds to approve some items, but no detailed public vote tallies appear in the provided segment.

Next steps: Staff expected to provide a draft of the outside salary study and to set a budget workshop within about two weeks to review the first draft of the FY2026 budget.