Weathersfield Selectboard Meeting - December 13, 2025

This meeting of the Weathersfield Selectboard focused on reviewing the highway department budget, addressing resident concerns about the town’s sand pile, and receiving an update from the budget committee. The board approved the warrants for December 8, 2025, via a unanimous roll call vote.

Discussion Items

• Highway Budget Line Item Reduction: Brandon, the highway department representative, explained that a budget line item was reduced from $10,000 to $5,000. The $10,000 had previously covered annual rental of a vacuum truck for catch basins ($2,500/day), emergency excavator hires, and part of mowing costs. Since the town purchased its own excavator, $5,000 is now allocated primarily for the vacuum truck and occasional excavator needs. The mowing cost was moved to a separate budget line.
• Sand Pile Concerns: A board member reported receiving calls from residents questioning why the sand pile at Town Hall was no longer available. Ray (town manager) noted that a significant portion of the sand (estimated one-third to half, worth about $800–900) may be taken by non-residents. Discussion included options to post a sign stating "Weathersfield Residents Only" and adding a note that the area is under surveillance (the town already has a camera). Mike suggested moving the pile to the Escutney Fire Department parking lot as a deterrent; Ray agreed to discuss this with Fire Chief Josh. The board reached consensus to try the sign and surveillance approach this winter and evaluate.
• Budget Committee Update: August, chair of the budget committee, reported that the committee’s next meeting (originally scheduled for December 11) was rescheduled due to a conflict; a new public-noticed date will be set. The committee requested that the town manager provide a budget option without the capital plan to offer clearer choices for public feedback. Mike noted that option three in the highway budget already excludes the capital plan, and option three for the general fund will follow the same approach. The committee intends to present consensus feedback at the next selectboard meeting.
• Future Agenda Items: The board listed items for the next meeting: ladder truck discussion, general fund budget, highway fund budget, capital plan, and town warning article draft.

Key Outcomes

• Warrants Approved (Roll Call Vote): The board voted unanimously (Nathan aye, Mike aye, Rika aye, John aye) to approve the warrants dated December 8, 2025, with totals: General Fund payroll $22,001.57 and operating $79,649.37; Highway Fund payroll $10,529.50 and operating $14,574.83; Solid Waste Management payroll $2,196.99 and operating $23,649.52; Library payroll $2,464.98 and operating $0; plus a $6,809.80 grant for 130 Maple Street library internet. Grand total payroll $37,210.04 and operating $124,683.52.
• Sand Pile Plan: The board agreed to install a "Weathersfield Residents Only" sign at the Town Hall sand pile, add a note that the area is under surveillance, and continue monitoring. If theft persists, the pile may be discontinued. The possibility of relocating to the Escutney Fire Department lot will be explored.
• Budget Process: The budget committee will provide options with and without the capital plan for both the highway and general fund budgets, and will present consensus feedback at the next selectboard meeting.