Weathersfield Select Board Meeting - May 28, 2026

The Weathersfield Select Board met on May 28, 2026, at 6:37 PM in the Select Board room at Renn Memorial Hall. The meeting included an executive session to negotiate the town manager's contract, followed by approval of that contract, highway updates, paving bid awards, a detailed financial report, and extensive discussion on the general fund budget after two failed votes. The board also approved minutes and warrants.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved minutes of May 11, 2026 and May 14, 2026, both unanimously.
• Warrants: Approved warrants for May 11, 2026 (totals: payroll $31,074.32, operating $126,875.58) and May 26, 2026 (totals: payroll $33,078.42, operating $99,807.29) without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Steve Daphne (Weathersfield voter): Expressed support for the three-year contract with Town Manager Brandon, hoping it would ease public questions and allow the board to move forward.
• Dr. Murray (Budget Committee Chair): Expressed concern that the town manager contract was negotiated outside the budget process, noting that two failed budgets and public feedback on compensation made it inappropriate to bypass the budget committee. The board chair disagreed, stating the select board is the overseeing authority for the town manager position.
• Dwight Phelps: Appeared in the wrong meeting (DRB meeting for dam removal). The board apologized for the double booking and directed him to the correct Zoom link.
• Lisa: Announced the Scotney Fire District (water district) annual meeting on June 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM at Renn Memorial Hall.
• Sophia Last Tightla: Urged the board to consider public input on which services might be reduced to achieve budget cuts, noting both the town and state face fiscal pressures.
• Michael Creighton: Supported calling a budget committee meeting to get public input, and suggested using social media to quickly spread the word.

Discussion Items

• Executive Session & Town Manager Contract: The board entered executive session at 6:37 PM under 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)(1)(A) to discuss the town manager's contract. The session included the town manager. Upon returning at 7:30 PM, the board unanimously approved a negotiated three-year contract dated May 26, 2026. Details: annual salary reduced by $10,000 to $114,000, with an optional student loan payment of $5,250 that would further reduce salary to $108,750 if elected.
• Highway Updates (Highway Foreman Rick): Transitioned from winter/mud to spring/summer operations. Roads approximately 60% complete on first grading pass. Culvert replacement on Center Road to begin June 2 (second week of June), with one-lane traffic during work. Received a $200,000 grant for paving (Weathersfield Center Road) and a structures grant for three culverts on Center Road. Noted that state grants for culverts are available every 6-7 years.
• Weathersfield Center Road Paving Bid Awards: Two bids were presented: 1) Paving (grinding, crack filling, etc.) by Pike Industries at $101,990 (not to exceed); 2) Crack filling, chip sealing, and performance bond by All State Construction at $202,950 (not to exceed). Highway Foreman Rick explained the bid structure allows for cost adjustments based on asphalt oil price fluctuations (escalation/de-escalation clause), and that awarding separate contracts saved ~$30,000 by allowing more bidders. The board approved both motions unanimously.
• Transfer of FY26 Highway Paving Funds: Moved $99,045 from the FY26 highway paving budget to the highway capital maintenance reserve fund to allow completion of the Center Road project across fiscal years. Approved unanimously.
• Financial Report (Treasurer Greg): As of May 20, 2026: total revenues across all funds $3,341,165 (91.13% of budget), total expenditures ~80% of budget, resulting in a positive net position of approximately $400,000 across operating funds. Key observations: tax revenue on target; administrative revenues exceeded due to miscellaneous receipts, PILOT, interest; police revenue lower pending Corps of Engineers funding; solid waste fund continues to show punch ticket revenue deficit (addressed via deficit reduction formula). General fund net position: $107,649. The town's finances are described as sound with no structural concerns.
• General Fund Budget Discussion: After two failed votes (218-258, 45.79% approval), the board discussed a revised budget. Town Manager Brandon recommended a special informational meeting on July 6, 2026 with voting July 7, 2026 to set the tax rate, or else tax anticipation notes would be needed. Proposed target: 1.4% tax increase, requiring a total reduction of an additional $25,319.95. Recommended cuts: town manager salary already reduced from $124,000 to $114,000; reduce COLA for all town employees from 3.5% to 2.8% (aligning with Social Security COLA); reduce tuition by $4,500. Board member Joe stated he was concerned a 1.4% increase might still fail, given voter sentiment. Budget Committee Chair Dr. Murray requested the budget committee hold a public hearing before a final decision, emphasizing the need for public input and proper notice. The board agreed to have the town manager research the timeline and circulate guidance, with a plan to possibly schedule a joint meeting with the budget committee on Thursday.
• Other Business: Discussion on an invoice from Roderick Bates for work at the 1879 schoolhouse ($1,750 for three sets of ceiling lights, $750 for an entryway motion sensor light, $250 for parking lot light, $250 to install a thermostat). Board members questioned costs and who authorized the work. Town Manager Brandon said he delegated this during a period of high workload and requested that Roderick Bates present at a future meeting to explain. The work had already been completed.

Key Outcomes

• Executive Session & Town Manager Contract: Unanimously approved a three-year contract for Town Manager Brandon, effective May 26, 2026, with annual salary reduced to $114,000 and optional student loan payment of $5,250.
• Paving Awards: Unanimously awarded:
  • Weathersfield Center Road paving project to Pike Industries (not to exceed $101,990).
  • Crack filling, chip sealing, and performance bond work to All State Construction (not to exceed $202,950).
• Fund Transfer: Unanimously approved the transfer of $99,045 from FY26 highway paving budget to highway capital maintenance reserve.
• Minutes and Warrants: Both sets of minutes and warrants approved unanimously.
• Appointment: John Harrison appointed as Weigher of Coal for a term ending March 2027 (unanimous).
• General Fund Budget: No final action; board directed the town manager to review timelines and coordinate with the budget committee to schedule a public meeting after verifying statutory notice requirements. A special town meeting date of July 6/7, 2026 is targeted.