By BOB MARTIN
Eagle Times Staff
SPRINGFIELD, Vt. — Voters will hit the polls next week and decide on whether to approve 29 articles at the town and school district meeting, including a proposed town budget that is increasing by 5.34%.
Town Manager Jeff Mobus said the proposed budget of $15,872,049 is one he believes to be fair, especially in the recent economic climate.
“I think we are headed in a good direction, and a lot of the rates around us are much higher than what we are proposing,” Town Manager Jeff Mobus told the Eagle Times. “It is a tough year for all communities with health insurance going up 22%. It’s a challenge across the board.”
According to information provided by the town, the proposed budget increase reflects rising costs and critical needs in town services. As noted by Mobus, health insurance premiums have increased significantly statewide. The town has 77.5 employees, and most are on the town’s health plan, which significantly impacts the town’s operating expenses.
“We are committed to maintaining our investment in the town employees who support our community,” a report on the town website regarding the budget stated.
One major aspect is the needs of the fire department. It was noted that in 1970 the Springfield Fire Department received 250 service calls, which is dwarfed by the 2024 amount of 3,318 calls. However, staffing levels are the same and well below federal recommendation. The proposed budget includes funding for three new full-time employees, but it is noted they really need five new employees as previously requested.
Springfield also has the second highest number of road miles to maintain across the state. The town is behind in road maintenance and improvements based on the Road Surface Management System guidelines. Each year the town has an article for additional money to keep the pace, despite being budgeted for roads. This budget is focused on anticipating future needs for retaining walls, which the town expects to be costly. The idea is to invest closely with the recommended levels for road maintenance, the report stated.
Mobus called it a “responsible budget,” and hopes that the voters will approve it on March 4.
A public information session will be held at Springfield High School on March 3 at 7 p.m., where there will be reports from town and school officers and committees to discuss the articles on the town and school district meeting warning.
Residents will have a chance to vote on Article 6, and other items including the town and school budgets, at the annual town and school district meeting on March 4. Voting takes place at the Riverside Middle School Gymnasium from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
