The Hubbardston Select Board and Finance Committee convened on April 22, 2025, to discuss the proposed budget for the highway department, which is set to increase by $12,093, bringing the total to $678,000. This increase is largely attributed to a 2% contractual wage hike for the Department of Public Works (DPW) crew and director, as well as a doubling of the training budget to $4,000 to enhance safety and technical certifications.

During the meeting, concerns were raised about the department's ongoing financial struggles. Despite the budget increase, the DPW remains significantly underfunded, approximately $510,000 less than five years ago. The director noted that operational lines have largely been kept level, with only a modest increase in road materials to support ongoing maintenance efforts.

The committee also discussed unexpected costs arising from changes in regulations regarding culverts, which could lead to an additional $30,000 expense. The director expressed frustration over the increasing costs and the lack of state support, emphasizing the need for creative solutions to manage the budget effectively.

In addition to the highway budget, the snow and ice budget remains level funded, with a minor adjustment for plowing costs. The director highlighted that this year marked the first time in five years that the town had to deficit spend in this area, primarily due to rising costs associated with materials like salt.

Overall, the meeting underscored the financial challenges facing the DPW and the need for ongoing discussions about funding and resource allocation to ensure the town can maintain its infrastructure effectively. The committee will continue to monitor the situation and explore potential revenue sources to alleviate budget pressures.