The Wolfeboro Budget Committee convened on July 21, 2025, to discuss the town's financial outlook for the upcoming year, revealing significant budgetary increases driven by staffing, healthcare costs, and service contracts. The committee highlighted an anticipated 8.3% increase in the general fund, amounting to approximately $1.58 million.

Key factors contributing to this increase include a projected rise in wages of $671,811, primarily due to the hiring of four new firefighters to enhance ambulance services. This staffing decision aligns with two collective bargaining agreements approved last year, which collectively add $176,000 to the budget for 2026. The committee noted that these personnel costs alone account for nearly half a million dollars of the overall budget increase.

In addition to wages, the committee is preparing for a 10% increase in healthcare costs, as advised by their health provider, which will further impact the budget. The total increase in the 200 series, which encompasses employee benefits, is estimated at $566,000, reflecting a 13.6% rise.

The discussion also touched on the 300 series, which is projected to see a substantial increase of $532,000, or 24.8%. This surge is largely attributed to the final year of the ambulance service contract with Stewart's, which is expected to rise from $270,000 to approximately $808,000 in 2026. The committee acknowledged that this figure is not yet finalized, as they await bids for solid waste hauling, which could also affect the budget.

A significant point of discussion was the transition to a more self-sufficient fire department capable of providing backup ambulance services. The committee expressed optimism that by January 1, 2026, the fire department would be operational as a secondary ambulance service, potentially reducing reliance on Stewart's and the associated costs. However, the timeline for this transition remains contingent on the hiring and training of additional staff, with the new assistant chief of EMS set to begin on August 4.

As the committee continues to refine the budget, they face the challenge of balancing increased operational costs with the need for effective service delivery. The discussions from this meeting underscore the town's commitment to enhancing emergency services while navigating the complexities of budget management. The committee will reconvene to finalize these figures and address any outstanding issues as they prepare for the upcoming fiscal year.