Once again, October started the budgeting process for the Town. This year the Budget Committee (BC) and the Select Board (SB) met bi-weekly, on Mondays, at 6 PM, in the Town Meeting Room. The Town Administrator, a Select Board member, School Board member, Fire Commissioner, and department heads worked together to make the process as seamless and easy as possible for all involved. After last year’s  process, this year went smoothly. 

Our goal was to come up with a budget and warrant articles that the BC and SB could support.  That involved attention to details and justification from department heads for their requests. We looked at last year’s budget requests and actual expenditures as a reference for this year’s requests.  

Most of the increases were because of salary, insurance, and benefits. We approved a COL (cost of living ) salary increase for all employees. Insurance increases and benefits increases were beyond our control. The Town Clerk will begin the process of organizing the Municipal Records Committee with increased office supplies requirements. 

A Public Hearing for the Town budget was held without any concerns from the public. We also reviewed the AE/MS 2024/25 budget. The SAU did a great job keeping costs under control, even with large increases in insurance costs. Busing may become an issue in a year or so but for now is set for the school year.  

At the School Public Hearing some important  needs that had not been addressed in the budget led to the Budget Committee adding an additional professional position to the roster, to accommodate the educational needs of a group of students. Once again I am proud to report that the members of the Committee are competent and committed citizens of Andover. We are  fortunate to have this group of people watching over the expenses and needs of Andover.