ENFIELD — Enfield voters will be asked to approve a budget increase of 12.7% at this year’s Town Meeting in Enfield.

A little over 7% of the increase is attributed to inflation, Town Manager Ed Morris said. The remaining portion of the increase is the first year of a bond for a new public safety facility that voters approved at last year’s Town Meeting.

“Overall everything has gone up a little bit and it costs us more to provide the same services,” Morris said.

Morris said the operating budget increase is in line with the national inflation rate, which has hovered around 7%. Fuel is among one of the larger line item increases.

“Another one that was hit pretty hard was the salt budget,” Morris said, adding that salt costs are up around 30%, “which was a pretty hefty increase.”

Town employees may also receive an 8% raise after a recommendation from the town’s budget committee. 

“Not only do employees have to absorb that 7% cost of living increase as well, but maintaining competitive rates to recruit and retain employees is important as well,” Morris said.

There was about $165,000 left over from the current year’s budget and town officials decided to use that funding for one-time projects. The town will be putting money toward fixing up a property it owns on Shedd Street, which needs to be done before the property could be sold, as well as replacing the backstop on the baseball field at Huse Park that is falling into disrepair. 

“You spend the money, you get the project done and it's over,” Morris said. “If you use the unassigned fund balance … to decrease the tax rate, then when it's gone, next year the tax rate automatically goes back up.”

Enfield’s Town Meeting is divided into two parts: Voters will elect town officials and decide on six zoning amendments from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Enfield Community Building, located at 308 Route 4. Voters will gather at 9 a.m. the following Saturday at Enfield Village School, located at 271 Route 4, to vote on all other articles, including the operating budget and two petitioned articles concerning conservation.

Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.

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