**Proposed Paving Budget Boosts Projects in Montpelier for 2025**
Montpelier may see an increase in paving projects in the upcoming year, but the proposed budget falls short of the ideal goal. City Manager Bill Fraser presented a budget to the city council on Dec. 11 that aims to raise the paving budget for fiscal year 2026 to $725,000, up from the current $658,000. The proposal also includes a plan to increase the paving budget by $100,000 annually over the next few years.
**Challenges in Reaching the Steady-State Paving Budget**
Despite the increase in the proposed budget, it falls below the $825,000 mentioned in a preliminary budget presentation and is only 60% of the $1.2 million “steady-state” paving budget needed to maintain roads in ideal condition. In previous years, the city’s paving budget has been significantly lower, with only $118,000 allocated in FY24.
Deputy Director of Public Works Zach Blodgett highlighted the challenges the city faces due to underfunding, particularly after limited paving efforts post-COVID. The city has also fallen behind in maintaining other capital expenses, such as aging equipment and buildings with deferred maintenance.
**Community Concerns and Future Implications**
Residents have voiced concerns about the poor road conditions and potholes in the city, emphasizing the need for increased paving efforts. Mayor Jack McCullough acknowledged the demand for more investment in paving projects, with some suggesting a budget of $1 million or more for paving.
Falling short of the steady-state goal could lead to increased future paving costs, as the present-day value of a steady-state paving budget is crucial for long-term road maintenance. Blodgett emphasized the importance of balancing various capital expenses to ensure the city’s assets are adequately maintained.
**Upcoming Paving Projects and Financial Considerations**
The proposed FY26 Capital Plan budget amounts to $2.66 million, marking a 10.8% increase from the previous year. However, nearly $1.2 million in potential projects and equipment had to be deferred, highlighting the financial constraints faced by the city.
The paving schedule for the next three years includes major projects like the reconstruction of North Street and potential additional work on roads like Berlin Street. The East State Street project, funded separately through a bond and grants, is set to commence soon after multiple postponements.
As the city grapples with balancing paving needs and budget limitations, the community’s input and support for infrastructure projects will be crucial in shaping Montpelier’s road maintenance efforts for the future.
