Kingston Selectmen Consider Fire Department Supplemental Budget Request
Funding to come from Capital Stabilization Reserve, avoiding impact on free cash
KINGSTON - April 14 - The Kingston Board of Selectmen opened and closed the 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant during their Monday meeting, approving a modified Article 3 that includes a supplemental budget request for the Fire Department.
The Finance Committee unanimously recommended approval of the revised article, noting that funding will come from the Capital Stabilization Reserve rather than free cash.
"The funding will be coming from the Capital Stabilization Reserve so that it's not coming out of free cash and it's not impacting the excess levy capacity of which we don't have any to begin with," explained Finance Committee Chair Carl Pike during the meeting.
The joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee moved efficiently through the agenda, with both boards voting separately on the warrant article.
Board Chair Eric Crone called the meeting to order at 6 p.m., establishing that a quorum was present with some members attending remotely. After opening the Town Meeting Warrant, the board focused on the Fire Department budget request amendment.
The discussion revealed that the supplemental budget request addresses two existing leases, though specific details about the leases were not elaborated on during the meeting.
After brief discussion, the Finance Committee voted 5-0 to recommend approval of the revised Article 3. The Board of Selectmen subsequently voted to close the 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant, completing the necessary procedural steps for the upcoming Town Meeting.
The meeting experienced a brief technical difficulty when board member Donald Alcombright reported audio issues, but this was quickly resolved, allowing the meeting to continue without significant delay.
"I can hear you now. Sorry about that," Alcombright said after reconnecting to the meeting.
The entire meeting lasted just over seven minutes, with the Board of Selectmen adjourning at 6:07 p.m. after completing all agenda items.
The Finance Committee, which had opened their meeting simultaneously with the Board of Selectmen, also adjourned after completing their vote on the Fire Department budget request.