WHATELY — The Whately Finance Committee recommends a $22,745 increase in the town’s operating budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1.
Though spending for certain necessities such as fuel for town vehicles is expected to drop, recommended increases in areas such as general government and insurance and benefits lead to a proposed budget of $4,675,687, up from $4,652,942, or about ½ percent, from this year.
The budget will be considered by voters at the annual Town Meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Whately Elementary School.
Town Administrator Mark A. Pruhenski explained that employee health insurance has gone up 6.8 percent because the town is part of the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust, established by the state for the joint purchase of insurance. Pruhenski also said there is recommended $5,500 increase in employment insurance because it has been underfunded in the past.
The proposed general government budget recommends an increase from $303,345 to $356,978. Much of this results from a proposed $9,165 increase in office expenses for the Select Board that Pruhenski said is the result of a biannual financial audit becoming annual.
Pruhenski said the proposed 130 percent increase in town building operations spending is almost entirely related to expenses associated with the new home for the town offices at 4 Sandy Lane. Pruhenski said the town still owns the Town Hall and the former Center School.
There is also a proposed increase in the town administrator’s salary from $57,969 to $63,051.