Webster has a bridge to fix and town officials are trying to keep other costs down.

Select board chair Bruce Johnson said the town is “in good financial shape.”

“The rate for last year was $5.87 per thousand,” Johnson wrote. “The best guess estimate, as of today, as of this writing, for next year is $5.83 per thousand.”

The operating budget draft proposal for 2017-2018 hasn’t been finalized, but it is currently set for $1,389,377, just a 0.55 percent increase over last year. 

While the budget is looking steady, Johnson said the town has one big project on its docket.

Select board members have been eyeing the Clothespin Bridge, hoping to replace it.

“This is a heavily traveled bridge which is also the fastest route between the Safety Building and those living on the east side of town,” Johnson wrote. “At present, the bridge is limited to 17 tons.”

They originally proposed a $350,000 replacement project to voters last town meeting, but reduced the appropriation for $75,000 in pre-work. 

In the meantime, Johnson said he’s tried to contact state and federal officials for funding help, but has had little luck.

“The select board has met with state representatives for bridge aid, and while we are on the list, that’s 10 to 12 years out,” he said. “The bridge will most likely not last that long, and there are no real guarantees the state will follow through.”

So, Johnson said, the town needs to come up with the funds itself. It will ask taxpayers for another $75,000 this year.  

The one other item on the select board’s list is a solar array project proposed by the town’s energy committee. Johnson said it is intended to cover future electricity costs.

“This will be funded by a Public Utilities Commission rebate, a short term bond, and about $4,000 to $7,000 (has) to be raised to get this up and running,” he said. 

Separate hearings will be held for the budget, bridge and solar project before town meeting. The main one, the budget public hearing, is scheduled for Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m. 

(Elodie Reed can be reached at 369-3306, ereed@cmonitor.com or on Twitter @elodie_reed.)