HALIFAX‑ Highway commissioner Bradley Rafus expressed some concerns over Whitingham’s proposal to discontinue Aldrich Road from MacMillan Road to the property of Jane Kuhn, which lies in both towns. Kuhn hopes to subdivide and sell some lots in the Whitingham portion of the property. If, said Rafus, there is no access to those lots from the Whitingham side, Halifax might find itself providing taxpayer financed services to residents paying taxes to Whitingham.

Christina Moore, head of the Halifax EMS, said she worried about access for the ambulance service. Board members explained that the portion of Aldrich Road in question sees very little use at this time.

The selectboard members did not express opinions of their own, but will consider the matter and send a letter to the Whitingham selectboard before the December 16 meeting at which that board hopes to reach its decision. Board chair John LaFlamme stressed that Halifax has no legal say whatsoever, as the stretch of road in question lies entirely in Whitingham and does not run as far as the town line.

Rafus told the board he had news “you probably don’t want to hear.” “Then don’t tell us!” quipped LaFlamme.

Rafus smiled and told them anyway. “We’re going to have to think about the loader before long,” he said. It seems that antifreeze is seeping into the oil. Rafus said that Keith Stone, who works on maintaining the crew’s equipment, told him that trying to make their own repairs might cost more than buying a rebuilt engine. A rebuilt engine may cost as much as $11,000, said Rafus. He added that he was told that a replacement transmission might well be needed at the same time; that would cost approximately $13,000. LaFlamme asked how long Stone thought it would be before something has to be done. Rafus said it should last through the winter, when it is only used to haul sand.

LaFlamme asked how much it would cost to replace the loader. Rafus gave a “ballpark” figure of $118,000 to $135,000. In a brief discussion of where to find money for a fix, LaFlamme referred to the level‑funded budget. “This is where it’s going to hurt,” he said. “When the equipment goes, there’s no money to go shopping.” Board member Mitchell Green favored replacing the loader, saying it would be better to “sell it while it’s still worth something.” No decision was reached.

In other business, LaFlamme asked Rafus which VLCT health insurance plan the town has for employees, as the board has been notified that some plans will see a small increase in premiums, while other plans will increase substantially in cost. “Just basic, I think,” replied Rafus. “There’s no dental, no eye care.”

The board received a brief report from constable Andy Rice concerning a rash of mailbox vandalism “up and down Collins Road.” Leads are being pursued, Rice said. Also, he said, state police “took care of” some teenagers partying near the Four Towns Monument.

The board will hold budget work sessions on December 10 and 17, at 7:30 pm. Rafus said he will have the highway budget together in about a week.