CIP Committee

Capital Improvement Plan 

The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is a document that outlines Nottingham's long-term strategy for funding and prioritizing capital projects, such as buildings, vehicles, land, road construction/reconstruction, infrastructure projects, and large technology purchases. It includes capital items over $15,000 with a life-span of at least three years. It is forward-looking for a ten-year period and is developed by representatives of the Select Board, School Board, Budget Committee, Planning Board and volunteer community members.

A CIP is not a commitment of expenses. It's a snapshot of anticipated projects based on information provided by the boards and department heads. The plan is reviewed and updated each year to reflect changing needs and priorities. Some projects may be removed from the list while others may be added. The further out an expense, the more likely it is to be adjusted. 

Why is CIP Important?

CIP is important because it:

• Helps anticipate needs rather than just reacting to problems in the moment
• Provides lead time to get the necessary resources in place gradually, as opposed to all at once 
• Provides the proper preparation necessary to determine the most economical and efficient means of financing and completing projects
• Aligns boards, employees and the community around our most important investments
• Puts us in a position to quickly take advantage of federal or state grant programs and opportunities

How to Read the Plan

A copy of the current CIP can be found here. Use the plan to understand community priorities for the next 10 years. It includes:

• The list of anticipated projects for both the Town and School District
• Cost estimates
• Likely sources of funding including capital/reserve funds, unreserved fund balance, warrant articles, bonds, impact fees, grants and the operating budget. 

The Relationship Between the CIP Plan and Operating Budget 

The CIP informs the development of the operating budget which covers all expenses needed for the Town and School to function for a given year (salaries, insurances, utilities, etc). Typically, the Select and School boards use the CIP to:

• Evaluate projects for growth and planning
• Incorporate projects into the operating budget
• Identify the list of proposed warrant articles
• Develop or modify impact fees

YouTube Channel of CIP Meeting Recordings