Approved by Bristol Budget Committee 11/16/09
BRISTOL BUDGET COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
November 9, 2009
PRESENT:Andrew Hemingway- Chairman, Dan Bouchard – Vice Chair, Dave Carr, Wendy Costigan, Dorcas Gordon, Barbara Greenwood, Shaun Lagueux, Ron Preble, Jon Thouin, Jeff Shackett
ABSENT:
Ashley Dolloff, Paul Simard
OTHERS PRESENT:
Paul Weston, Town Manager; Christina McClay, Assessing Assistant; Jeff Chartier, Superintendent of Water & Wastewater Department
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Hemingway called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
REVIEW OF MINUTES:
The meeting began with a review of the minutes from November 2, 2009; Dan Bouchard made a motion to accept the minutes as written and was seconded by Shaun Lagueux. Motion carried with all in favor.
BUDGET PRESENTATIONS:
WATER/WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
Jeff Chartier, Superintendent of the Water and Sewer Department was welcomed and invited to present his proposed budget to the committee. Mr. Chartier stated the bond was paid off. He is working within the budget given him. The increase in the Water department is mostly the cost of health insurance and the payroll adjustment.
Mr. Carr asked about line 652 with the amount of $1 hydrant maintenance. Currently, explained Mr. Chartier, the maintenance is included in the material and supplies line. Mr. Chartier explained that there are hydrants that need to be replaced and others need maintenance. He would like to see the return of the $10,000 fire betterment line. This would place the burden for the town wide hydrant repairs on the town rather than entirely on the water users of the town.
Mr. Weston stated that Mr. Chartier is completing a $1.2 million dollar wastewater treatment plant upgrade and will be opening bids for another $1.2 million dollar project. The sewer to the lake project is still in the works with various meetings and discussions taking place.
Mr. Thouin inquired about the garage. Mr. Chartier stated that the inside work is nearing completion.
Chairman Hemingway thanked Mr. Chartier for coming.
APPRAISAL:
Christina McClay presented the budget needs for both Appraisal and Tax Map departments. A discussion regarding the service contract of the computer systems took place. Ms. McClay stated that there is a need for new hard drives to handle the scanning project she is working on. Mr. Bouchard asked if an outside scanning company was sought out as it might prove to be more cost effective. But Ms. McClay felt that she needed to oversee it because she knew what was required for the files.
ASSESSING Budget is down $3000 because the land use officer and the health officer is the same person and is listed on one line rather than separated onto two. Mr. Carr would prefer to see them separated.
TAX MAP:
Ms. McClay continued her presentation by stating some of the past issues with the mapping company have been worked out and there is better communication between them resulting in better service and understanding of what each part expects.
Chairman Hemingway thanked Ms. McClay for coming.
WELFARE:
Mr. Weston stated that Marilyn Ford works two days a week, averaging 8 to 10 applications per week. That is an increase in applicants but still within the budget.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Mr. Weston provided the committee with a hand out showing the new tax rate is set at $14.89 with the town’s portion at a low rate of 4.65.
Mr. Weston stated that a meeting with the School Board is planned to encourage them to hold their spending as the town has.
Chairman Hemingway reminded the committee that it has already been decided that the committee will begin their deliberations at last year’s budget.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 pm upon a motion by Mr. Bouchard and seconded by Mr. Carr.
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Hemingway
Recording Secretary |