|
Town of Bristol Budget Committee Public Hearing Minutes February 11, 2008
APPROVED ON: 03/03/08, as amended
ATTENDED: Archie Auger (Chairman), Dorcas Gordon (Vice Chairman), Skip Bowie, Ron Preble, Richard Walenda, David Carr, Andrew Hemmingway, Tom Winn, Jon Thouin, Paul Simard, Catherine Pitari, Joe Denning (Selectmen’s Rep), and Dan Arsneau.
ABSENT: Diane Marden (Secretary) was not present at this meeting.
OTHERS PRESENT: Elizabeth Corrow (Town Manager), Steve Favorite (Selectmen), Lt. Lewis (BPD), Chief Clark (BPD), Chief Skantze (BFD), Raymah Simpson (Town Clerk Tax Collector), Krystal Alpers (Administrative Secretary/Welfare Director), Mark Bucklin (Highway Dept.), Jeff Chartier (Water & Sewer Dept.), Chris Doloff (BFD), Bruce Van Derven (Selectmen), Rick Alpers (Selectmen), Keith McBay (Bonnet Page & Stone), Susan Duncan, Mike Bannon, Boake Morrison, and J.P. Morrision. There were also other observers in the audience from the Fire Department and Police Department.
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m., at the Bristol Elementary School, and the meeting was video taped for LRPA.
Opening Discussions
Chairman Auger discussed the rules of the meeting and purpose of the meeting. All Budget Committee members and Department Heads present introduced themselves to all those in attendance. Mr. Auger stated it is the responsibility of the Budget Committee to review and prepare a budget based on the requests of Social Service Agencies, Department Heads, and the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Auger stated there will be no money Warrant Articles presented this year.
Chairman Auger stated that the Board of Selectmen’s budget is slightly different from that of the Budget Committee and the majority of the change occurred in relation to salaries. Mr. Auger stated a great deal of discussion had occurred between the budget committee and board over the previous months regarding salaries. Mr. Auger stated the majority of the differences are relative to those discussions. Mr. Auger stated in order to implement the Salary Study, the Budget Committee decided to support the implementation over a two year period. Giving a 2% pay increase and/or half the pay increase represented in the study whichever was the higher.
Budget Discussions
Chairman Auger stated of the General Government Accounts presented in this budget there are 14 Sub Sections that were reviewed by the committee. Mr. Auger stated the Board of Selectmen approved $956,012, and the Budget Committee approved $931,848, having a difference of $24,848. Chairman Auger stated some of the difference is also attributed to changes in FICA, Medicare, and Health Insurance.
Mike Bannon asked what the increase in the budget was this year? Chairman Auger stated $75,000 in Salary increases, 7.6% in FICA and Medicare, and in Retirement that varies in each department. Town Manager, Corrow stated Health Insurance stayed the same as last year, but is slightly down because of employee contributions. Chairman Auger commented that this is due to some employees who do not participate in the plan.
J.P. Morrison asked if the Town of Bristol has ever considered using an H.S.A. or anything else? Ms. Corrow stated they had not but currently use an H.M.O. Mr. Morrison stated when using an H.S.A, money is put into an account that builds, and when needed it is then used. Paul Simard asked what the drawbacks of an H.S.A. were? Mr. Morrison stated it is the cost of insurance plus the deductible of $5,800 that rolls over each year. Susan Duncan asked how many full time employees are on Health Insurance at this time? Town Manager, Corrow stated 31 are currently spread out amongst three levels of insurance. Susan Duncan asked how many had insurance last year? Ms. Corrow stated two employees who had it last year, do not have it this year. Susan Duncan asked if there are any new employees this year? Ms. Corrow stated there are no new employees receiving insurance this year, but two (2) part time positions had a change in life insurance coverage based on working two (2) part time positions.
Chairman Auger instructed everyone to turn to page 3 of the budget worksheet previously handed out to review the Financial Administration.
Boake Morrison asked about line item 01-4150-120 entitled Administrative Secretary under the Financial Administration accounts. Town Manager, Corrow explained that this position is for a full time employee who is also the Welfare Director. Boake Morrison asked if this was a split in positions. Ms. Corrow stated it is not a 50/50 split between the two (2) positions. Mr. Morrison asked who is responsible for these budgets? Mr. Morrison stated he can only see increases in the Budget but no savings. Chairman Auger stated the budget came from Social Service Agencies, Department Heads, and the Board of Selectmen, and then cuts were made by the Budget Committee from there. Mr. Morrison stated he thought the reasoning behind hiring a Town Manager was to save the Town money? Mr. Auger stated he thought Mr. Morrison was confused on the process stating he has seen improvements to the budget, although everyone may not be in agreement. The Budget Committee made these decisions as a group. Mr. Morrison stated the Budget Committee is doing a great job.
Budget Discussions Continued
Mike Bannon asked about line item 01-4152-190 entitled Land Use Enforcement Officer under the Property Reappraisal accounts and why this position has an 11% increase over last year? Chairman Auger stated that this person did not work the entire 2007 year, and that some of the increase was part of the salary increase. Mr. Bannon stated he thought this to be ridiculous.
Susan Duncan stated the Assessing Clerk (line item 01-4152-110) was a shared position and now a full time position and the Land Use Enforcement Officer (line item 01-4152-190) is also a full time position now? Ms. Corrow stated the only new person is part time, and this person does not have a health insurance plan. The Assessing Clerk is a cross trained person working as a clerk at the Fire Department part of the time, and the Town Hall the other half.
Ms. Duncan asked about line item 01-4152-312 entitled Assessing Contract Service asking for an explanation of the line item. Town Manager, Corrow stated this is a level funded item, which is for reviewing ¼ of the Town each year for measure and listings. Ms. Corrow continued saying the revaluation is spread out over a number of years, and we are currently in the second year of the contract.
J.P. Morrison stated between the Assessing Clerk and Contract Services a ton of money is being spent, asking if this is a cost the taxpayer will see each year or is it just the $100,000 for this one year? Chairman Auger stated the Town had a full assessment three (3) years ago. Town Manager, Corrow explained that the Assessing Clerk enters the data for the assessor, the tax credits and exemptions, current use items, and answers the phone. The Land Use Enforcement Officer issues permits, and deals with compliance issues. Mr. Morrison stated it seems as if one person could do all of this position. Ms. Corrow stated that would be unreasonable based on the amount of work that is involved with the positions.
Susan Duncan asked if it was necessary for the purchase of Law Books (line item 01-4153-670 under Legal) when this information can now be obtained online? Town Manager, Corrow stated the online information is not always current. Ms. Duncan asked if Ms. Corrow could explain line item 01-4155-270 entitled Downtown/Economic Development Program? Ms. Corrow stated this is to hire a coordinator to promote and coordinate events in the downtown area. Ms. Corrow explained this person will raise funds and reinvest the money into community activities as well as work with the State to get the downtown in a better place.
Ms. Duncan asked for an explanation relative to line item 01-4155-### entitled Grant Writer? Town Manager, Corrow stated the Grant Writer is a shared expense with the Town of Hill. This line item is half the cost of person to write grants for the Town of Bristol bringing in additional revenue to the Town.
Budget Discussions Continued
Susan Duncan asked if a person has been hired to fill the position of line item 01-4155-270 entitled Downtown/Economic Development Program? Town Manager, Corrow stated we have used someone in the past whom we would certainly like to hire, but this person has not been asked so it is not a done deal.
Boake Morrison stated this grant confuses me because he was told by a Selectmen they were going to check into this. Mr. Morrison stated he is worried that Bristol will pay and the other town will not take care of their portion of the expense therefore receiving free grant writing. Selectmen Denning stated he has looked into private grants, but someone is needed to write them. Mr. Denning explained someone with experience in grant writing should be utilized in this instance.
Susan Duncan asked if the Drug Testing (01-4155-265) was mandated? Town Manager, Corrow explained some Drug Testing is mandated by the State, but this line item is for the initial testing of all employees. Ms. Duncan asked if there was some sort of problem that caused them to make this decision? Ms. Corrow stated it is in part to treat everyone fairly, and it had been brought to my attention that prior to my employment there had been issues. Ms. Corrow explained this will be on site drug testing where an individual will come do the testing at our facilities.
Mike Bannon asked if the Grant Writer was the Town of Bristol’s share? Ms. Corrow responded stating it is our share and a 50/50 split with the Town of Hill. Mr. Bannon asked if the Grant Writer is contracted? Ms. Corrow stated he will be contracted. Mr. Bannon asked what would happen should Hill not pay their share? Ms. Corrow stated the Town of Bristol would receive Grant Writing for their share. Mr. Bannon stated he is not against having a Grant Writer, but would hope that the Department Heads continue to write grants for their departments as well.
Susan Duncan stated she would like to see the Downtown Economic person be eliminated instead of having them full time next year.
Chairman Auger instructed everyone to turn to page five (5) of the budget worksheet.
There was no discussion of the Planning Board and Zoning Board accounts.
Mike Bannon asked about line item 01-4193-390 entitled Tax Map Update Fee? Town Manager, Corrow stated the 911 mapping had not been completed last year, therefore it had not been expended.
Budget Discussions Continued
Mike Bannon asked what line item 01-4194-815 entitled Public Communications under the General Government Buildings accounts? Chairman Auger stated this line item consists of a 5% Franchise Fee on the cable bill that generates revenue for the Town of Bristol. Funds are applied to an account to enhance communications, and it will raise approximately $45,000.
Susan Duncan asked if this franchise fee has already been applied to the bills? Town Manager, Corrow stated a public hearing was held on the issue awhile back in which 22 people had attended. Ms. Corrow stated it is already being taken out on the cable bill. Ms. Duncan asked if the projected $45,000 was based on the number of subscribers? Chairman Auger stated the number of funds received will be from only those who subscribe. Ms. Corrow explained the funds will be used to purchase our own station addressing issues like sound quality, giving more flexibility on air time, and even allow for live broadcasting. Mike Bannon asked if someone will eventually be hired for the position of operating this system? Ms. Corrow stated this person will be paid out of the franchise fees and will not be raised through taxation. Mr. Bannon stated this comes from taxpayers either way.
Paul Simard stated the Budget Committee did cut the some funds from this account, but they also wanted to address some of the issues' taxpayers have had. Mr. Simard stated most of the taxpayers want to see the Town Board’s in action. J.P. Morrison asked if this money was not spent can it be used in the general budget? Chairman Auger stated it is a bottom line budget and the funds can be moved around.
Ned Gordon asked if there was some sort of plan for how the $45,000 will be spent? Chairman Auger stated they had a plan for the $45,000, and the Budget Committee cut that to $30,000 to meet the complaints we have been hearing from the governing bodies' office. Mr. Auger stated there is a plan in place. J.P. Morrison stated he thought this is a terrible waste of money, and all cameras should be done away with at these meetings.
J.P. Morrison inquired about line items' 01-4194-111 entitled GGB Maintenance Custodian, line item 01-4194-640 entitled GGB Custodial Services under the General Government Buildings accounts, and 01-4195-650 entitled Town Cemeteries under the Cemetery accounts asking why one person could not do all of these jobs? Ms. Corrow stated 01-4194-640 GGB Custodial Services is for someone to clean the building once a week, and this person is under contract. Line item 01-4194-111 GGB Maintenance Custodian is a part time shared position with Kelley Park and other departments. J.P. Morrison stated originally that position was created to clean the building as well. Ms. Corrow stated she was unaware of that, as it was before she had been hired.
Chairman Auger stated the Budget Committee increased Town Cemeteries line item 01-4195-650 to $1,500. Mr. Auger explained the Selectmen had decreased the line item to $750, but the Budget Committee felt that for $1,500 it was well worth keeping up with the six (6) Town Cemeteries. Budget Discussions Continued
Chairman Auger stated the Trustees have been taking care of the cemeteries previously. J.P. Morrision stated he had wished the Budget Committee had not supported the Homeland Cemetery.
Mr. J.P. Morrison asked why line item 01-4196-483 Insurance Deductible does not come out of the Contingency Fund rather than hold the funds in the line item? Town Manager, Corrow stated that it could be taken out of that account, but this is how it has always been set up over the years.
Chairman Auger at this time called for a three (3) minute recess.
Old Town Hall/New Police Station
Chairman Auger introduced Keith McBay of Bonnet Page & Stone to those in attendance to discuss the restoration of the Old Town Hall and the New Police Station. Mr. McBay stated the Old Town Hall will be restored becoming the new Town Hall, and the current Town Hall will be revitalized as the New Police Station. Mr. McBay reviewed the plans in front of those in attendance. Mr. McBay explained the Old Town Hall facility will be lifted, set on a foundation, and an addition to the rear will allow for handicap accessibility. This building will provide the necessary vault space needed by Town Offices, and will also address other issues such as the roof and parking. Mr. McBay stated the Architect, Paul Mirski has quite of respect for old buildings and it will keep its historical integrity of the 1848 building. Mr. McBay stated it will be heated by oil heat.
Keith McBay stated the current Town Hall will be transformed into a New Police Facility. Mr. McBay stated a Sally Port will be added to the structure, and some walls will be constructed. Mr. McBay stated overall it will be cheaper to do these two projects than to build a new structure, and giving each building a life of 30-40 years. Boake Morrison asked if the windows will be replaced? Mr. McBay stated only the windows that need to be replaced. Town Manager, Corrow gave the history of the project explaining all concerns brought fourth at last year's town meeting was addressed when visiting this new plan. Ms. Corrow stated the new facility proposed at last years Town Meeting had been turned down, and this year they took the concerns to the table developing this new plan. Ms. Corrow explained that Mr. McBay who is the project manager is not being paid for any of the work he has already put into these plans, she stated he does not get paid unless it is supported at this year's town meeting. Ms. Corrow explained it is cheaper to have a project manager getting the costs down, than bidding each item out because often in runs into cost increases. A project manager can keep these costs down by using his pool of contractors, and overseeing the project on a daily basis.
Old Town Hall/New Police Station Discussion Continued
Mike Bannon asked if any thought had gone into giving the Police Department the entire downstairs of the current Town Offices? Town Manager, Corrow stated he had been discussed, but we were more interested in the life of the building rather than having to build something in another 7 to 10 years. This plan addresses these issues for another 30-40 years that is money well spent.
J.P. Morrison asked how high the ceilings would be? Keith McBay stated 9-10 feet. Susan Duncan asked if the house next to the Old Town Hall would need to come down and be purchased? Ms. Corrow stated the house would be purchased and then it would need to be torn down before construction. Ms. Corrow stated that figure has already been figured into the project costs.
Budget Review Police Department Accounts
Chairman Auger asked everyone to turn to page seven (7) in the Budget Worksheets to review the Police Department.
Mike Bannon asked why line item 01-4210-190 entitled PD Certified Special Police was not cut out of the budget? Town Manager, Corrow stated this is pay for special events such as Old Home Day and other activities. Boake Morrison asked why the Police Chief is furnished a car when he does not live within the community? Chief Clark stated he lives 25 miles away, and is available by phone or radio. Town Manager, Corrow stated the Police Chief is on salary and is not an hourly employee. Ms. Corrow stated he is in Bristol in 20 minutes and on the radio prior to arriving. Ms. Corrow stated the Chief also puts in a lot of hours. Selectmen Denning stated he has called the Police Chief on numerous occasions having no trouble at all reaching him, the morale of the department has significantly increased, and we are now starting to arrest the drug dealers in this town. Mr. Denning stated he feels Chief Clark is doing an exceptional job as Police Chief.
Mike Bannon asked about line item 01-4210-194 PD DARE Program inquiring about who pays for the officer? Paul Simard asked if the Town was getting compensation from the other communities sharing in the school system? Chief Clark stated he has given a proposal to the Board of Selectmen trying to resolve some of these issues. Boake Morrison asked why Bristol is the hub for these other communities? Chief Clark stated violence, burglaries, and assaults are on the increase. Mr. Morrison stated obviously there is a need for additional Police Officer’s in Bristol, but he would rather see these other towns carry their own by hiring additional police officers for themselves.
Catherine Pitari asked Chief Clark to explain an overview of why Bristol has nine (9) Police Officer’s? Chief Clark stated this past year there was 12,000 calls for service. The population is uneven during certain times of year, and during the winter months there has been an increase in telecomuters within the area during the week.
Police Department Discussions Continued
Police Officer’s are spread out over vacations, sick days, programs, schools, details, and a variety of other events making them spread themselves pretty thin at times.
Mike Bannon asked Chief Clark if Bristol was a 24 hour coverage station? Chief Clark stated they are and have been for quite sometime. Mr. Bannon asked about line item 01-4210-292 entitled Bike Patrol Equipment and Training? Chief Clark explained this is for the patrol of the Downtown, the Bike Trail, Beaches, Old Home Day, and other special events within town.
Boake Morrison stated no appropriations, no expenditures. Mr. Morrison asked about line item 01-4210-395 entitled Plymouth Dispatch wondering where this figure came from? Chief Clark explained it is based on the calls of service mostly during the summer population. Mr. Morrison asked the Police Chief if he would get up at Town Meeting to add additional funds to his budget? Chief Clark stated he would not, he believes the budget is fair, and he does not believe in playing any games it is what it is.
Susan Duncan asked about line item 01-4210-893 entitled Civil Events wondering what this line item is used for? Town Manager, Corrow stated these are for items that the Town does like fire works on the fourth of July, Old Home Day, and the Memorial Day Parade. Selectmen Rick Alpers stated in all fairness these funds have been kept out of the Over Time Budget in order to gain tighter control.
Fire Department Budget Discussions
Chairman Auger asked everyone to turn to page nine (9) to discuss the Fire Department Budget.
Mike Bannon asked what items were contained in line item 01-4220-667 entitled FD Vehicle Maintenance? Chief Skantze stated this line item is for tools, and supplies. Mr. Bannon stated line item's 01-4220-(810-817) were cut? Chairman Auger stated they have just moved to the Capital Improvements accounts on page twenty (20) as recommended by the Capital Improvements Committee.
Susan Duncan asked what percentages of Ambulance fees are being collected? Town Manager, Corrow stated in 2007, 160,000 patients was billed, and the town received $77,331. Ms. Corrow explained that Medicare patients pay 60%, Medicaid patients 40%, and remaining is not collectible.
Mike Bannon asked if the Fire Department was still working with COMSTAR? Ms. Corrow responded stating we are still working with COMSTAR. Boake Morrison stated each town pays approximately $25,000, but they are looking to improve things? We do not need to cover all these surrounding towns. What would Stewarts charge Bristol, has anyone asked? No further comments were made on this issue. Budget Discussions Continued
There was no discussion of the Crossing Guards and Emergency Management accounts.
Highway Department Budget
J.P. Morrison asked why line item 01-4311-142 entitled HD Call Pay was necessary? Superintendent, Mark Bucklin stated this is for the individual on call during evenings and weekends. Susan Duncan asked if the Highway Department was prepared for the entire winter? Town Manager, Corrow stated they are prepared.
Mike Bannon asked if the Town was buying another Vacuum Truck referring to line item 01-4311-671 entitled HD Vacuum Truck? Town Manager, Corrow explained this increase is to purchase the rear of another Vacuum Truck to replace ours. The replacement will not occur until it is necessary. Superintendent Bucklin stated the body would be replaced when needed. Boake Morrison stated we rent that out, what are the revenues on that? Town Manager, Corrow stated $5,000 for the 2007 calendar year.
Boake Morrison asked if the Bike Path was being reclaimed? Mr. Morrison was referring to line item 01-4312-391 entitled Sidewalk/Road Reclamation under the Highway Department accounts. Superintendent, Bucklin stated he anticipates putting in a raised sidewalk as a deterrent to pedestrians getting hit by traffic in the area of the bridge.
Mike Bannon asked how Bristol was doing on the revenues generated by the Recycling Materials? Town Manager, Corrow stated the revenues on the tipping fees were $75,069 for 2007. Mr. Bannon asked if we were paying for tire disposal? Superintendent, Bucklin stated they are not although we do have tires that need to be disposed of properly. Boake Morrison asked why there is an expense in line item 01-4324-364 entitled SW Recycled Metals when the revenues should be covering this line item? Mr. Bannon asked what they are doing about the recycling issues the town now faces? Budget Committee member Andrew Hemmingway who is also a member of the Recycling Committee stated the committee is looking at ways to offset some of the expenses, and looking at ways to generate additional revenues in the future.
Superintendent, Mark Bucklin stated they are investigating a recycling facility, adding additional containers, and working with the CO-OP that separates materials giving a $10.00 return to the Town of Bristol. Mr. Bucklin stated the property in Canterbury can not be used, and Merrimack County Farm is now being looked at as a possible site. CO-Op has set money aside for some sort of facility, but nothing has come of it yet.
No comments made on the Fire Betterment accounts.
Health Department
Mike Bannon asked if a Health Officer was hired? (01-4411-120 entitled Health Officer) Town Manager, Corrow stated this is a shared position with the Land Use Enforcement Officer.
No comments were made under the Health Agency, Humane Society, and Welfare Services accounts.
Boake Morrison asked why the Welfare Administrator needed a cell phone questioning line item 01-4441-346 entitled Cell Phone? Town Manager, Corrow explained this employee needs to carry this phone for Welfare type emergencies.
Susan Duncan asked about line item 01-4520-650 entitled X-Mass Lights/Decorations wondering why it was decreased from last year? Chairman Auger stated there is not a lot needing to be replaced this year.
Boake Morrison asked what was being done to line item 01-4522-431 entitled Kelley Park Master Plan increase so much? Andrew Hemmingway stated extensive reseeding, turf maintenance, and irrigation of the certain areas of the fields. Mr. Hemmingway stated the Budget Committee did decrease this line item, but gave enough to them to get started on the project.
No comments were made on the Library accounts.
Susan Duncan asked about the Old Home Day line item 01-4583-880 inquiring if spending was offset somewhere in the budget? Town Manager, Corrow explained that $15,000 was placed in the Economic Development line item, and $16,790 originally ran through the TCC books, and is now placed in the Town Budget.
There was no discussion on the Conservation Commission, Historic District Commission, Social Services, Principle L/T Debt, Interest L/T Debt, Tax Interest, and Grant accounts.
Capital Projects
J.P. Morrison asked what the funds were for in line item 01-4901-768 entitled Transfer Station Improvements? Chairman Auger stated these funds were set aside to look at and study how the flow goes through the Highway Department accounts.
Boake Morrison asked what line item 01-4901-771 entitled Downtown Improvements Plan was for? Town Manager, Corrow stated for an Architect to study the downtown area. Mr. Morrison stated why spend $25,000 for a study when the CO-OP is going to change their methods. Andrew Hemmingway explained a plan needs to be developed in order to make it happen. Chairman Auger stated Capital items are non-transferable if the items are not expended they go back into the general fund. Capital Projects Discussion Continued
Boake Morrison asked for an explanation of line item 01-4901-772 entitled Library Building Improvements? Chairman Auger explained this line item was voted in at another meeting. They had put in $30,000 for some repairs that need to be done, but this $30,000 goes towards the match.
Paul Simard asked if we have any idea how these Capital Projects will be present through the Budget? Chairman Auger stated all the items are here and are being submitted by the Budget Committee. Mr. Auger stated it is not up to the Budget Committee to decide how they are presented at Town Meeting.
Capital Equipment
Mike Bannon asked which Cruiser was being replaced under line item 01-4902-760? Chief Clark stated the replacement is under a scheduled replacement plan, and the oldest cruiser is being replaced.
J.P. Morrison stated there are duplicate line item numbers in the Capital Equipment line items with different names. Town Manger, Corrow made a note of this.
J.P. Morrison asked why not purchase another used ladder truck referring to line item 01-4902-765 entitled Ladder Truck Replacement-Fire? Chief Skantze stated the used Ladder Truck was purchased as a quick temporary fix. Mr. Morrison asked how many years would Bristol get out of this new Ladder Truck? Chief Skantze stated thirty (30) years or more. Rich Walenda stated the last truck we purchased was used for the past three (3) years. Chris Doloff of the Bristol Fire Department stated it takes 365 days to build this truck, and they will receive $10,000 for the old truck for a trade in value. Mr. Doloff stated based on the Safety aspects of buying used it was not an option. Boake Morrison commented Bridgewater should purchase the truck, and we can use theirs. Mr. Doloff stated it does not relate to high buildings, but more for insurance purposes to keep rates lower.
Sewer Accounts
Mike Bannon asked for an explanation of line item 05-4326-637 entitled Sewer UV Disaffection? Superintendent, Chartier stated this is an error in the name it should be called SEWER DISINFECTION CHEMICALS.
Water Accounts
There was no discussion of these line items.
Budget Totals
Chairman Auger stated the Board of Selectmen recommended $10,281,241, and the Budget Committee cut their budget recommending $10,155,381. Mr. Auger stated this is $5.94 per thousand on the tax rate, $1.00 more per thousand than last year.
Mike Bannon thanked the Budget Committee for their hard work and time spent on the budget. Susan Duncan thanked the Budget Committee for their efforts in placing needs before wants. Chairman Auger thanked all who attended the Public Hearing.
Conclusion
Chairman Auger stated Budget Committee members need to accept the Budget as a whole, and it will then be brought forward to Town Meeting.
Jon Thouin commented that a budget is not money spent, but a plan to spend money. It is either spent or it is not. Catherine Pitari stated there were strong individuals at tonight’s meeting, and she feels the Budget Committee should go with the Budget as presented.
Dorcas Gordon made the motion to reduce line item 01-4196-483 entitled Insurance Deductible under the Insurance accounts. Paul Simard seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for discussion of the amendment. Mr. Simard stated he would like to leave the $2,000 in the account, as he does not want the contingency fund to turn into a slush fund. Chairman Auger asked for additional discussion, no comments were made. Mr. Auger asked for the vote on the amendment. 2/11 MOTION DEFEATED
Paul Simard made the motion to approve the entire Budget as recommended by the Budget Committee. Andrew Hemmingway seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for discussion, no further comments were made. Mr. Auger asked for a vote on the entire Budget as recommended by the Budget Committee. 11/2 MOTION CARRIED.
The meeting adjourned at 11:15 p.m.
|