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Town of Bristol Budget Committee Minutes PUBLIC HEARING February 9, 2009
APPROVED ON:
ATTENDED: Andrew Hemingway (Chairman), Dan Bouchard (Vice Chairman), Ron Preble , Richard Walenda, David Carr, Jon Thouin, Paul Simard, Ashley Dolloff, Tom Winn, Andrew Williamson, Brenda Fritz, Dorcas Gordon, and Bruce Van Derven (Selectmen).
ABSENT: Diane Marden (Secretary).
OTHERS PRESENT: Paul Weston (Town Manager), Joe Denning (Selectmen), Don Milbrand (Selectmen), various Department Heads, and members of the public.
OPENING DISCUSSIONS
The Chairman, Andrew Hemingway called the Public Hearing meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., at the Old Bristol Town Hall, and the meeting was video taped for Bristol Public Access.
Chairman. Hemingway addressed the Public stating the purpose of this meeting is to listen to the Towns people this evening relative to the Budget. Mr. Hemingway asked that anyone speaking keep to discussing this years budget rather than focusing on years prior.
Chairman Hemingway explained that after the Public Hearing the Budget Committee members would be holding an additional meeting to make any necessary changes relative to what had been discussed at this public hearing. Chairman Hemingway invited anyone having anything to say to stand up and speak.
A gentlemen from the public spoke relative to the Wage Classification Study commending the Board of Selectmen and Town Manager for doing a great job.
Another gentlemen stood up to address the issue of the Administrative Assistant to the Town Manager. The gentlemen stated he believes the Town is better off with three (3) Selectmen rather than having five (5) stating he does not believe they are doing a better job. Chairman Hemingway stated we are not here to speak about the positions, but rather the budget presented at this meeting. Jon Thouin stated the Administrative Assistant consists of three (3) positions not just the one position. Discussions Continued
A female from the public spoke relative to the positions within the budget that are shared positions Welfare, Fire Department, and Assessing. Town Manager, Weston stated the shared positions were all combined this year for the purpose of accounting, and no new positions have been created.
Dorcas Gordon stated she feels the overall question is what line items were these individuals paid from of last year? Town Manager, Weston stated they were coming out of Welfare, the Fire Department, and Administrative Offices.
Archie Auger explained that the Selectmen Budget at this point is present and he is wondering why there was not a Selectmen’s Budget prior to this point? Chairman Hemingway stated after reviewing RSA:32 with the Board of Selectmen, the Director at DRA, the Local Government Center, and Town Counsel we talked about ways we could make this budget more of an effective but efficient process. Chairman Hemingway stated RSA:32 brought us to a couple of conclusions: 1) is that the Board of Selectmen is not dictating a budget to the Budget Committee, but is there to give their recommendations. 2) This year these numbers match the MS7 exactly to the Budget Committee numbers.
Archie Auger stated the Board of Selectmen should have reviewed the Budget prior to the Budget Committee, and then presented the Budget to the Committee as their recommendations. Chairman Hemingway stated each Selectmen prepared a narrative of what they would like to see in the Budget. This is what the Budget Committee had requested of them, and they did give it to us. Bruce Van Derven commented that he assumes that Mr. Auger is speaking of Joe Denning who was not present for the majority of the last meeting where the Selectmen voted 4/0 to accept the Budget. Mr. Van Derven explained the Town Manager pointed out we may be able to get some funding for a bridge, and after tonight’s meeting we still have the prerogative to change the budget and vote again after public input.
Paul Simard stated he agreed with Mr. Auger that the Selectmen should have presented a recommended budget by the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Simard read RSA:32:17 to everyone present. Mr. Simard stated we did not receive a line item budget from the Board of Selectmen, as to why we did not, I am not sure. Chairman Hemingway stated that RSA:32 it states their recommendations not line by line, not even numbers, it states their recommendations. In what format the recommendations come in is up to the Budget Committee, and to insinuate the Board of Selectmen did not do their job in front of the public hearing it is wrong. Chairman Hemingway stated everything that was requested of the Board of Selectmen was given to the Budget Committee, and if something more was needed then it should have been asked for during the process, not here at the public hearing. Dorcas Gordon commented that some of the Budget Committee members were a bit disappointed that the Selectmen did not have a line by line budget of recommendations to follow.
Discussions Continued
Mrs. Firth commented by saying NANA was cut, the people of Bristol need these services, and she agrees with Rich Walenda about giving out $1 across the board in pay raises. Mrs. Firth stated most people do not make $60,000, and most people in Bristol are struggling. Mrs. Firth stated she commends Paul Simard for speaking up, and does not feel he should be reprimanded for expressing his thoughts.
A female from the public stood up to speak stating stating currently 56% of Bristol residents use NANA, and currently the Budget Committee has funded only 23% of Bristol’s residents. She would like to see NANA receive the amount they requested put back into the budget.
A gentlemen from the audience asked why the Budget Committee settled for a narrative as it seems to be a short cut to him? Chairman Hemingway stated the narratives were very lengthy, and the Town Manager could make them available to the public.
A gentleman stood to address the Budget Committee. He explained he appreciates the work that went into the budget, but feels spending in the Police and Fire Departments is out of control. He stated many are wondering if they are going to keep their jobs, be able to pay their taxes, and he feels there is a huge increase in these budgets. He stated he realizes things go up in price, but sooner or later the economy is going to crash. He feels we need to put a hold on any additional spending. Chairman Hemingway stated he understands what he is saying, this budget is down over $500,000 compared to last year. Mr. Hemingway stated we are working on trying to reverse this trend, and are trying hard to keep the spending down. The gentlemen stated he had two (2) Petition Warrant Articles to submit having 25 signatures. Chairman Hemingway stated it is too late to submit them as the deadline has passed to submit Warrant Articles.
Archie Auger stated what little time he has had to review the budget he feels the committee is headed in the right direction, but questions some of the areas that had been cut. Mr. Auger explained an example would be the Social Service Agencies stating when these programs are cut they have very little funds to operate and in retrospect without them people will have a tendency to come to the Town Welfare Department for these types of services. Mr. Auger stated it makes more sense to put funding into these agencies in order to receive the benefits. Chairman Hemingway stated the Budget Committee will open that up for discussion when we meet later.
A female from a Social Service Agency stated that her organization just dropped 8 hours in her weekly schedule, yet there is $20,000 in overtime for the Police Department, and $40,000 in overtime for the Fire Department. She continued to say we can not have our cake and eat it too, and therefore some concessions must be made.
Discussions Continued
A gentleman stated it is his understanding that salaries would be increased over a two (2) year period. Chairman Hemingway stated that is correct. Mr. Hemingway stated that had been considered.
Rich Walenda stated a person making $60.00 an hour is ridiculous, and should someone threaten to quit well let them. Mr. Walenda stated $1 across the board would be more reasonable than a $60,000 dollar raise. Chairman Hemingway stated $1 per hour equates to more money than it is costing to put in the increase.
A gentleman stated the wages were out of whack to begin with, and now it has gotten out of control. The comparisons were not with comparable towns, and the increases are not reasonable. He stated he wished the Committee would go back and look at these things. Chairman Hemingway stated a third party LGC was contracted to look at the wages, and they came back with their findings. Both the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee reviewed this study, and it was approved by both to implement these wage increases.
Archie Auger stated the Town Manager chose these towns, not a third party. When the report came in, the budget committee did review the Wage Study, and the end result was that the Town would implement the study over a two (2) year period. Mr. Auger stated it does not mean that the second half of the study needed to be done this year. Mr. Auger stated he is not saying these people do not deserve raises, but looking at the Fire Department one individual gets approximately a $30,000 increase. Mr. Auger stated someone had to get cut out of the pie, in order to fund that position. Mr. Auger asked that the Committee to review wages again. Chairman Hemingway stated all the Department Heads came to the Budget Committee and said the people come first over and above all making sure the people get their pay increases, and we will cut back on other areas in the budget.
Mrs. Firth stated her earlier comments relative to cutting the Social Services from the community. Chairman Hemingway stated NANA will be looked at again.
A Fire Department employee stated that the Wage Study was started prior to the last Town Manager. It was determined that many of the employee’s were severely under paid, and from being under paid all these years it created large discrepancies in pay. Former Town Manager Corrow was not responsible for anything but implementation of the Study, and unfortunately because employee’s were not compensated over the years the Town is now playing catch up.
Discussion Continued
A gentleman stated he does not believe the towns were comparable with the Town of Bristol, and the study needs to be redone.
A gentleman commented that he has been paying taxes in Bristol for 23 years, and he believes some sort of cap needs to be implemented to keep the taxes down. He stated no one is recommending cutting jobs, but to cut services to the Towns people is not wise either. He stated many people are considering moving out of town because they just can not afford the taxes. Paul Simard stated 52% of our tax revenue comes from our year round residents.
Chairman Hemingway stated the very first words we heard was to level fund the budget, another principle was to take care of the people, and the third principle was to take the real costs. A gentleman asked what is meant by level funding? Chairman Hemingway stated it basically means to hold the line to the previous years budget.
Rich Walenda stated the pay study was done, and the answers by the LGC was the answers by the previous Town Manager. Mr. Walenda stated we need to go back and revisit this.
Betty Ryan stated she has been working in real estate for the past 20 years, and she has never seen it as bad as it is now. Ms. Ryan stated many are selling their homes, and moving out of town. She hopes that the Budget Committee will listen to the people and act accordingly.
A gentlemen asked what the Budget Committee will be doing in the years to come in terms of revenue and bringing down the tax rate? Chairman Hemingway stated this years budget is down by $500,000. Dan Bouchard stated he is big on revenues, and he is searching for additional revenues to bring in to keep the taxes down. Mr. Bouchard stated he also would like to see them recorded properly.
A gentlemen made the comment that he is disappointed that when looking at the people first he assumed they meant the employee’s of the Town of Bristol and not the Tax Payers. He stated it should be that the tax payers are looked at first, and the employee’s second.
A woman from the audience stood to speak stating she is on a fixed income, and the elephant in the closet is the school budget. She stated the school is using the majority of the tax dollars, and the Town is the one who economizes. So people need to go to the school meetings.
A woman from NANA spoke stating it was devastating that the budget would be cut, but often these NANA nurses are somewhat of an emergency response department as well, and she feels they should reconsider funding NANA. Discussions Continued
Archie Auger stated there is a lot of revenue coming from the State, and in times like today where budgets are being cut across the board he can see a potential problem with this.
Town Manager, Paul Weston stated he was responsible for putting the revenue numbers into the budget, and he was real conservative with his numbers. Chairman Hemingway stated it is very difficult to determine exact revenues so we have been conservative with these numbers.
A woman asked how much has been collected in taxes and how much is in default? Town Manager, Weston stated the Tax Collector has informed me that January through June 92% had been collected, by the end of December 89% had been collected, which indicates a 3% decrease in collections.
Town Manager, Weston stated the majority of the revenues come from our property taxes. State Legislatures control our destiny.
Dan Arseneau stated the Police and Fire Departments do an exceptional job, and it is his thought that the surrounding Town’s are not paying their share. Mr. Arseaneau stated he believes that should be looked at closer in terms of additional revenue.
The Director of the Newfound Lake Regional Association addressed the Budget Committee stating he has listened to concerns about the revenues, and he has heard about the taxation of waterfront properties. He stated his organization has over 650 members and about 1/3 are from Bristol. He continued to say the economy can be built up by the use of its natural resources explaining this is a valuable resource. The Director stated he would appreciate reconsideration to approve his request for 2008. Ron Preble stated he believes it was not totally funded because not all communities had been included in funding the NLRA. The Director stated if he had said that it was not true.
A gentlemen stated the Fire Department has done an incredible job at bringing in revenue, and he believes the Fire Department is not costing as much as everyone thinks.
Chairman Hemingway stated the Budget Committee made many cuts in this years budget, and therefore added additional funds to the contingency fund in the event it is needed.
A gentleman suggested running the transfer station a couple of days a week to cut down on some costs, and operating the lower section may once a week.
A gentleman stated over the past couple of years it seems the Fire Department and Police Department are finding they need new equipment verses purchasing used equipment. He stated a considerable amount of money could be save she they not purchase brand new equipment. Discussions Continued
A gentleman stated he Bristol needs to stop helping these other towns, we are paying for the other towns, and it is taking a toll on our equipment. Bristol does an exceptional job, but we need to stop assisting these other communities to cut some of our costs.
Archie Auger stated he was looking at the Highway Projects and over the years we have always maintained our streets, and he noticed this year it is at $150,000. He would like to ask the Budget Committee to re-distribute some of these funds throughout the budget.
Rich Walenda stated we keep forgetting the retired people, and if we keep it up we are going to drive them out of town. Mr. Walenda stated these other towns need to take care of themselves, and we can not continue to help them out. Mr. Walenda stated the roads should be sprayed this year for half the cost.
Joe Denning stated we do not know what is going to happen this year, or even next year. Mr. Denning stated his employee came first this year, because they are what makes this town operate. These Social Service Agencies should be funded 100% because they are doing a service or job cheaper than we can do it ourselves. He has listened to I do not like this, but I like that. He stated the bottom line is your tax rate is going to be lower based on this budget. Mr. Denning stated the budget is tight, but we will get through it.
A gentleman stated if the Town is run like a business how many businesses stay in business when the spend, spend, spend? He stated not many stay in business under these circumstances.
Chairman Hemingway stated our general fund is where it needs to be, and we had a surplus last year, and we have decreased this years budget by $500,000.
A woman stated many cities are cutting pay in order to not fire employees, and people are making necessary sacrifices. Yet she looks at the Town of Bristol’s Budget and can not understand this sort of spending in times such as this.
A gentleman asked who is responsible for negotiating with the other towns relative to the services we provide to other towns, and to assure that it is fair and equitable? Chairman Hemingway stated it is a Selectboard issue. The Budget Committee works with the Budget not policy issues.
Police Chief Clark stated with life safety issues it is important to take care of the people first no matter what Town they reside in.
Tomm Winn stated he has been in public safety for 42 years, and anyone with a scanner can see nothing but re-tones. Mr. Winn stated you never see anyone discussing the amount of training required by today’s Police and Fire Departments. People have a better chance of surviving today, then 40 years ago, and that costs money. Discussions Continued
Mrs. Firth stated maybe some of the Department Heads should stand up and realistically take and sacrifice a pay cut. Chairman Hemingway stated we hear everyone’s concerns, and we need to start winding down so that the committee can do it’s work for this evening. Mr. Hemingway stated he has appreciated all the comments this evening, and the consideration of others to allow us to do this.
Archie Auger stated he would like to remind the Chairman about the Franchise Fee that everyone pays on their cable television. Mr. Auger would like to know why that line item was increased, and he believes it should be re-visited as well. Chairman Hemingway stated they will look at that again as well, and thanked Mr. Auger.
Chris Dolloff stated most of the items within the Budget are necessary, and are for life safety purposes. Mr. Dolloff stated the new Fire Chief needs to have clothing, and that was somewhat an unexpected expense of about $6,000. Mr. Dolloff asked the Budget Committee to reconsider putting the requested amount back into the budget.
Chairman Hemingway asked for additional comments that have not already been discussed. No additional comments from the public were made. Archie Auger thanked the Budget Committee for the work they have done. Chairman Hemmingway adjourns the Public Hearing at 9:05 p.m.
Budget Committee Deliberations
Bruce Van Derven made a motion to increase NANA up to $27,500, an increase Genesis up to $2,000, NLRA up to $1,000, Fire Equipment/Cap. Equipment Upgrade up to $25,000, and to pay for these increase he would like to reduce Public Communications to $40,000, and reduce the Contingency Fund to $25.000, having a total increase to the Budget of $15,800, additionally reducing the tax lien line to $1,700, and Highway Projects Resurfacing Road will decrease to $49,500. Brenda Fritz seconded the motion. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion on the amendment to the Budget.
Paul Simard stated he would be careful to decrease the tax lien. Dorcas Gordon asked if the Budget Committee could vote on each item individually?
Dorcas Gordon made a motion to amend the amendment to vote on each of the above individually. David Carr seconded the motion. Chairman Hemingway asked for a vote on voting on each line item individually as stated above. MOTION CARRIED 9/4
Bruce Van Derven made a motion to increase NANA to $27,500. David Carr seconded the motion. Chairman Hemming asked for a vote. MOTION CARRIED 8/4/1-abstention
Deliberations Continued
Bruce Van Derven made the motion to increase Genesis to $2,000. Brenda Fritz seconded the motion. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no discussion, he then called for a vote. MOTION CARRIES 8/5
Bruce Van Derven made the motion to increase NRLA to $1,000. Brenda Fritz seconded the motion. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no discussion, he then called for a vote. MOTION FAILS 4/9
Bruce Van Derven made the motion to increase Fire Equipment/Cap. Equipment Upgrade to $25,000. Brenda Fritz seconded the motion. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no discussion, he then called for a vote. MOTION CARRIES 8/5
Bruce Van Derven made the motion to reduce the tax lien line to $1,700 having a reduction of $300. Brenda Fritz seconded the motion. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no discussion, he then called for a vote. MOTION FAILS 0/13
Bruce Van Derven made the motion to reduce Public Communications to $40,000. Brenda Fritz seconded the motion. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion.
Dorcas Gordon amended the motion to reduce Public Communications down to $30,000. David Carr seconded the amended motion. Bruce Van Derven stated we have worked very hard to bring the Town’s business in front of tax payers by utilizing the television channel, and he does not recommend reducing it any further. Mr. Van Derven stated this is also a revenue item, not a tax item. He would oppose the amendment, and should anything be left over it would revert to the general fund. MOTION TO AMEND FAILS 5/7/1
Chairman Hemingway asked for a vote on the original motion made by Bruce Van Derven to reduce Public Communications to $40,000. Brenda Fritz had seconded the motion. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no discussion, he then called for a vote. MOTION CARRIED 8/3/2-abstentions
Bruce Van Derven made the motion to reduce the Contingency Grant Fund to $25.000. Brenda Fritz seconded the motion. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no discussion, he then called for a vote. MOTION CARRIED 10/1/1-abstentions
Deliberations Continued
Town Clerk
Chairman Hemingway stated the Town Clerk has requested that dues and memberships be paid as there is a RSA pertaining to that line item 01-4140-396 to increase it to $600. Dan Bouchard made the motion to increase line item 01-4140-396 entitled TC Dues and Memberships to $600. Bruce Van Derven seconded the motion. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion. Bruce Van Derven stated she is required under RSA to pay these along with reasonable expenses. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no discussion, he then called for a vote. MOTION CARRIED 11/0/2-abstentions
Chairman Hemingway stated the next request was also from the Town Clerk who wishes to raise line item 01-4140-550 Printing to be increased to $2,000 to print ballots. Bruce Van Derven made the motion to increase line item 01-4140-550 entitled Printing to $2,000. Jon Thouin seconded the motion. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no discussion, he then called for a vote. MOTION CARRIED 11/1/1-abstention
Tax Collector
Chairman Hemingway stated the next request was for the Tax Collector’s Meetings and Memberships line item 01-4150-561 to $600. Town Manager, Weston stated this is also a certification thing for two (2) individuals. Ron Preble made the motion to increase TC Meetings and Memberships up to $600. Dan Bouchard seconded the motion. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no discussion, he then called for a vote. MOTION CARRIED 10/2/1-abstention
Police Department
Chairman Hemingway stated the Police Department has a request to Detective Sergeant line item 112 bringing the total line to $46,145. Town Manager Weston stated this is an adjustment based on a clerical error. Bruce Van Derven made a motion to bring line item 112 entitled Detective Sergeant to $46,145. Brenda Fritz seconded the motion. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no discussion, he then called for a vote. MOTION CARRIED 9/2/2-abstentions
Chairman Hemingway stated the Police Department has also requested that line item 140 entitled PD Overtime to increase this line item to $25,000. Town Manager, Weston stated this line item has been chronically under funded over the years, and he feels the additional $5,000 is warranted. Andrew Williamson made the motion to amend line item 140 entitled PD Overtime to $25,000. Ashley Dolloff seconded the motion. Chairman Hemingway asked for additional discussion.
Police Department Continued
Paul Simard stated we need more certified Part-time officers to avoid paying more overtime. Dan Bouchard stated he is against this increase it needs to managed better to $20,000 not the requested $25,000. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no discussion, he then called for a vote. MOTION FAILED 4/8/1-abstention
Chairman Hemingway stated the next request of the Police Department is for line item 142 PD Police Investigations requesting an increase to $1,000. Town Manager, Weston stated this is for related items such as drug investigations, photo equipment, investigation supplies, related costs to drug interdiction, needs for undercover operations. Dan Bouchard made the motion to increase line item 142 entitled PD Police Investigations in the amount of $1,000. Ashley Dolloff seconded the motion. Paul Simard stated he believes it is important, but if it can not be found in the budget then we should not support it. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no discussion, he then called for a vote. MOTION FAILED 6/7/0
Chairman Hemingway stated a Police Department Prosecutor line item 390 wishing to increase this line item by adding $5,000. Andrew Williamson made the motion to increase line item 390 by adding $5,000 to the current appropriation. Ashley Dolloff seconded the motion. Paul Simard asked what the possibility is of having some officers prosecuting smaller cases, and reserving the attorney for the major offenses.
Andrew Williamson made the motion to amend line item 390 to $23,500. Ashley Dolloff seconded the motion. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no discussion, he then called for a vote. MOTION CARRIED 8/4/1-abstention
Chairman Hemingway asked for a vote on the original motion made by Andrew Williamson to increase line item 390 by adding $5,000, then amended by himself to $23,500. Ashley Dolloff seconded the original motion, and the amended motion. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion. Bruce Van Derven explained he would like to decrease Homeland Cemetery by this amount. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no additional discussion was made, he then called for a vote. MOTION CARRIED 9/3/1-abstention
Town Manager, Weston asked to plead one more request of the Police Department in line item 391 entitled Training Materials and the request would be to increase it to $3,700. Brenda Fritz made the motion to increase line item 391 entitled Training Materials to $3,700. Andrew Williamson seconded the motion. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no additional discussion was made, he then called for a vote. MOTION FAILED 5/7/1-abstention
Highway Department
Chairman Hemingway stated he has a request of the Highway Department for line item 410 entitled Electricity requesting an increase to $3,500. Town Manager, Weston stated this is the cost of Electricity to light the lights at the Highway Garage. Ron Preble made the motion to increase line item 410 up to $3,500. Jon Thouin seconded the motion. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no additional discussion was made, he then called for a vote. MOTION CARRIED 10/2/1-abstention
Paul Simard made a motion to adjourn until the committee gets a legal opinion. As he is is questioning whether or not it is legal to add these items into the budget at this time after the Public Hearing. David Carr seconded the motion for the purpose of discussion. Dorcas Gordon stated the Budget Committee reserves the right to make changes to the budget after its public hearing, and she believes unless they are going to add an entirely new column that what they are doing is well within there rights as Budget Committee members. Bruce Van Derven agreed with Ms. Gordon. Ms. Gordon stated they are doing what they have done over the past few years. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no additional discussion was made, he then called for a vote. MOTION FAILED 1/11/1-abstention
Homeland Cemetery
Bruce Van Derven made the motion to amend the Homeland Cemetery account to $6,500 to cover some of the additional expenses imposed earlier in the Police Department. Brenda Fritz seconded the motion.
Ron Preble made the motion to amend it back to the $7,500. Bruce Van Derven seconded the motion. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no additional discussion was made, he then called for a vote. MOTION CARRIED 7/3/2-abstentions
Chairman Hemingway asked for a vote on the original motion made by Bruce Van Derven to amend the Homeland Cemetery account to $6,500, which was amended by Ron Preble to $7,500 with the motion passing.. Brenda Fritz had seconded the original motion. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no additional discussion was made, he then called for a vote. MOTION CARRIED 7/3/2-abstentions
Planning Board/Zoning Board
Chairman Hemingway stated he has received a request by the Planning and Zoning Boards to increase the Supplies line items to $200.
Planning and Zoning Board Continued
Ashley Dolloff made the motion to amend the Planning Board Office Supply line item to $200, and the Zoning Board Office Supply line item to $200. Brenda Fritz seconded the motion. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no additional discussion was made, he then called for a vote. MOTION CARRIED 8/1/2-abstentions
Financial Administration
Chairman Hemingway stated he has a request to increase the Financial Consultant line item 331 under the Financial Administration to $20,000. Town Manager, Weston stated he has a letter showing significant deficiencies throughout, and he strongly believes we need to get the financial house in order, as well as train existing personnel. Mr. Weston does not anticipate spending all the funds, but the Board of Selectmen also agree this is needed.
Bruce Van Derven made the motion to approve $5,000 for the Financial Consultant. Brenda Fritz seconded the motion. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no additional discussion was made, he then called for a vote. MOTION CARRIED 7/5/1-abstention
Wages
Paul Simard made the motion to forgo the second half of the pay study. Rich Walenda seconded the motion. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion. Paul Simard stated the Wage Classification study was prematurely released to the employee’s, it was late in the Budget process therefore the Budget Committee released a partial payment of wages. Mr. Simard stated no everyone on the Budget Committee agreed with the outcome of this. Mr. Simard stated we need to listen to what the people said this evening, and we should based on their concerns forego releasing the second half of this study. Mr. Simard he does not anticipate that property values will hold up throughout the economy, and he strongly feels we need to listen to the public. Mr. Simard asked for the total budget increase after tonight’s changes. Ashley Dolloff stated it is $5,442,136. Tom Winn believes we voted to do it, and we should do it. Jon Thouin stated he feels we have a moral obligation to implement what we said we would last year. Dorcas Gordon feels the wages should be given this year. Rich Walenda believes the wages should not be given this year as there were flaws in the study. Bruce Van Derven asked when the Town’s revaluation would be? Town Manager, Weston stated 2012. Bruce Van Derven stated we have had a complete turnover in the Police Department, and if we recall we could not keep anyone at the rate of pay prior to this study. Mr. Van Derven stated since 1988 the budget has gone up nine (9) out of ten (10) times.
Wages Continued
Bruce Van Derven stated two (2) years ago the budget was two (2) million dollars more than what we are paying today. Mr. Van Derven stated it is astonishing to see the budget 2-4 million less, and yet we can not see to want to pay our employee’s. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no additional discussion was made, he then called for a vote. MOTION FAILED 2/11
Warrant Article #XX
Chairman Hemingway stated that Lloyd Belvin submitted a Warrant Article with twenty-five (25) signatures to see the Town will vote to fund the amount of last years budget in an attempt to level fund the budget. Mr. Hemingway stated after the deadline Mr. Belvin tried to withdraw the Warrant Article, and after legal consideration it was determined that he would need to withdraw the Warrant Article at Town Meeting. Mr. Hemingway stated all we need to vote on is not recommending the Warrant Article. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no additional discussion was made, he then called for a vote on not recommending Warrant Article XX. MOTION CARRIED 12/1/0
Fire Department
David Carr made the motion to zero out accrued benefits under the Fire Department line item 4220-198. Paul Simard seconded the motion. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion. Town Manager, Weston stated it was a clerical oversight. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no additional discussion was made, he then called for a vote MOTION CARRIED 13/0/0
Article XVII & Article XVI
Dave Carr asked about the $168,000 to be appropriated from fund balance. Mr. Carr asked if the Fund Balance was too low anyway at this time. Town Manager, Weston stated these articles can be drawn from fund balance, it has gone through DRA, and the Town’s attorney. The purpose is to hold the tax rate down. It is a check that will be in the fund in January, and it will be used to cover that. It will not actually take from the fund balance, but is considered to be more of a wash. Mr. Weston stated Article XVI is also done the same way.
Dave Carr stated within the operating budget a couple of Warrant Articles are showing up, and he assumes those have been taken account for. Town Manager, Weston stated that is correct.
Police Department
Dorcas Gordon made the motion to zero the Police Cruiser out of the Police Department Budget item number 4902-760. Paul Simard seconded the motion. Ms. Gordon stated we are doing a lot for employee’s this year, and she feels we need to sacrifice. Andrew Williamson stated the old cruiser is not going to last much longer, and there could be a liability issue if someone gets hurt. Dan Bouchard stated we have had substantial discussions about this, and he understands the difference between wants and needs. Mr. Bouchard believes the department can get by one more year. Bruce Van Derven asked Dave Carr about the rotation schedule. Mr. Carr stated vehicles at that time needed to be rotated every two years but now we have more vehicles, and should be done every 18 months now. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no additional discussion was made, he then called for a vote MOTION CARRIED 7/5/1-abstention
Paul Simard commented on Article XVII do we need to borrow verses paying it out right. Town Manager, Weston stated that will increase the tax rate. Mr. Simard stated we have never had to borrow it before. Paul Simard made the motion to not recommend Article XVII, using the funds from the fund balance of $163,512 rather than borrow the funds. David Carr seconded the motion. Dorcas Gordon asked if this has a major impact on the tax rate. Town Manager, Weston stated it would be about 29.2 cents on the tax rate, bringing us back up to the $5.39 which is close to level funding the budget. Town Manager, Weston stated this is funds already received from DOT as reimbursement from the Central Street Bridge. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no additional discussion was made, he then called for a vote MOTION CARRIED 1/11/1-abstention
Police Department
Bruce Van Derven made the motion to place $25,000 in the Police Department Cruiser line item 4902-760. Andrew Williamson seconded the motion. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no additional discussion was made, he then called for a vote MOTION FAILED 6/7/1-abstention
Bruce Van Derven made the motion to place $1 in the Police Department Cruiser line item 4902-760. Andrew Williamson seconded the motion. Bruce Van Derven stated at least if money becomes available they can purchase the item. Rich Walenda stated they have enough cruisers. Ron Preble agreed if a grant came around or something came up. Dorcas Gordon agreed also. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no additional discussion was made, he then called for a vote MOTION CARRIED 9/4/1-abstention
Burough Bridge
Paul Simard made the motion to eliminate the funding to the Burough Bridge. Rich Walenda seconded the motion. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no additional discussion was made, he then called for a vote. Ron Preble asked if this is removed what would happen to the Warrant Article. Town Manager, Weston stated we share in the cost of that with other communities, and the project would not get done. Bruce Van Derven asked if Paul Simard was serious about a backhoe and a half days work? Paul Simard stated no maybe a couple of days. Mr. Weston stated we have already spent $80,000 on design. Dan Bouchard stated without the bridge, no one comes to spend money in Bristol. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no additional discussion was made, he then called for a vote MOTION FAILED 2/11/0
Water Department
Bruce Van Derven moves to add $1.00 to the Water Transfer account. Brenda Fritz seconded the motion. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no additional discussion was made, he then called for a vote MOTION CARRIED 12/1/0
Bottom Line of the Budget
Dan Bouchard made the motion to accept the bottom line of the budget at $5,046,754. Jon Thouin seconded the motion. Dave Carr asked if this includes the Warrant Articles? Town Manager, Weston stated should any warrant article not pass at Town Meeting it then gets removed. Bruce Van Derven requests a roll call vote. Paul Simard can not accept this budget. Chairman Hemingway asked for discussion, no additional discussion was made, he then called for a vote MOTION CARRIED 8/4/1-abstention
Meeting adjourned
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