February 19, 2013
A special meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by Chairman Soter at 7 p.m. with all members in attendance accept Mr. Featherston.
Mr. Soter explained the meeting was intended to serve as a Budget Workshop and the Board would be reviewing all of the Town budgets and meeting with Chief Daigle, Chief Gentile and DPW Director Don DiMartino.
Mr. Laviolette reviewed anticipated revenues as well as the Town’s debt schedule with the Board. Mr. Laviolette explained State revenues are still somewhat uncertain but are expected to at least remain level.
Chief Daigle appeared before the Board to review his 2014 budget submittal. The Chief explained he has added three new positions as agreed to with the Board previously. He explained one of the positions will serve as a School Resource Officer. Chief Daigle explained the additional officers would be partially funded through a $75,000 reduction within his overtime account. Mr. Soter asked whether the Chief was comfortable with the overtime reduction. The Chief stated he would closely monitor his budget throughout the year and advise the Board if he felt the budget was not adequate.
Chief Gentile appeared before the Board to discuss his budget. The Chief explained the recent fee adjustment for ambulance services has generated enough revenue to support the increase of four firefighters. The additional manpower will allow the Department to operate the South Fire Station on a 24/7 basis. The Chief stated the largest concentration of residents reside in South Bellingham and will be protected by the South Fire Station. Mr. Soter asked Chief Gentile if he would be comfortable waiting to hire the additional manpower until January. The Chief acknowledged he could wait; however, he was confident the ambulance receipts will adequately cover the new hires in July. Mr. Fraine suggested tying the receipts to the added personal; in the event the revenue is not generated to cover the
additional four firefighters, the Chief will have to lay off the individuals and cover the unemployment costs though his budget. All members agreed this was a reasonable approach and asked the Chief to further analyze the receipts and hire the firefighters if he is confident the ambulance receipts will be adequate.
Mr. DiMartino appeared before the Board to present his budgets. Mr. DiMartino stated there will be no increase in the water or sewer rates for the coming year. He explained the rate increase from last year on water, combined with the transfer of water infrastructure debt to the general fund, has allowed his Department to establish a modest capital account. Mr. DiMartino stated the only increases within the Highway budget were contractual.
Budget Workshop Minutes
Page 2
February 19, 2013
Mr. Soter stated the Board would continue to make revisions to the budgets if necessary during the upcoming month.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Denis C. Fraine
Town Administrator
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