TOWN OF FARMINGTON
BUDGET COMMITTEE
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY - JUNE 25, 2008
356 MAIN STREET -FARMINGTON, NH
Members Present: Chairman Mike Morin, Brian St. Onge, Arthur Capello, Ann Titus, Steve Henry, Jim Horgan, School Board Rep. Joe Pitre and Selectmen’s Rep. Gail Ellis
Town Staff Present: School Superintendent Michelle Langa and School Finance Administrator Dan McGillicuddy
Public Present: Jeane Samms the Municipal Accounts Auditor of the NH Department of Revenue Administration, Penny Morin, Rich Cilley, Ken Dickie, and Cindy Snowdon.
Chairman Mike Morin convened the meeting at 6:02pm.
Jim Horgan motioned to put the interview section of tonight’s meeting after the DRA workshop, 2nd Steve Henry. Motion carried with all in favor except Mike Morin who abstained.
1. DRA Workshop:
A. Ms. Samms reviewed RSA 32 - Municipal Budget Law. (Her Power Point notes are available in the Budget Committee’s binder in the Municipal Building.) Gail questioned which budget goes forward to the voters in the event of a conflict and Mr. Samms replied that it is the budget committee’s operating budget that goes forward to the voters.
B. Mike asked if the budget committee (BC) zeroes a line item can the governing body place money in that line anyway. Ms. Samms replied that as long as there is money in the main account line that is reported on the MS-7 or MS-27 then money can be moved around in the subcategories; but if the main account line is zeroed than no money can be spent out of any of those lines. If line transferring occurs than the governing body is responsible to keep accurate accounting of the line transfers.
C. Ms. Samms explained that if an article is to “raise and appropriate” certain funds then the money comes from taxation unless it is otherwise noted. She also added that warrant articles paid out of the unreserved fund balance are paid in the order of how they were voted on during the town meeting. “Last voted in, is the first out if not enough money.” Also non-lapsing special warrant articles are expended by the governing body.
D. Ms. Samms said that it is not out of the BC’s purview to request copies of the MS-5 or MS-25 under the Right-to-Know Law.
E. Ms. Samms explained that if a warrant article is not presented and discussed by the BC at a public hearing than it can not go on the warrant. Mike asked if the BC closes the public hearing and then finds out about another article can they have another public hearing. Ms. Samms replied yes, the BC can have as many hearings as they want as long as it is within the time frame.
F. Ms. Samms also added that there is no changing the MS-7 or MS-27 once it is posted. Also the bottom line budget (including warrants) can not be increased more than 10% over the BC’s recommendation under the 10% Maximum Increase under RSA 32:18,19 and 32:21; this does not include collective bargaining agreements or mandatory water/wastewater treatment facility items.
G. Ms. Samms said that only special articles should have recommendations by the BC and if the voters would like further recommendations then they can apply on the ballot under RSA32:5.V.a.
H. Ms. Samms further explained that the BC cannot decrease or increase budget lines after the public hearing closes unless it was discussed during the hearing.
I. Ms. Samms also said that the revenues on the MS-27 are a best guess but the revenues on the MS-24 are actual revenues. Also, the MS-7 and the MS-27 shall be included in the annual report and made available to the public one week prior to the annual meeting.
J. Arthur asked what valuation is used to set the tax rate? Ms. Samms responded that the school and town tax rate is set by using the MS-1 with utilities valuation and that the state uses the valuations without utilities.
Arthur Capello motioned for a short recess, 2nd Steve Henry. Motion carried with Mike Morin abstaining at 8:06pm
Meeting reconvened at 8:19am.
2. Correspondence:
Mike informed the committee that he received an email from Ms. Langa informing him that there will be a deliberative session on August 11 with voting on September 9 on the collective bargaining agreement for the paraprofessionals. Ms. Langa asked the BC to hold their public hearing by July 17 on this matter. The BC agreed they could do this but requested both the collective bargaining agreements and the wording of the warrants prior to July 4, 2008. The BC will hold the public hearing on July 16 at 7pm, with a continuation date of July 17 (if needed). The BC will meet with the School Board at 6pm on July 16th prior to the public hearing to get any questions answered they may have.
3. New Member Interview:
The BC interviewed Cindy Snowdon for the Budget Committee. Arthur Capello motioned to accept Cindy Snowdon as a member of the budget committee, 2nd Jim Horgan. Motion carried with Mike Morin abstaining. It was noted that there are still two open seats on the budget committee.
Arthur Capello motioned to adjourn, 2nd Ann Titus. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:39pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Brandy Sanger, Recording Secretary
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