Minutes
Selectmen’s Budget Workshop
October 27, 2005
8:15 PM Chair Netishen opened the meeting.
Members: Bill Netishen, Mary Bonser, Peter Bock and Town Administrator Charles A. Brown.
Guests: 10:30 AM- Marge Carlson, Jeane Samms
Concerning the Police Department budget, Mr. Netishen asked how the holiday pay is calculated and why the total for 2006 does not equal the 2005 numbers plus the 2.8% COLA. Mr. Brown stated the Chief had provided an explanation but he would ask the Chief for further clarification.
Mr. Brown will ask about encumbering the warrant article money. He will also look into whether the Economic Development Director will have its own account number or will it be part of the Planning/Zoning budget.
Mr. Brown will post the position for a Recording Secretary. The hope is to find someone that may be willing to provide this service for any Board in town on an as needed basis.
For the Community Center building maintenance: There are no hard quotes at this time. Mr. Brown will get a price to replace the siding & trim, remove the cupola in the multi-purpose room and for demolition of the old police department building.
Mr. Brown will post a notice to shut off lights and lock doors at the Community Center.
In the Town Hall and other Buildings, discussion regarding the electricity and heat. Mr. Brown explained that the increased use of the air conditioning this year has caused a significant increase in the electricity line for the Community Center. Increased rates will also influence heating lines. All heating lines will increase for 2006 do to increased unstable fuel prices.
Mr. Brown will inquire about insurance coverage for historical items.
9:35 AM Deviating from the budget discussion, the Board reviewed two items requiring signatures. The first item was an Intent to Cut for Map 15, Lot 15. Given the document being in order and the taxes being current, the Board signed the intent.
The second item, Mr. Brown asked that the Board sign the State form to reappoint Michael Kennard as Health Officer.
Motion: Bonser, second Netishen to reappoint Michael Kennard as Health Officer.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
The Board next discussed the cemetery budget. Mr. Netishen feels the Cemetery Commission should make the decision to pay the interest from Cemetery Trust Funds to the Town through the Trustees of the Trust Funds. This will help offset the budget for cemetery maintenance. Much discussion followed concerning the Cemetery Fund and individual funds. Mr. Brown stated that this issue has been discussed by the Trustees and this transfer of funds will take place once a year.
10:30 AM Jeane Samms, the municipal accounts auditor from DRA arrived for the tax rate setting. Mr. Brown gave Ms. Samms the revised estimated revenues from the MS-4 form. Ms. Samms informed Mr. Brown of a few changes that DRA required.
The next item regarded the amount of overlay the Town wishes to provide for this tax year. The existing amount is $30,000. Because of the recent update and changes to assessed valuations, it was decided to go with a $100,000 overlay. Using the amounts entered at this point the estimated 2005 rate would be approximately $14.76.
The Selectmen discussed at length, what amount of funds they should use from the unreserved fund balance. Asking Ms. Samms to enter different amounts into her calculations, the Board finally agreed to use $200,000 from UFB. This brought the estimated tax rate to $14.42 per $1,000 of valuation. This rate will not be official until DRA has reviewed the numbers and issues approval. This will take 7-10 business days.
11:35 AM Mr. Brown had two questions for Ms. Samms which she could not answer, she advised him to call Barbara Robinson after December to get an answer.
The Board discussed the schedule and submittals to the Budget Committee.
Having no further business before the Board,
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to adjourn.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Charles A. Brown
Town Administrator
Approved as corrected
10/31/05
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