Minutes
Selectmen’s Workshop
October 20, 2005
8:03 PM Chair Netishen opened the meeting.
Members present: Bill Netishen, Mary Bonser, Peter Bock and Town Administrator Charles A. Brown.
The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the FY2006 budget. Concerning salaries: Mr. Brown has received an email notice from Social Security indicating the cost of living adjustment (COLA) may be at 4.1%. This would be an increase over the 2.8% originally proposed. Much discussion followed concerning what to do for next year. Mr. Brown will make further inquiries.
Mr. Brown informed the Board or the County Tax Warrant in the amount of $452,679 He will get a copy of the county warrant to the Board. Due on or before December 17, 2005.
In the Police Budget, most lines are straight forward. The Chief has requested an SUV in the cruiser line. Discussion began regarding this request and also the Chief’s request to purchase a replacement cruiser from the CRF. The Board’s initial thoughts were to disapprove the SUV request but they will discuss the matter further at a later date.
Concerning bonuses, any consideration for a bonus will be just that; a one-time bonus, not an addition to the salary.
The Board asked for a value of the equipment that the Police Department sent to Mississippi to help the police there after Hurricane Katrina. Mr. Brown will get that info.
The Fire Department budget looks reasonable at this time. They are waiting to hear the results of the grant applications filed recently. Some edits may be made after the status of the grant money is determined and there are updated numbers for service contracts.
The Board asked what the total of the expenses are to date concerning the Bateman property. Discussion turned to the new fire station lot issue. Ms. Bonser asked to be better informed. Mr. Brown will get a total for the Board.
To calculate the fuel costs for next year, Mr. Brown explained that he used actual usage numbers for this year multiplied by an estimated cost of $2.35 per gallon.
9:55 AM A power outage occurred at the town offices interrupting the meeting.
The Board returned to the discussion about the COLA being set at 4.1% versus 2.8%. Mr. Brown will monitor the Social Security website regarding these rates.
They discussed the town clerk, health department, executive and cemetery commission budgets.
Mr. Brown will get the DRA work sheets from last year’s tax rate setting for Mr. Bock. He will also try to get updated budget worksheets for the Board for the next workshop.
10:05 AM Motion: Bonser, second Netishen to adjourn.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Charles A. Brown
Town Administrator
Approved as written
10/31/05
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