Minutes
Selectmen’s Budget Workshop
October 17, 2006
8:00 AM Chair Bonser opened the meeting.
Members: Mary Bonser, Peter Bock, Bill Netishen, Town Administrator Charles Brown and Heidi Seaverns.
The Board members reviewed the schedule for their budget meetings. The first meeting with department heads will be next Monday October 23rd with the 24th meeting posted, if needed.
Mr. Brown reminded the Board that salary increases across the Board were 4% based on COLA unless otherwise noted. He also informed the Board that all postage lines may increase once solid information is available about the proposed increase.
Mr. Brown then proceeded to review the following draft budgets with the Board:
1) Executive-The Tax Collector and office staff would like to make the switch from BMSI tax collect software to Avitar Tax Collect software. BMSI will not do a software support fee for 6 months; we must purchase a full year. So the initial year will reflect software support for 2 systems. This will be discussed further in Financial Administration budget. The Board may consider a warrant article for upgrade to the broadcasting equipment, PLAC line has been increased because matching funds are needed for grant work that needs to be done which can be in kind work rather than actual funds. There was a brief discussion where this money should be-if highway department
workers are going to do the work, it may need to be in highway budget.
2) Town Clerk-mileage line has been added, this was previously in the expense line.
3) Election-have only received the supervisor’s budget, which requests a 4% in crease in the supervisor’s pay rate, Mr. Brown also recommends a $0 .25/ hour increase for ballot clerks.
4) Financial Administration-training/support line includes Avitar Tax Collect software support. Conversion of the system can take place before 1st issue billing if money is approved at Town Meeting. Bond fees are for Mulligan easement & the new fire station.
5) Property appraisal-nothing yet
6) Legal- Mr. Brown has reduced to $ 50,000. After discussion Board recommends dropping legal line to $ 30,000, enforcement line to $ 1000 and other line to $ 1000 as well.
7) Planning/Zoning-adjusted number of hours for planning secretary, no other changes.
8) THOB-old furnace in Dame building needs to be removed, the floor in the Grange Hall is in desperate need of repair. There was a brief discussion about putting money in the budget for an archive room-more information is needed.
9) Cemeteries- have not received a request as yet. Mr. Brown informed the Board that the two cemeteries near Fort Hill Road will have a fall clean up done.
10) Insurance- no information as yet.
11) Police- Chief is proposing to add an additional officer. The Board would like additional information about the reasoning for adding additional officer. The new cruiser is in the operating budget. Mr. Brown suggested that the CRF established for replacement vehicles be drawn down and money used towards purchase of this vehicle. Chief has proposed a warrant article for the purchase of an Expedition.
The Board will review the remaining budgets and get back to Mr. Brown with their questions before the next meeting so he can get answers for them. Since one of the Board members had another appointment,
10:05 AM Motion: Bonser, second Bock to adjourn.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Heidi Seaverns
Approved as printed
10/30/06
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