Town of Nottingham
Selectmen’s Workshop Minutes
November 10, 2008
5:37 PM Chair Netishen opened the workshop.
Members Present: Bill Netishen, Mary Bonser, and Peter Bock
Others Present: Heidi Seaverns, Resident, Charles Brown, Town Administrator, and Traci Chauvey, Recording Secretary
BUDGET
Chair Netishen asked the other Selectmen to voice their thoughts on the salary increases. Ms. Bonser believes there is a reason for the employee contribution to their insurance; the cost increases every year. She strongly feels that the insurance should be left alone this year since the town is not seeing an increase. She was open to discussing whether or not to apply a 1.5% COLA. Mr. Bock firmly believes that they need to move forward with the process they started last year with employee contributions to the insurance plan. He feels that more of the cost must be borne by the employees. He is hesitant to back down from the 5% of plan participation across the board that they have discussed, but is willing to discuss a larger COLA. Chair Netishen acknowledged Ms. Seaverns. Ms.
Seaverns noted that during last year’s budget cycle, the Selectmen were fanatical when making the change to an employee contribution for the insurance that it not cost the employee to work for the town. She inquired as to what had changed. Mr. Bock did not believe they had been fanatical, noting that he had been clear in his decision last year by stating that the change was just the beginning. He feels that they are keeping their commitment to the employees as much as possible, acknowledging that some employees may get hit this year and noting that next year will be worse.
At Chair Netishen’s inquiry, Mr. Brown reported again that the cost to employees would be $25.83 for a single plan, $51.67 for a two-person plan, and $69.75 for a family plan. Chair Netishen noted that this would be an approximate $10,000 savings in the cost to the town. He suggested that there be no 1.5% increase; that the balance of the Awards line ($6,750) be allocated by the number of people and split between department heads to award as seen fit. He recommended giving Mr. Brown 43% for the Board of Selectmen, Solid Waste, Recreation, and Building Departments, 38% to Chief Foss for the Police Department, and 19% to Mr. Fernald for the Highway Department. He suggested encumbering the funds now to pay out in 2009. Mr. Brown noted that this money would not go to part-time employees. Chair Netishen acknowledged this and indicated that he was not concerned with the part-time employees. He believes this process would be a proper and appropriate distribution of the funds. Ms.
Bonser opposed the suggestion as a whole, believing it to be convoluted. She is against using the Awards line as it was set up for a different purpose. Ms. Seaverns suggested they take the money for COLA from the Data Verification line, noting that she does not want employees paying to work for the town. They continued to discuss the overall budget, the depressed economy, and what may or may not be there next year. Ms. Bonser feels that the Selectmen need to take care of the employees and that, overall, they are arguing about a small amount of money.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock for discussion, to leave the insurance at its current contribution rates of 0% for single, and 5% of the difference for two-person and family plans and to give a 1.5% COLA.
Discussion: Mr. Bock wants it on record that he feels this is not the end for the process they put in place last year with the insurance, noting that it is an anomaly that insurance rates went down this year. He strongly believes that they need to move forward with the process. He is willing to look at increasing the COLA and reducing the 5% of plan cost contribution. Ms. Bonser wants to be sure that no employee
ends up with less pay and noted that if they increase the COLA, other lines increase as well. Chair Netishen feels that it is the Selectmen’s responsibility to present a meaningful budget. Ms. Bonser believes that her suggestion of leaving the insurance as it is will better help balance the budget.
Amendment: Bock to apply a 4% of plan cost contribution across the board and a 2% COLA increase. There was no second. Chair Netishen inquired as to whether the other Selectmen wished to discuss the award money any further. Neither did.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to leave the insurance at its current contribution rates of 0% for single, and 5% of the difference for two-person and family plans.
Vote: Ms. Bonser voted in favor of the motion. Mr. Bock and Chair Netishen voted against. Motion failed 1-2.
Chair Netishen suggested that Mr. Brown work out the numbers for a 3.5% of plan cost contribution across the board and a 1.5% COLA. All agreed.
Having no further business,
Motion: Bock, second Bonser to adjourn.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Meeting adjourned at 6:29 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Traci Chauvey
Recording Secretary
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