Minutes
Selectmen’s Budget Workshop
January 8, 2008
8:00 AM
8:20 AM Chair Bock opened the meeting and asked all those present to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members Present: Peter Bock, Bill Netishen, Mary Bonser and Town Administrator Charles Brown.
Others: Police Chief Gunnar Foss
Mr. Bock began by recognizing Chief Foss and opened discussion regarding the Police Department budget. The Chief informed the Board that the department has no extra ammunition on hand and has been informed that the ammo they require is on back order from all suppliers. It could be six months before anything is available. The reason for the shortage is that existing ammo is being sent to the war zone and the raw materials used for the manufacture of ammo are being used for the same purpose. In addition, the cost of ammo has increased 40% or more. The Police Department has sent RFQ’s to suppliers in an attempt to get the best price and delivery. The training line as proposed for 2008 will be sufficient. The Chief informed the Board that he would be requesting funds for the purchase of new weapons next year.
The Chief next discussed a salary issue that he feels should be addressed sooner than later. The Chief understands the issue may not be fully addressed this year but wished to give the Board a heads up as to what he will be pursuing. The Chief also reports that all personnel are doing a good job and has high hopes for the future of the department.
The Chief has requested that performance bonuses be awarded to all department personnel per prior discussion on this subject. The Chief will provide a letter to the Board delineating his recommendations. His recommendations will be in line with the most recent Performance Evaluations.
The Selectmen and Mr. Brown are continuing their efforts to use and upgrade, as needed, the Personnel Evaluation System through out all departments in town.
Next, there was a review of the remaining police budget lines. Lines prompting discussion were Office equipment, gasoline and equipment procurement/maintenance.
The Office equipment line is up considerably because of the need for new computers and upgrading of software. The amount being requested is based on an actual quote received but we are still looking at ways to reduce the total cost. Multi user software for the IMC program was purchased in 2007 the proposed network upgrade will enhance this function. The gasoline line has been adjusted to reflect actual usage in 2007. Equipment / Procurement and Maintenance is increased to reflect the actual cost of equipment change over from the old cruiser to the new cruiser. This ended the police budget discussions.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to approve the Police Chief’s bonus recommendations once Mr. Brown has received the official recommendation letter.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Next Mr. Brown asked the Board to consider the Fire Department budget. The two key lines the Board wished to discuss were the Stipend and the Chief’s Salary. The Department has requested increases in both lines. The Board feels that because the department has a new facility and the added operating costs for that facility, this year is not the time to increase these two lines. The Board feels these increases can be addressed in 2009. Additionally, the budget guideline stated the hope that level funding would be the preference where ever possible.
The Board next looked at the Supplies / Equipment line; Again the Board was concerned about the $5,000 increase and that some of the items listed were not necessities. Mr. Brown explained the function or the ventilation saw and that it would be a good addition to the department’s equipment. Being that the Gear Washer included in this line will be a physical part of the department facility the Board feels it can be purchased from the remaining funds in the firehouse warrant article. This will bring line 4220.10-038 down to $7,000.00.
This ended the Fire / Rescue budget discussion. Mr. Brown asked the Board to move to the top of the budget, beginning with the Executive lines. Mr. Brown asked the Board to verify that the salary lines met their expectations, they do, down through assessing. The Board discussed the Contract Assessor and Data Verification lines. It was decided to fund Contract assessing at $35,000 and Data verification at $50,000.The Board hopes to have a better idea of actual costs once RFP’s for these functions have been received.
Legal, considering present activity, pending suites and etc the Board has set line 4153.10-320 @ $75,000 for 2008.
Personnel Administration, the BC/BS insurance line are set with final numbers, the remainder of these accounts must be calculated using finalized salary figures.
There was a short discussion regarding the placement of articles in the warrant. This will be revisited, no consensus was reached.
Mr. Brown asked if the contract planner line 4191.10-011 was going to be continued? It is felt that this line should be maintained but the Board should consider an updated RFP for these services. Mr. Brown will check the contract date.
Continuing with General Government Buildings; Mowing will remain at $6,000, as additional areas will be added in 2008. Mr. Brown informed the Board of an increase in the cost for the dumpster, the line will be increased $115.00.
Code Enforcement, Emergency Management and Highway, no changes from previous review.
Solid Waste -Recycling; it is recognized that more enforcement of our recycling policy is required. The Board will have Mr. Brown do a job posting for an enforcement person to more closely monitor compliance of the rules. This person could also be used as a fill-in recycling attendant. The starting pay rate will be in the range of $9.00 - $10.00 per hour but is subject to change.
The remainder of the budget had no changes.
Having no further business,
11:30 AM, Motion: Bonser, second Bock to adjourn.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Charles A. Brown
Approved as corrected
2/4/08
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