Meeting called to order at 6:30pm
Roll Call- Marlene Freyler (Chair), Jason Allen (Select Board Rep), Justin Dohrn, Claire James
Cheryl Croto, Mark Fournier absent
Pledge of Allegiance
Receipt of Correspondence:
- Minutes from the May 16th, 2019 meeting were reviewed.
Motion: Claire James motioned to approve the minutes.
Second: Justin Dohrn
Decision: 4-0 in favor
Old Business:
- The Committee reviewed follow up items from the previous meeting:
- There was a follow up for Claire concerning the Henniker Rescue Squad. Claire will speak with Karen about this item as it was unclear what action was needed. Courtney Schusler asked the Committee about the use of the Henniker Rescue Squad services and the terms and conditions of their services and a general outline was provided.
- The Committee also discussed following up on software support costs. Jason proposed having Cheryl Croto investigate this item as she has a background that is more relevant to the topic.
- Claire asked for clarification as to what items the Select Board may already be taking the lead on researching to avoid duplicative research. Michael James asked the Committee to research any topic regardless of Select Board activity to allow for a greater understanding on any budget line.
- The Committee discussed filling the vacant Budget Committee member seat. Marlene had solicited Jim Bibbo to fill the role after repeated inquiries had not resulted in a volunteer. Claire had secured Courtney Schusler’s interest in filling the role as well. The Committee will vote on whom they would like to appoint at the next Budget Committee meeting.
Courtney introduced himself to the Committee, who relocated to Bradford 4 years ago, by way of New London, from Florida. He has a background in business having owned a successful Outback Restaurant, has worked in the insurance business and flown planes and helicopters all over the world. He likes numbers and would like to understand what does and doesn’t work and help to correct areas where it is needed.
Review of Q2 Budget and Expenditures:
- The Committee reviewed the Q2 expenses against the 2019 Budget. There were no items identified as risks and the Committee felt that expenses are where they would expect to see them at this time of year with 56.6% of the budget remaining.
Areas discussed in more detail were:
- The Committee will review what the expense line for the Budget Committee includes (they believe it is just used for Public Noticing) to determine if it can be used to fund a shortfall for the Recording Secretary wages.
- The Select Board is following up on account 4312-3901, Highway’s Contract Services line which show’s $2,500 budgeted and $11,000 expended although, overall, the Highway budget is in good shape. Jason believes this is a result of an increased amount of sand and salt clean up. The Committee would like to understand what is being charged towards that account.
- There is a negative value under Employee Benefits that the Committee would like to have Karen clarify the details but believe this is a holding account that is dispersed amongst the various departments at a later date.
- Marlene noted that the Cemetery Budget will be presented differently in 2020.
- Claire asked Michael James to speak with the Police Department about their vehicle replacement scheduled when he reviews their CIP submission.
- It was noted that activity, budgeted under a separate Warrant Article for the Fire Department, will be posted to the Fire Department’s General Budget accounts per recommendations of the Auditor.
- Jason noted that the Highway Department will be seeking bids for gravel purchases going forward.
- Claire asked about whether part-time wages would continue for the Highway Department. Jason, as the point person for Highway on the Select Board, will follow up.
- The Committee discussed the status of the Bement Bridge project. Jason believes plans are done, DES approval has been received and that receiving easements are the next item to be finalized.
- Claire asked about summer overtime for the Highway Department. Jason felt that overtime is being well managed and stated Steve Hall, Town Road Agent, is providing updates on overtime activity. Summer overtime is generally being seen only if required to wrap up work where it is more economically responsible to finish out a job rather than carry work over into another day.
Receipt of Information or Proposals: None identified.
Future Business:
- The next Budget Committee meeting is scheduled for August 15th, 2019 at 6:30pm. Agenda items will include:
- Vote to fill remaining Budget Committee position
- Review draft Capital Improvement Plan
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to adjourn at 7:41pm.
Second: Justin Dohrn
Decision: 4-0 in favor
Minutes submitted by Laurie Colburn