TOWN OF BRADFORD
BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING
SEPTEMBER 18, 2013
6:30PM
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Dick Keller, Chair called the meeting to order at 6:30pm with Jon Marden, Don Jackson, George Cilley, John Pfeifle, Selectmen’s Representative, Cheryl Behr and Marge Cilley, Secretary present. Absent were Will Hurley and Beth Rodd. Phil LaMoreaux, Chair CIP also in attendance:
Review and Consideration of July 17, 2013 Minutes:
Motion was made by George Cilley to approve the July 17th minutes as presented. Seconded by Don Jackson. Dick Keller pointed out that Jon Marden was absent and COL should be COLA under Wage & Salary. Jon Marden abstained, motion carried 4-0,
Jon Marden report on 2013 LGC Budget and Finance Work Shop:
Jon Marden reported on attending the workshop and picking up many details as follows, but not limited to these:
A Capital Projects can now have a maximum of five year funding in one vote. It has to be specified, however it is voted on just once. It can be altered up or down annually at town meeting.
Towns may now have a Contingency Fund, which can be used during the fiscal year to meet the cost of unanticipated expenses that have not been provided for. This fund may not exceed one percent of the amount appropriated by the town during the preceding year, excludes Capital expenses and has to be a Warrant Article
CIP:
Phil LaMoreaux, Chair CIP advised the forms have gone out to Department Heads and have been returned. It has been difficult getting the members together. Phil asked what information is useful to the Budget Committee, to which it was stated that equipment description is very helpful per Dick Keller.
John Pfeifle, Selectmen Representative stated it is a difficult time of year to procure the information. Suggestion was made that perhaps it may be a better time for Department Heads to get this information between Town Meeting and summer. A couple of Department’s were omitted, and John Pfeifle advised he will get in touch with them.
Phil LaMoreaux, CIP Chair advised he will meet with Cheryl Behr within the next two weeks, by October 2.
Update on Department Inventories:
Jon Marden has made a 2012 column on the existing Highway Department inventory for comparison which is helpful.
2014 Time Line:
Upon receiving information from the CIP, the Budget Committee will talk with the Department Heads where necessary. The Department Head Budgets will go to the Selectmen, then to the Budget Committee. Deadline to be received by the Selectmen would be the first Monday in November with a date of November 15 to start putting it all together. John Pfeifle will check with the other Selectmen and get back to the Budget Committee.
John Pfeifle gave a brief synopsis of his meeting with the Town of Newbury to join forces in some Departments. More information will be worked on.
John Pfeifle also discussed the motion made at the last Selectmen’s meeting regarding the repairing and updating of the bridge off 114 at the north end of Lake Massasecum on Breezy Hill Road and how it may be accomplished. An article will be in the Bridge.
Dick Keller advised DOT was looking at the bridge yesterday.
4130 Executive
At 33%, is on target
4140 Elections, Registration & Vital Stastic
Is at 13%, with no elections
4150 Financials
30% remaining ok.
4152 Revaluation of Property
38% – ok
4153 Legal
Cheryl Behr advised will be close this year. One legal ongoing.
4155 Employee Benefits
No rates set as yet.
Budget Committee requested to leave to each Department.
4194 General Government Buildings
Changes to Budget Additions re: Landscaping
Center Meeting House and other areas per Cheryl Behr.
4312 Highway Dept.
Probably will reach 100%, but not thought to go over budget.
John Pfeifle reiterated that the Highway Department has done an
outstanding job this year.
Other Topics:
Mention was made that the Health Insurance refund from LGC is $35,588.06. of which some of that is from 2010 and will be refunded.
Mention was made that the Tax Rate will be set mid October.
Jon Marden advised there is a new “The Basic Law of Budgeting” and the Secretary will pick up 6 copies for the Budget Committee and two for the Selectmen.
Posting of meetings does not count day of posting. The Web Site is considered one posting spot was stated for information.
Income from sale of equipment, sale of town owned property needs to go into a Fund Balance, not into the General Fund Balance was discussed.
Also discussed was that a Public Hearing is required for FEMA Funds to the town greater than $5,000.00.
Next Meeting Scheduled for:
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2013 – 6:30ON
Meeting adjourned 8:05pm
Respectfully submitted
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary