JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE AND SELECT BOARD MINUTES
December 7, 2017
Meeting called to order at 5:30 pm by Beth Downs.
Members Present
Beth Downs, Chair; Claire James; Chris Mock; Dave Nunnally; John Pfeifle, Selectman; Jim Bibbo, Selectman; Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator
Members Absent
Kathy Rodgers; Michael James
Review Minutes from Last Meeting:
The minutes from the November 16, 2017 meeting were approved unanimously.
Identify Process for Discussions with Department Heads:
The Select Board and Budget Committee will review the submitted budgets. If they have questions about the budgets, they will then ask the Dept Heads to meet with them in a joint meeting.
Review Expenses through November 30:
The group did not specifically review the expenses, however, the expense figures through the end of November were provided on the updated budget worksheet.
Review Department Budgets Submitted to Date:
Executive – Based on the current level of expense, John would like to lower this by $13K. Karen pointed out that the increase is due to her anticipated need to pick up health benefits.
Financial Administration – There was a discussion about the Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s salary. The Board of Selectmen would like to review the audit fees.
Revaluation of Property – The increase in the budget is due to more accurate figures from the assessor (who grossly underestimated this year and to stay within budget, hasn’t billed us since May). Beth asked whether or not engaging a new assessor and/or auditor might be a disservice to the town based on a learning curve. It was asked why the tax maps are incorrect. John pointed out that people are continuously coming to the office with corrections which are then submitted to the mapper for correction.
Planning – The increase in this budget request is due to the need to send newer members to conferences and trainings. There were also a number of return-service-requested mailings this year (for hearings etc) so that has increased the supply line request.
Gen Govt Buildings – The figure of 10K for Town Hall expenses was questioned.
Cemetery – There was discussion about using the Cemetery Trust Funds to cover this line. Claire will ask Mike (also a Trustee of the Trust Funds) to determine how much money is available. Karen added that it’s important to look at the intent of the trust fund to make sure the expense is within the intent.
Insurances – John indicated that he wants to join with Warner and Sutton in an effort to bundle our insurance expense.
John shared his idea of trimming the fat in the budget to redirect funds toward the Town Hall effort. It was noted that we can’t forget about the CIP and the idea of saving for future purchases instead of borrowing money.
Police – The question was asked as to the number of police officers we have. John explained we have 3 full time officers, a part time chief and several part time officers. Currently one of the full time officers is out on disability, which has added to the overtime load of the remaining full time officers. Another question concerned the number of cruisers we have. Karen confirmed that we have 3. John indicated he thought the budget request was a little high.
Fire Dept – The budget request is flat.
Rescue Squad– The budget request is flat.
Rescue Contract Services – It was noted that the actual invoice for 2017 was down from what was expected.
Building Code – This request is also flat.
Highway – This request is very close to last year’s request.
Bridges – John inquired as to whether or not there were any bridge issues we would need to deal with this year.
Street Lighting – This request is down due to the LED lighting that was installed this year.
Solid Waste Collection – This request is essentially flat.
Solid Waste Disposal – The Town continues to see a decline in expense here.
Welfare – This is also fairly close to last year.
Welfare Payments – This is up slightly due to an increase number of requests for assistance. The Town has no control over welfare payments.
Parks and Rec – This request is level with last year’s. The committee is working to attract new people and infuse some energy.
Library – This request is flat.
Patriotic Purposes – This request is up slightly to cover police detail for the celebration.
Community Center – The cost for the movie license, previously paid by the Friends of the BACC, is included here.
Conservation – This is flat as well.
Long Term Notes – The increase in this line is due to the interest and principal payments that will start in 2018 for the Town Hall bond.
The group then quickly reviewed the warrant requests that had been submitted.
Capital Project Funds:
Highway Expendable Trust $5,000
Dump Truck Payment $30,400
Loader Payment $34,000 (double payment)
Revaluation Capital Reserves $5,000
BNSYS $2,750
Police Cruiser $9,200
Asphalt Road Repairs $50,000
Master Plan $5,000
Boat Launch $6,000
Cemetery Tree Removal $5000
Road Work $120,000
BACC survey $10,000
Total: $332,350
Capital Reserve Funds:
Fire Equipment Capital Reserve $35,000
Fire Dept Building Maintenance $5,000
Town Facilities and Buildings $5,000
Town Building Emergency $5,000
Total: $50,000
There was a discussion about cutting some of the lines in favor of saving money, or perhaps adding to the Capital Reserves.
Monday, December 18th at 5:30, joint meeting with Budget Committee and Select Board to go line by line through the budget.
The Select Board will have their budget discussion on Monday, December 11th.
Thursday, January 11th at 5:30, joint meeting with Budget Committee and Select Board to meet with Department Heads.
There was no public input.
As there was no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting adjourned at 7:40.
Minutes submitted by Karen Hambleton.