TOWN OF BRADFORD
BUDGET COMMITTEE MINUTES
OCTOBER 15, 2014
6:30PM
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Dick Keller, Chair called the meeting to order at 6:35pm with John Pfeifle, Selectmen’s Representative, Susan Reynolds, Don Jackson, George Cilley, Beth Downs and Marge Cilley, Secretary present. Will Hurley was absent.
Review and Consideration of September 17, 2014 Minutes:
Motion was made by George Cilley to approve the September 17, 2014 minutes as presented. Seconded by Susan Reynolds. Motion carried unanimously.
Appointment of Replacement for Jon Marden to serve on the Budget Committee until March 2015.
Dick Keller, Chair read a letter of resignation from Jon Marden received after the September 17th meeting. (Letter on file) His term expires in 2017.
Beth Downs was introduced to the committee as candidate for new member.
Motion was made by George Cilley to appoint Beth Downs as a member of the Budget Committee to serve out the remainder of this year for Jon Marden.
Seconded by Susan Reynolds. Motion carried unanimously.
Review on recent BC Seminar:
Susan Reynolds advised the Seminar no longer invoices Towns for the Application Fee, so participants need to be reimbursed by the Town. Susan also advised they discussed the Rainy Day Funds, and how towns may now put this aside for unanticipated emergencies. Legislature has passed this with a percent stipulation of how much a town may put aside. This fund cannot be accumulated year to year, but if unused, would go into the General Fund.
Review of Third Quarter Report
Dick Keller, Chair went over the bottom line of the Budget which shows 25.49% of the Total Budget Remaining for this year.
Acct. # Description % Remaining Amount Remaining
4130 Executive 24.53% $46,918.19
4140 Election, Registration 39.00% $ 3,517.05
4150 Financial Adm. 24.30% $23,478.66
4152 Revaluation of Property 36.72% $ 9.307.81
4153 Legal (40.62)% ($ 6,500.07)
John Pfeifle, Selectmen’s Representative advised there are three legal matters plus the Public Service concern being addressed at this time. One of the problems is being worked on by the Town as well as the State DOT. Also mentioned were the two signs of concern on Breezy Hill. It was stated that another $7,500 is expected in Legal Fees this year, making the total of around ($15,000.) John Pfeifle, Selectmen’s Representative also stated there will be a contract from the Attorney for changing business from Concord Coop. to Naughton Recycling for December 1.
4155 Employee Benefits -0- -0-
4191 Planning and Zoning 29.98% $ 2,834.23
Cheryl Behr advised there was confusion regarding charges that
should be charged to Planning but were charged to Zoning. This
will be changed with no change in ending balance.
4194 Gen Govt Blgs 25.70% $ 14.628.22
4195 Cemetery 38.16% $ 9,971.51
4196 Insurances 1.39% $ 1,078.47
4199 Other Genl Govt. 11.82% $ 1,040.35
Cheryl Behr advised there will be another $5400.00 added in from the Milfoil budget as voted in last March.
4210 Police Dept. 27.55% $122,803.98
4220 Fire Dept. 39.29% $ 25,131.03
4225 Rescue Squad 19.20% $ 14,207.34
It was explained that money used for Rescue Operating Budget
was for the new Fast Squad Vehicle (not here at this time),
for $46,000. The sale of the ambulance netted $15,000.00
and the sale of the stretcher netted $6500.00.
4240 Building Dept 55.03% $ 10,894.15
4290 Civil Defense 100.00% $ 2,750.00
4312 Highway Dept. 31.79% $177,543.48
Reported that culvert supply has been replaced and they are stockpiling
sand. These are not reflected in the above figures per Cheryl Behr
Discussion regarding the cable put up at the gravel pit was held.
4313 Bridges 100.00% $ 100.00
4316 Street Lighting 38.34% $ 1,840.36
4323 Solid Waste Collection 20.22% $ 15,068.08
4324 Solid Waste Disposal 61.50% $ 24,663.69
4415 Inoculations 100.00% $ 100.00
4441 Welfare 24.94% $ 1,557.27
4445 Welfare Payments 5.69% $ 1,870.05
Discussion regarding this Department being short and will have to
be funded from other Departments.
4520 Parks and Rec 57.84% $ 1,156.97
4550 Library -0- -0-
4583 Patriotic Purposes 5.98% $ 807.98
4589 Community Center 18.96% $ 4,285.10
4619 Other Conservation 28.75% $ 230.00
4711 Long Term Notes -0- $ .96
Question was asked how the new Fast Squad vehicle was purchased and vehicle and equipment sold without a vote of the town. Response was that there were funds that were raised and appropriated for a new ambulance. This was not a Capital Reserve fund, but was the ambulance billing fund, which is to be used exclusively as rescue equipment per Cheryl Behr.
Cheryl Behr stated that the long term note for the Highway Garage is $31,880 00 and of that amount, Interest is $2300.00.
In reply to a question regarding a Hearing on unanticipated income, Cheryl Behr advised the Selectmen decided not to hold one.
Warrant Article Expense Report Study:
A Warrant Article Expense Report was handed out by Cheryl Behr. There was some question regarding the Grant that came in for $15,000 for the Police Department Safety Sign. Cheryl will check into this further.
A reimbursement of $18,810 for the Fire Department Generator was mentioned.
CIP
Don Jackson advised the completed CIP report will be presented on October 28, 2014 .
The members were requested by Dick Keller, Chair to look at the bottom line on page two and to be prepared to use as a tool when talking with Department Heads.
Any Other Business to Come before the Board:
Beth Downs advised the Rural Heritage Commission is working towards the Rail Trail, to include the Tillie Wheeler Trail. Also was questioned as to how and when a Warrant Article would need to be received by the Selectmen. The first Tuesday in February was the date given. It was also stated that it may require to be via petition.
Next meeting is scheduled for:
Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at 6:30pm
Motion was made, seconded and carried to adjourn at 7:35pm.
Respectfully submitted
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary