Select Board Meeting was called to order at 2:01 pm.
Roll Call: Beth Downs (Chair), Marlene Freyler, Chip Meany
Also attending: Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator; Kathleen Bigford, Recording Secretary
Work Session: 2025 Operating Budget and Warrant Articles
Beth opened the meeting stating that she wants the budget to remain flat this year. Karen reported that would mean the 2025 draft budget would need to be reduced by $356,131.
Beth asked Steve Hall for information about repairs to the truck expecting to cost about $60,000. Steve replied that the frame is cracked in several places and the body need repair. Beth asked if Steve had any further information about lease/purchase agreements for the truck and the backhoe. Steve will meet with Chip on Wednesday. This discussion will be taken up during the Select Board meeting on Monday, January 13.
Several other line items were discussed resulting in the following:
Total Legal was reduced from $55,000 to $45,000.
Town Landscaping was reduced by $500 to $7,000.
Cemetery was reduced by $1,400 to $25,000.
Building Department, payroll taxes were reduced from $2,050 to $1,800.
Highway Department, contract services and gravel were discussed but not changed.
Parks and Recreation, BNSYS, was corrected from $2,750 to $5,000 to reflect the adjustment made at the Budget Committee meeting.
The Board was divided on how the budget should be handled. Marlene and Chip were satisfied with the proposed budget and felt that if the voters wanted to change it, they could do so at Town Meeting. Beth was in favor of presenting a flat budget because she has heard from many residents that they are afraid they can no longer afford the taxes.
Warrant Articles: Consensus of the Board is to leave the warrant articles as they are.
Motion: Beth Downs moved to approve the 2025 draft operating budget as with above corrections.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0, all in favor
Motion: Marlene Freyler moved to adjourn the meeting.
Second: Chip Meany
Decision: 3-0, all in favor
Meeting Adjourned at 3:11 pm
Respectfully submitted, Kathleen Bigford, Recording Secretary