Budget Committee Draft Minutes
January 2, 2020
Members – Marlene Freyler (Chair), Mark Fournier (Vice Chair), Claire James, Justin Dohrn, Cheryl Croto (arrived at 6:36pm), and Town Administrator Karen Hambleton were in attendance.
Selectman Michael James and John Pfeifle were present.
Jason Allen (Select Board Rep) and Courtney Schusler were absent.
Pledge of Allegiance
The meeting was called to order at 6:33pm.
Receipt of Correspondence:
- The Committee reviewed the minutes from the December 19th, 2019 meeting.
Motion: Claire James motioned to approve the minutes.
Second: Mark Fournier
Decision: 4-0 in favor
Review of Budget and Expenditures:
- Fire Chief, Gary Dion and Captain Carl Goldberg appeared to discuss the Fire and Rescue budget lines. There was significant discussion around:
- A desire to combine the Fire Department and Rescue Squad budget lines as the organizations operate as one department. John Pfeifle advocated for keeping the budget lines separate to provide the Town a better view of the expenses related to the two operations. Karen will follow up with the State as the accounting structure is guided by the Department of Revenue.
- Wages–Administration/Contract Services for the Fire Department. Chief Dion submitted a request of $70,000 for Contract Services which included hourly stipends for responders, training and the Fire Chief salary. This was double the $35,000 raised in 2019 as a Warrant Article. Karen provided initial numbers from the Selectmen that breaks those costs into three account lines, Wages-Administration, Payroll Tax and Contract Services totaling approximately $55,000.
- Software costs are increasing by 33% or /$500, this is driven by costs associated with managing the lock box for access to the Fire Station which will no longer be supported by the vendor.
- Repair & Maint. Radios – The department is at a critical phase with radios. Batteries are failing on the hand held radios. Chief Dion is looking into a federal grant to replace the entire radio system. These radios are approaching twenty years old and support is becoming an issue. This will probably be a $200,000 to $300,000 expense in total. The grant may require a match to fund five to ten percent of the cost locally.
- The Committee discussed how the budget is developed, expenses are managed and the impact to the Fund Balance account when the expenses end the year over or under the budget.
- The attendees discussed Warrant Items. This is still a work in progress. John Pfeifle and Michael James spoke about initial results of an equipment inspection recently conducted. The written report has not been received yet but the preliminary comments indicate the pumper truck could be utilized for several more years and may not need to be replaced in 2020. The certified mechanic who did the inspection was impressed with the quality of the equipment at the Fire Station and Highway Department.
- John Pfeifle briefed the Committee on past interaction with the Fire Department. The Board had been working with the Department on a lengthy interview process. During this process the Fiore Department appointed a new Fire Chief. The Fire Chief will begin reporting to the Select Board in March and John expressed that the Board is trying to remain objective and supportive of Chief Dion.
Motion: Cheryl Croto motioned to adjourn at 8:00pm.
Second: Justin Dohrn
Decision: 5-0 in favor
Future Business:
- The next Budget meeting will be held January 23rd, 2020 at 6:30pm.
- The Budget Committee will hold a Public Hearing on January 30th, 2020 to review the 2020 Budget.
Meeting minutes submitted by Laurie Colburn, Recording Secretary.