Budget Committee Minutes 04.17.25

Present: Jen Richardson, Kim Firth, Tim McKenna, Beth Downs (Select Board Representative).

Also attending: Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator, Kathleen Bigford, Recording Secretary

Meeting called to order at 6:36 pm.

Election of Officers:

Motion: Kim Firth made a motion to elect Jen Richardson as Chair of the Budget Committee.

Second: Beth Downs

Decision: 4-0, all in favor

Motion: Beth Downs made a motion to elect Kim First as Vice Chair of the Budget Committee.

Second: Tim McKenna

Decision: 4-0, all in favor

Review minutes from February 13, 2025 meeting

Motion: Kim Firth made a motion to approve the February 13 meeting minutes as written.

Second: Beth Downs

Decision: 4-0, all in favor

Alternate Members: There was a discussion of whether or not the Budget Committee has alternate members. By definition the Budget Committee operates without alternates. If a member resigns, the vacancy can be filled by a vote of the committee.

New Business:

Discuss Department Assignments: Members will collaborate with the following departments:

Tim: Police

Jen: Library, Parks and Rec., Town Clerk

Kim: Executive

Laurie: Highway

Bliss: Fire

Justin: Transfer Station

Old Business:

Review of Budget and Expenditures

1st Quarter Expense Review: Karen reported that the part-time wages line of the Planning and Zoning budget is overspent. The Select Board recognized that this line will be overspent for the year. Also, the maintenance and repairs line for the Bradford Area Community Center is overspent. Again, the Select Board recognizes that this line will be overspent. Other departmental budget lines appear to be on track.

Discuss Budget Goals for this season:

  • Consider departmental budgets from an “all in” point of view. This means consideration of the total of operating and capital expenses for each department
  • Collaboration with Capital Improvement Plan, attend CIP meetings
  • Overall goal for 2026 is a 10% reduction
  • Study end of the year actuals

Meeting Schedule:

Next meeting July 10, 2025 at 6:30 pm

            Agenda items:

            Review Expenses for 2025

            Review 2024 final actual expenses

            Set meeting schedule

Adjourn:

Motion: Beth Downs moved to adjourn the meeting.

Second:  Kim Firth

Decision: 4-0, all in favor

Meeting adjourned at 7:57 pm.

Respectfully submitted, Kathleen Bigford, Recording Secretary