BUDGET COMMITTEE MINUTES
August 17, 2017
Meeting called to order at 6:30pm by Beth Downs.
Members Present
Beth Downs, Chair; Michael James; Claire James; Kathy Rodgers; Chris Mock; John Pfeifle, Selectman; Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator
Members Absent
Dave Nunnally
Before getting into the meeting, the Chair expressed her frustration with the lack of attendance at scheduled meetings. She asked that members communicate with her if they are unable to make a meeting. The meeting schedule was adjusted so that instead of meeting every third Thursday of the month, the Committee will meet the third Thursday of January, April, July and October to review the quarterly expenses. The Budget Committee will schedule more frequent meetings during “budget season” (November through March/Town Meeting) to accommodate the workload. The vote in favor of the new meeting structure was unanimous.
Review Minutes from Last Meeting:
John motioned that the minutes from the last meeting be approved. Kathy seconded and the minutes were approved unanimously.
2nd Quarter Expense Figures:
The Committee reviewed the second quarter expense report. The Bridge line has gone over budget. This was due to the Water Street Bridge work. John mentioned the additional Highway Block Grant the Town is receiving – approximately $76,000. Once we get clarification from the State as to what the grant can be used for, a public hearing will be held. John indicated he hoped the funds could be used for the additional funding for Bement Bridge. Street Lighting is also slightly over budget and expected to continue to go over. This is due to the fact the Town installed LED street-lighting. The lighting will cost approximately $5000, with a $2700 rebate coming from Eversource. The savings from the LED lighting should pay for itself in 2-3 years. Karen mentioned that most department lines for electricity are ahead of budget as we have erroneously been overcharged for supplier services and will receive credit for our overpayment. Welfare Payments is also ahead of budget. It was explained that this is beyond our control and that the welfare officer works hard to keep these expenses within budget. It was noted that Patriotic Purposes is over budget by the amount of the fireworks match.
Updates on Town Hall:
The Town has engaged a new architect, Jay Barrett of White River Junction, and he is moving forward quickly with the project. A structural analysis of the Town Hall is underway and we should have results in the next couple of weeks. At the Select Board meeting on September 11th, we will have further information on what needs to be done and the costs associated with it.
Upcoming Budget Cycle:
John commented that as we move into the Budget Cycle, we should be thinking about ways we can manage the tax rate, not just for the coming year, but for the longer term. He continues to believe that regionalization is key to managing the tax rate in the future.
The next Budget Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 19, 2017 at 6:30pm at the Community Center.
As there was no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting adjourned at 7:49.
Minutes submitted by Karen Hambleton.