BUDGET COMMITTEE MINUTES 10.13.16
Meeting called to order at 6:30pm by Beth Downs.
Members Present: Beth Downs; Dick Keller; Chris Mock; Kathy Rodgers; Dave Nunnally; Michael James; Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator
Members Absent: John Pfeifle, Selectman
Review and Consideration of Minutes
Motion made to approve minutes with no corrections. Vote was unanimous
Joint Meeting with Selectmen and Department Heads re: Budgets:
Having a joint meeting would be a great opportunity for everyone to hear the same information. Budgets are due on October 21st so the meeting with the Department Heads will most likely be during Selectmen meetings on Mondays in November. After much discussion, the Committee decided they would not hold joint meetings however, members of the Budget Committee are strongly encouraged to attend the Selectmen’s meetings with Department Heads. Karen will send out an email to the Budget Committee informing them of when the meetings with Department Heads will take place.
Michael suggested that it might be helpful to the public if each line of the budget had a short description to better inform the public was to what is contained in the budget line. He suggested a sub-committee might attempt this and that he is willing to lead the sub-committee. Chris volunteered to help. They will to look at last year’s budget and come up with some examples to share with the Committee. Motion to form this sub-committee: vote 6-0
Rules of Procedure and Code of Conduct:
Dave Nunnally made some changes to the Rule of Procedure recommended by Dick. Dave will send an updated version to the Committee. Dave asked that all members please review in detail the final draft so that they can be adopted at the next meeting.
Advanced Needs from Departments: The Town Hall Restoration Oversight Committee is expected to request that an $800,000 bond be placed on the 2017 Warrant. There are a number of sub-projects (window repair, interior painting etc) that can be done with the LCHIP funds, however, it is wisest to wait until the building has been set back down on a foundation before undertaking them. The plan includes a full basement with electricity and sprinklers all up to code.
Long Term Notes: The note for the Highway garage was paid off earlier this year. There is still over $200,000 outstanding on the road bond. Annual payments for the bond are approximately $34,000 per year. The Town just extended its Tax Anticipation Note availability to $600,000. $400,000 has been borrowed against it already. The tax rate has not been set for 2016 yet. Karen explained how taxes are set.
The next Budget Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Nov.10, 2016 at 6:30pm at the Community Center.
As there was no further business to come before the committee, meeting adjourned at 7:41 PM.
Minutes submitted by Molly Hopkins.