Budget Committee Draft Meeting Minutes
November 5th, 2020 6:30pm
134 East Main Street Bradford, NH 03221 & Via Zoom
Members: Mark Fournier (Vice-Chair), Marlene Freyler (Select Board Rep), Justin Dohrn, Chris Frey, Doug Southard, Laurie Colburn and Tim McKenna.
Members Absent: None
Karen Hambleton (Town Administrator), Carol Troy, Pam Bruss, and Jason Allen were present.
The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm.
Pledge of Allegiance
Old Business:
Receipt of Correspondence:
- Review and consideration of the September 17th, 2020 meeting minutes
Motion: Marlene Freyler motioned to approve the minutes as written.
Second: Justin Dohrn
Decision: 7-0 in favor
New Business:
Members from the Capital Improvement Program Committee were present to give an overview of the plan to the Select Board and the Budget Committee. Select Board members present were; Marlene Freyler and Jason Allen. Pam Bruss gave an overview of the 2021-2031 Capital Improvement Program.
- The Library did not have any projects presently to submit.
- The Transfer Station – A $13k trash compactor will eventually be needed. The savings are already in place and the expense will not have a tax impact.
- Police Department – Proposed a new cruiser in the year 2021 instead of 2022 due to length of time until delivery.
- Highway Department – The 2019 Town Roads and Bridges fund was discussed and the estimated paving costs and savings plan were reviewed. Karen Hambleton clarified that the savings may be used for projects other than paving. The fund can also be used for bridges and future repairs of failing culverts.
- Fire Department – The new pumper with an approximate cost of $375k; funds are already set aside for this pumper.
- The Budget Committee discussed how the Capital Improvement Program is a guide. The net evaluation, tax impact and inflation rate for the town were also discussed. The Capital Improvement Committee explained how the Capital Improvement Program is an advisory plan for the Select Board. The Select Board would determine what Warrant Articles will be presented at Town Meeting. The Budget Committee is in support of the Capital Improvement Program. Jason Allen discussed pushing the Police Cruiser further out. The Police Department may need to increase the department’s budget.
Receipt of Information or Proposals:
- Initial 2021 budget submission – Employee related expenses were discussed and potential rate increases.
- The Planning Board is proposing a $30k budget – The Planning Board will have a detailed breakdown of expenses for the next meeting (meeting date to be determined).
- Department Head reviews will begin at the November 19th and continue on December 3rd, 2020. Further meeting schedules will be discussed at the December 3rd meeting.
Future Business:
The next Budget Committee meeting is scheduled for November 19th, 2020 at 6:30.
Key Dates:
- Public Hearing target, on or before February 4th
- Friday, February 12th, last day to hold Public Hearing on the Budget
- Wednesday February 17th, last day to present budget to Selectmen for posting in the Warrant
Motion: Mark Fournier motioned to adjourn at 8:14pm.
Second: Chris Frey
Decision: 5-0 in favor
Adjournment 8:14pm
Draft Minutes written and submitted by Katie Olohan