The Budget Committee Meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. The full Select Board was in attendance to participate in the discussion.
Roll call –Laurie Colburn (Chair), Doug Southard, Beth Downs, Justin Dohrn (via Zoom), Marlene Freyler (Select Board ex-officio), Mel Pfeifle (Select Board) Andrew Pinard (Select Board) and Karen Hambleton (Town Administrator) in attendance.
Receipt of Correspondence:
Review of Minutes
- November 18, 2021 – Laurie said that Karen had suggested that on the last page and the second to last bullet – change word from “begin” to “being”.
Motion: Beth Downs motioned to accept the minutes of November 18, 2021 with the change.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 4-0
- December 2, 2021 – Karen said the Select Board did not vote on the percentage increase in wages. Andrew said it was by consensus. The minutes of the Select Board will be amended to reflect this.
Motion: Beth Downs motioned to accept the minutes of December 2, 2021 with the clarification noted.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 4-0
Review of Budget and Expenditures:
- Devin Pendleton- Parks & Recs – Devin talked about the supplies line which has gone up to $2,000 even though they have only spent a little over $225 this year. Devin said there are some unpaid bills that will be coming soon. Laurie asked why this isn’t being paid for by the Parks & Rec Revolving fund. Devin said that is only for programming and not repairs and maintenance. Devin wants to repair some things at Brown Shattuck Field and French’s Park. Laurie asked if Devin could outline why it is more than a 15% increase from last year.
- Devin Pendleton – Patriotic Purposes – Devin asked for the same amount for patriotic funds. Instead of the July 4th celebration this year, fireworks and activities will take place on September 24. Beth asked if Devin thought the 2021 September event was well attended. Devin said yes, especially with the short notice. The parade did not have a lot of attendance, but everything else did.
- Jim Raymond – Fire Department – There was a question about the line item for Fire Chief wages at $35,000. Karen thinks this number is low. Laurie asked if there are other towns that we could look at it. Karen thinks the number should be closer to $40,000. Andrew asked about the $500 increase in the software line. Jim said there is going to be an increase due to a change in software. Laurie suggested someone to sit down with Jim and clarify the numbers in the Fire Dept budget come from before the Budget Committee discusses the Fire Dept budget further. Jim will work with Chris Frey to put together a spreadsheet.
- Rescue Squad – Carl Goldberg said they decided to hold it flat. There is an opportunity to hold a EMR class in Town and they would like to do that. There was a discussion about grant money and the fire equipment needed. Andrew would like a purchase list submitted.
- Highway Department – Laurie wanted to discuss the wage line. Andrew explained the merit increase. Steve explained that the Highway Department will do as much as they can without contracting things out. There was discussion regarding the upcharge in electricity. Laurie asked about the money in the bridges line item and why it is not a warrant article. Karen said the Town is expecting good roads and has high expectations, but the Town is also at the mercy of increasing costs.
Future Business:
- Proposed Additional Meeting Dates – January 13, 2022, January 27, February 10 (Tentative Public Hearing Date)
- Important Dates
- February 11, 2022 – Last date to hold 1st Public Hearing (must be noticed by February 4, 2022.
- February 22, 2022 – Last date to provide Select Board with annual budget.
Motion: Beth Downs motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Vote: 4-0
Minutes submitted by Donna Long, Recording Secretary.