BUDGET COMMITTEE MINUTES
EMERGENCY MEETING
February 2, 2017
Meeting called to order at 6:32pm by Beth Downs.
Members Present: Beth Downs, Chair; Michael James; Dick Keller; Chris Mock; Dave Nunnally; John Pfeifle, Selectman; Kathy Rodgers; Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator; Sonny Harris, Selectman
Water Street Bridge:
John updated the Committee with concerns about the Water Street Bridge. The Town received a letter from the State indicating the posting on the bridge should be reduced to 3 tons. This prohibits a Fire Truck from crossing over the bridge. In the event of an emergency on the Marshall Hill side of the bridge, the Fire Department would need to take a much longer route around, thus significantly lengthening their response time. The Select Board feels this safety issue must be addressed as soon as possible. The Town consulted with a local engineer who indicated the repairs could be made for $65,000. John had some suggested revisions to the 2017 budget and warrant items that would allow this repair to take place without significantly impacting the tax rate.
It was suggested that funding requested by the Historical Society for a new well be postponed until next year.
It was also suggested that the Town use an existing line for Bridges (4313-3901) in the operating budget for the repairs. John motioned and Kathy seconded that $65,000 be placed in this line for the Water Street Bridge repair. The vote in favor was unanimous.
It was suggested that the Budget Committee’s recommendation for the Highway Expendable Trust (4902-7410) be reduced from $40,000 to $5,000. John motioned, Kathy seconded and the vote was unanimous in favor.
It was suggested that the Budget Committee’s recommendation for the Contingency Fund be reduced from $20,000 to $5,000. John motioned, Kathy seconded and the vote in favor was unanimous.
Other items that had not yet been voted on included:
The third lease payment for the Dump Truck: John motioned that the Budget Committee recommend $30,400 for the 2017 lease payment. Dave seconded and the vote in favor was unanimous.
The Library Furnace: The Library has not yet given the Select Board figures for a new furnace, however, John motioned and Dave seconded that the Budget Committee recommend $7,000 for replacement of the furnace. The vote in favor was 6-1.
As there was no further business to come before the Committee, meeting was adjourned at 7:40pm.
Minutes submitted by Karen Hambleton.