Members Present: Carol Troy, Chair, Pam Bruss (via ZOOM for about 5 minutes), Mel Pfeifle, Beth Downs, Laurie Colburn, Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator
Members Absent: Caleb Connor
Meeting was called to order at 6:59 pm.
Carol welcomed new members Laurie Colburn and Beth Downs.
Review and consideration of the October 18, 2023 minutes.
Motion to accept: Karen Hambleton
Second: Carol Troy
Decision: 4 in favor, 2 abstentions
Mel spoke about the need to save and cut spending since the school budget is increasing and it is expected to impact the tax bill significantly. She stated that the town needs to find creative ways to fund itself and add capital to the budget. She discussed identifying needs vs. wants and encouraged the Select Board to develop, and adhere to, an overall spending philosophy. The Committee discussed reaching out to Central NH Regional Planning to see if they were aware of other towns who were also at a crossroads in trying to fund their services. One suggestion was purchasing used equipment as opposed to new.
The group discussed various ideas to cut costs in several departments.
Carol suggested giving the departments a heads up that cost cutting was going to be part of the CIP this year as they make their plans for the next meeting. Karen mentioned that she already has told them that.
The group decided on upcoming meeting dates throughout the CIP process.
Motion to adjourn: Beth Downs
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 5-0 in favor
Meeting adjourned at 7:56 pm.
Next scheduled meeting is August 14, 2024 at 7 pm at the Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted, Carol Troy