Budget Committee Minutes 11/4/2004
Members Present: Dick Hickok, Sue Greene, Phyllis Corrigan, Bill Phillips, Diana Goodhue, Sean Murphy, Connie Grant, Bob Brent, Dennis Doten, John O’Brien, Don Sibson
Members Absent: Derek Tomlinson
After the pledge of allegiance, the minutes of the previous two meetings were reviewed and approved.
The following preliminary recommendations were made on the DPW budgets:
Administration 159,926 SM/BP/11-0
Buildings & Grounds 250,922 SM/PC/11-0
Highways & Streets 739,733 PC/SG/8-3
There was much discussion and attempted amendments to increase this amount to the department’s request and then to a number in between.
Bridges 50,000 SM/SG/11-0
Street Lighting 19,000 SM/SG/11-0
Vehicle Maintenance 151,289 SM/SG/11-0
Solid Waste 448,803 SM/SG/11-0
Sewer 659,345 SM/CG/11-0
There was significant discussion about increasing the sewer rates and funding a capital reserve fund for sewer improvements. The Committee formally voted to recommend the establishment of a capital reserve fund and funding of $25,000. DS/SG/10-1
The Committee also recommended that the Selectmen review the sewer ordinance regarding metering/measuring boat dumping and the associated fees. DS/SG/11-0
Sheldon reviewed what was included in the New Highway Equipment account and the New Construction account.
The committee will be looking for the Selectmen’s recommendations on the warrant articles by 11/18 for their discussion of them.
Bill Phillips reviewed the TC/TC working group sheet. Dennis Doten commended the Town Clerk for the election process. The main areas of discussion were the new postage meter and boat registration process. The Committee is recommending that the Selectmen petition the State to change the Boat registration process. DS/BB/11-0
John Ayer explained the master plan update request and the conservation budget.
Phyllis Corrigan reviewed the Parks & Rec summary sheet. The main issues were what the maintenance people do and program fees were thought to be too low still.
The itemization of merit increases from 2003 was passed around and discussed. Some members of the committee felt that cost of living increases should not be given in this economy. Some thought that 3% merit increases were excessive, and that state employees are not treated so generously. They thought that since we have low turnover and high salaries, the Town employees must be happy. There was recognition that police officers and paramedics were specially trained and so their increases are warranted. Some members expressed the desire to have the current personnel policy changed and want to explore different ways to accomplish this. They would like to find a way to discuss these issues without “filling the room with a mob scene”.
The next meeting is 11/18 at 6:30.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:20.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Shackett, Finance Director
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