Budget Committee Minutes 1/6/2005
Members Present: Dick Hickok, Sue Greene, Bob Brent, Phyllis Corrigan, John O’Brien, Bill Phillips, Diana Goodhue, Derek Tomlinson, Sean Murphy, Dennis Doten, Connie Grant, and Don Sibson
Members Absent:
After the pledge of allegiance, the Chairman asked Sandra McGonagle to present the warrant article on the kindergarten program. She had prepared a power point presentation, which pointed out the academic, social, and emotional benefits of offering a full day kindergarten program. She reviewed some of the reasons to make the change and also presented some of the results of a survey they had conducted. The Chairman described the procedure for this meeting; the Budget Committee will discuss and ask questions before entertaining comments and questions from the public. The BC will vote on their recommendation tonight. Some of the comments/questions asked by the BC members were:
? the pros are obvious, the con is the tax rate
? any possibility of the State funding kindergarten?
? Would like more hard data.
Doug Lambert made an impassioned plea to the BC asking them not to recommend this program. A motion was made to recommend $219,820 for full day kindergarten. (DT/SM/6-5-1) The motion failed.
Bill Phillips asked several questions of Scott Isabelle.
Scott reviewed the BC recommendations at this point. He reviewed the revenues and explained the food service fund and the federal projects fund. A motion was made to recommend both as requested. (DT/SM/11-0)
Scott reviewed the school’s default budget. It is $109552 less than the School’s request.
Katherine Dormody was present to discuss the library’s bond proposal for a new library. Randy Remick reviewed the revised plan and answered questions. A motion was made to recommend $2850000 for a new library. (DT/SM/2-9) The motion failed.
The default budget for the Town was presented to the BC. There was a discussion on the philosophy and the development of the budget, as well as, the effect on operations if the default budget is adopted.
Dennis Doten thanked the BC members for their dedication and hard work. He reminded the members that regardless of the outcome (adopted budget) this committee has had a significant impact on the budget.
At the next meeting the BC will prepare for the public hearing. The meeting was adjourned at 9:45. The next meeting is 1/13 at 6:30.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Shackett, Finance Director
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