The Town of Northwood, New Hampshire - Budget Committee Minutes 01/13/07

PRESENT: Chairman Daniel McNally, Selectmen Representative Scott Bryer, Robert Bailey, Ben Edwards, Kate McNally, Colleen Pingree, Nona Holmes, Mark Edwards, Board Administrator Linda Smith, and Board Secretary Lisa Fellows-Weaver.

School Board Representative Bill Tappan, Water District Representative John Jacobsmeyer, and Robert Jean, arrive later in the meeting.

ABSENT: Excused Vice-Chairman Shelley Bobowski, Excused Cindy Jones Bryer, Excused Herb Johnson, and Douglas Briggs.

PUBLIC PRESENT: Approximately 25 members of the public are present.

TOWN REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT:
Selectman Kenneth Witham, James Hadley, and Town Administrator Harriet Cady.

Mr. Bryer states that he will be out of state for any meetings next week; however, another selectman could sit in for him.

Mr. Bryer states that the budget presented is not a finalized budget. The board of selectmen (BOS) has gone through the budget by department; however, has not taken a formal vote on the bottom line to date. He explains that the board is waiting for the wage study to be completed. Approval to proceed with the wage study was given in mid to late November and preliminary numbers have been received. For budgetary purposes regarding wages, employees are receiving a 3.3% cost of living adjustment (COLA) and if on the old wage plan, they will be receiving a step, if they are eligible. If an employee is at a step 10, they will receive only the COLA. He adds that when the new wage study comes in, employees will be placed to fit into the wage plan. Mr. Bryer states that the wage plan will be in for town meeting and adds that the town administrator will now be presenting the budget.

Linda Smith states that it is her understanding that the budget committee meets to review recommended figures. If this has not been done it needs to be, otherwise the board is reviewing a budget column shown as selectmen recommended figures and they have not been recommended. Mr. Bryer replies that the school budget was not finalized as the school is still waiting on contractual items, warrant articles, and the transportation contract. Ms. Smith replies that it was her understanding that the school board recommended the budget subject to potential changes within the budget. Mr. Bailey adds that that is why the budget can be changed up to 10% at town meeting. Mr. McNally states that if the budget has not been voted on and recommended by the BOS then the budget committee cannot take any action on the budget. As for the school, the budget committee did not act on those specific items as they couldn’t due to the fact that there were no answers for those items. Mr. Bryer replies that the only open items would be the wages.

Ms. Smith asks if there is a motion in a selectmen’s meeting to recommend the department’s budgets. Mr. Bryer replies that the selectmen did not motion to accept the bottom line. Ms. Cady states that the BOS approved department’s budgets and made changes in those budgets; however, they did not approve the bottom line. Ms. Smith asks if there was a motion to recommend the budget to the budget committee or to the public or were there just discussions held relative to department’s budgets. Ms. Cady refers to the December 26, 2006, BOS meeting minutes in which a motion was made by Mr. Witham, seconded by Mr. Bryer, to release a preliminary budget to the budget committee. Mr. McNally states that that is not the same thing as recommending the budget.

Mr. McNally calls for a recess at 9:12 to review the state statutes. Session resumes at 9:26 a.m.

Mr. McNally states that the budget committee may still hold a public session today.

Harriet Cady states that the budget committee and the selectmen have a budget that was printed out today, which may be different than the previously copied materials available for the public.

Ms. Cady reviews the budget and general discussions are held regarding the following departments:

Page: 1: Dept. 41301~Selectmen:
Ms. Cady states that the total selectmen recommended amount is $10,250.25. This is an increase of $424.25.

Page: 1: Dept. 41302~Town Administrator:
Ms. Cady states that the total selectmen recommended is $75,794.82, which is a decrease of $11,263.18. Marion Knox asks if all employees will be receiving a step and COLA increase regardless of how many years they have worked for the town. She notes that there are several new employees and asks if they too will be receiving a step and COLA. Ms. Cady replies that the selectmen are waiting for the wage study to come, which is expected by the end of this month. They will then look at where the employees are and will promote accordingly. Ms. Knox asks what figures were used for the budget. Ms. Cady replies that the figures used in this budget are from the old wage matrix, which gave a step and COLA increase. Those at a step 10 did not get a step increase. She adds that upon receipt of the new wage study, the BOS could say no to the information. Ms. Knox refers to the school’s budget in which all of the health and dental benefits have been put together due to the privacy act. She recommends that the town follow suit and do the same by listing everything under personnel administration instead of within the budgets. She adds that the employees that are retired or pay for their own insurances should not be included in the budget as the money does not go through the town’s books.

Tammie Beaulieu states that it appears that the benefits are at a 13.7% increase. She asks if the benefits were researched and comparable for the employees. Ms. Cady replies that she brought the Primex benefits to the selectmen’s meeting. It was the same as far as what is offered; however, the co-pay, per person, and two person costs are less. Ms. Beaulieu asks if this information is available for the public.

Ms. Beaulieu asks if comp time is accrued under the town administrator position and how much has accrued over the past 6 months. Ms. Cady replies that comp time has accrued, there is approximately 50 hours at this time.

Page: 1-2: Dept. 41303~Moderator:
Ms. Cady states that there will only be one election this year. Ms. Knox notes that there is an error o line 130/salary as it should be less than $753.55.

Page: 2-3: Dept. 41309~Executive Office:
Ms. Cady states that the selectmen’s recommended amount is $162,393.75, which is an increase of $18,057.55. Jim Sinnamon asks if the increase for line 341/telephone is for a new phone system. Ms. Cady replies that the phone bill is $1200 per month for Verizon. Ms. Knox notes that the telephone, electric, and heating is under the General Government Buildings (GGB) on page 11 and $17,000 is budget in that category for telephones. Ms. Cady replies that she will research this.

Ms. Knox refers to the wage criteria sheet distributed. She states that information in the budget and the wage criteria sheet does not match for the board secretary position, line 190. She adds that the board administrator information also does not match, line 191. Ms. Cady replies that Mr. Bryer had requested the finance technician retype the department requests and estimated the hours for the board administrator. After review with the board administrator an estimate was 105 hours per month for all boards. She states that the wage criteria is incorrect.

Ms. Beaulieu asks if the budgeted amount is correct for the board secretary for grade 5 and step 7 and notes that the information does not agree with the excel sheet that was provided. Ms. Cady replies that she believes this was when the position was recommended to receive to steps. Ms. Beaulieu refers to the December 26, 2006 BOS minutes, in which it states by Ms. Cady that the board secretary is at a grade 5 step 7 and Mr. Bryer recommended that the position be at a grade 4 step 9 and Mr. Witham agreed. Ms. Cady replies that it may not have been corrected in the budget and she will check into it. Ms. Cady confirms that the position will go to a grade 4 step 9 and the salary will be changed to that level. She adds that the figure may change after the wage study comes in.

Ms. Knox notes that there is a line within the executive office for restoration of records line 390 and there is a department category for the same 41401. Ms. Cady explains that there may be a possible grant coming in and the line is kept open with $1.

Ms. Knox refers to the postage, line 625, and asks why $4600 was spent with only $1750 budgeted. Ms. Cady replies that the postage has not been divided out between departments.

Ms. Knox asks about line 690, office equipment, and why the laptop for the board secretary was not divided among the departments in which she works for instead of over expending the line. Ms. Cady replies that a new desktop was purchased for the board secretary as there were laptop problems. This was a recommendation by the town’s networking company.

Ms. Beaulieu states that there may be retirement errors and notes that the town administrator’s retirement is listed under the town administrator department as well as executive office.

Ms. Beaulieu refers to the BOS minutes and notes that there was discussion for purchasing a new copy machine. She asks where this is located in the budget. Ms. Cady explains that the current copier will be going down stairs to be used by the recreation, welfare, and town clerk/tax collector. That is budgeted within the town clerk’s department. The new copier will be a lease and is figured in the executive office. She further explains that the selectmen’s office replaced the copier this year at a lesser price. Also, we were paying a maintenance fee as well as a lease. We are now just paying a lease fee for the new copier. Ms. Beaulieu states that the town will then be paying 2 lease fees for 2 copiers. Ms. Cady replies that there will be two lease fees; however, there will be no need to contract out for printing of tax bills. Ms. Beaulieu asks that the tax bills were contracted out. Ms. Pease replies that she had to contract out for the second half.

Ms. Knox refers to page 3 and notes that there is line 690 for $1000 under office equipment and also notes that there is another line, line 41403/690, under elections for $2500 for office equipment. Ms. Cady replies that under elections on page 4 it is an error and clarifies that the amount should be $2500 under the executive office line 41309/692.

Ms. Knox refers to page 3 and states that there is a line under executive office for $500 for economic development 41309/692 and adds that there is a department for economic development for the town on page 28. Ms. Cady states that the $500 should be under the department 46510.

Page: 3: Dept. 41401~Restoration of Records:
Ms. Cady states that the total selectmen recommended amount is $1.

Page: 3-4: Dept. 41402~Voter Registration:
Ms. Cady states that the recommended amount is $1,119. This is a reduction of $1,212 due to the fact that there will be no state wide elections this year.

Page: 4: Dept. 41403~Elections:
Ms. Cady states that the recommended amount is $5307.40. She adds that the reduction of the department will be less due to the fact that $2,500 will be removed from line 690.

Page: 4-5: Dept. 41501~Finance Administration:
Ms. Cady states that the recommended amount is $37,146.98, which is a decrease of $22,409.02 due to the $28,000 paid out for the ADS software system. Ms. Beaulieu states that the notes and calculations do match her figures. Ms. Cady replies that the figures were changed yesterday and the draft warrant articles note the changes, including benefits.

Page: 5-6: Dept. 41502~Audit Services:
Ms. Cady states that the recommended amount is $9,000. She adds that the audit is an estimated amount of $10,435. $2,400 more will be coming from the trustees of trust funds and the library will be paying $1,509.

Page: 6: Dept. 41503~Assessing Admin:
Ms. Cady states that $48,000 in the wages is actually for the contract and will be moved to contracted services. $3,750 is paid monthly and in July there will be a new contract. Ms. Beaulieu states that the contract was for 3 years at the same rate for all three years and it was just done last year. Ms. Cady states that she and Mr. Purvis discussed this and there were some questions on vacation time and if the selectmen agree the contract will change. Mr. Bryer states that the selectmen have a contract and the contract will not change.

VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, BT, SBryer, DM. 10/0.Ms. Cady states that the recommended amount is $97,353.50, an increase of $3,205.50. Ms. Pease states that there are a few changes. She explains that when the budget figures were prepared by her she was using information from 12/19/06 and the expenditures shown were not complete. She received an expense report on 1/10/07 showing actual figures and would therefore like to amend the following lines: current use line 330 amend to $800 and tax liens line 331 amend to $2000.

Ms. Pease explains that the second half of the tax bills were contracted out for printing as the computer printer is very slow and would have taken continuously 3 days to print. The cost was $600 and is added into the printing line 550 and will not be needed.

In addition, Ms. Pease states that line 390, contracted services, can be reduced by $6000 as there will be a grant received through the vital records.

Ms. Pease refers to line 110, the salary for the deputy. She states that the amount the selectmen recommended $15,288 is keeping the deputy at the same grade and is giving just a step. She requests that the deputy will come up through the wage study.

Page: 8: Dept. 41505~Treasurer:
Ms. Cady states the selectmen’s recommended amount is $7,307.76 which is an increase of $205.76 due to COLA and SS and Medi.

Page: 8: Dept. 41509~Budget Admin.:
Ms. Cady states the selectmen’s recommended amount is $1,240. No increase.

Page: 9: Dept. 41510~TTF Secretary:
Ms. Cady states the recommended amount is $5,700, which is an increase of $500.

Page: 9: Dept. 41531~Legal Operations Services:
Ms. Cady states that the selectmen’s recommended amount is the same as last year, $40,000.

Page: 9: Dept. 41533~Claims, Judgements, Settlements:
Ms. Cady states that the selectmen’s recommended amount is the same, $25,000.

Page: 9: Dept. 41552~Personnel Administration:
Ms. Cady states that the amount recommended is $30,651, which is a decrease from last year of $7863. Ms. Beaulieu refers to the note and asks why the wage study is in this department. Ms. Cady replies that she will take out the comment and see where the note should be placed.

Page: 9-10: Dept. 41911~Planning & Development:
Ms. Cady states that the selectmen recommended is $64,687, which is a decrease of $29,422.50. Ms. Smith notes that the figures under the department recommended are incorrect and were correct at one point in the document.
The department requested figures are as follows:
112 – Salary Planner: $30,000
220 and 225: SS/Medi benefits would be changed accordingly
320 - Legal: $25,000
330 - Contracted Services: $6000
331 - Contracted Services Clients: $3500
332 - SRPC Dues: $4184
333 - GIS Cost Share: $0
550 - Printing and Advertising: $4000
620 - Supplies: $1500
625 - Postage: $2200
690 - Equipment: $500
820 - Training: $1500
830 - Travel: $250

A discussion is held regarding the wages of the planner. Ms. Cady explains that the part time planner was hired according to the minutes of the planning board for 15-20 hours per week and with a step and COLA, there is an increase of $2000-3000 for the salary.

Ms. Smith states that the total for the planning board department recommended is $78,848.

Page: 10: Dept. 41913~Zoning Board of Adjustments:
Ms. Cady states that the selectmen’s recommended amount is $13,900. She notes that the department requested $12,000 for legal and the selectmen recommended $10,000. Ms. Smith states that the figures as they are shown are incorrect and will get the correct figures.

Page: 11-12: Dept. 41941~General Government Buildings (GGB):
Ms. Cady states that the selectmen’s recommended amount is $98,954. This is a decrease of $15,599.

Mr. Bryer requests a recess for review of numbers at 10:15. Back in session at 10:40.

Mr. Jean states that due to the figures not matching and the budget processing being disorganized he asks if it is the prerogative of the budget committee to suggest that Tammie Beaulieu review the numbers and work the software and try to get it useable. He states that this document is not even useable. Mr. McNally replies that he does not believe that the board can ask a private citizen to figure out the software. Mr. Jean asks if it would be possible for the selectmen to set up a situation where Ms. Beaulieu could be hired to do an analysis of the budget. Mr. Bryer replies that he could not discuss it as it is a personnel issue.

Mr. McNally asks if the public would care to continue today or recess to another time.

Ken Curley states that whoever prepared the budget for the public should be fired. The budget is insulting as the numbers do not mean anything.

Ginger Dole states that she does not know how anyone can take any action on the budget as she is not sure what questions to ask and what figures are accurate. She states that she would like to continue today so some questions can be asked and adds that the town should produce another budget and hold another public hearing.

Lucy Edwards suggests that the water district be done today when the representative comes. Mr. McNally agrees.

Further discussion is held regarding recessing the meeting today and still allowing the public to have comment. Ms. Beaulieu requests additional information for the public and for the committee for the next meeting relative to contracted services.

Discussion ensues regarding another public hearing and how the selectmen intend to deliver the updated materials. Mr. Bryer states that at this time the selectmen do not have a plan. He suggests that the committee continue and the committee can take the presented budget and create their own budget. Mr. Jean asks if there are any budget committee vacancies and offers his resignation if it were assured that Ms. Beaulieu would be able to sit on the board. Mr. McNally states that there are no vacancies on the budget committee at this time.

Ms. Knox states that the BOS needs to determine salaries, as the wage plan is not expected to be done until the end of January. She states that the salaries need to be done before the budget can be finalized. Ms. Behm states that it is the selectmen’s responsibility to fix it and present the budget again. Hopefully it will be better.

After lengthy discussion regarding timing issues and rescheduling another meeting, the public hearing will continue today to hear further public comments, questions, and concerns.

Page: 9-10: Dept. 41911~Planning & Development:
Ms. Smith states that the department total for planning board is $80,929. She reviews the line items as proposed by the department as follows:

112 - Salary Planner: $30,000
220 - Social Security: $1860
225 - Medi: $435
320 - Legal: $25,000
330 - Contracted Services: $6000
331 - Contracted Services Clients: $3500
332 - SRPC Dues: $4184
333 - GIS Cost Share: $0
550 - Printing and Advertising: $4000
620 - Supplies: $1500
625 - Postage: $2200
690 - Equipment: $500
820 - Training: $1500
830 - Travel: $250

Page: 10: Dept. 41913~Zoning Board of Adjustments (ZBA):
Ms. Smith provides the department recommended line items for the ZBA as follows:
320 - Legal: $7,000
550 - Printing and Advertising: $18,000
620 - Supplies: $500
625 - Postage: $1600
690 - Equipment: $350
820 - Training: $500
Total $11,750

Page: 11-12: Dept. 41941~General Government Buildings (GGB):
Ms. Cady states that the selectmen’s recommended amount is $98,954. This is a decrease of $15,599.

Ms. Knox states that line 341 is for the telephone and has $17,000. She adds that under the executive office there was $14,600 budgeted for telephones. She asks which one is the right figure and where it should be placed. Ms. Cady replies that this will be addressed by BOS in their work session. Ms. Cady adds that Verizon costs $14,000 and $7,000 is for separate charges for the office for long distance. Ms. Cady states that if these charges go under the GGB then the cost would be approximately $21,000 for both Verizon and long distance.

Ms. Knox refers to line 430, maintenance and repairs and states that the budget showed $37,950 for 2006. She states that she recalls $34,000 was removed at town meeting due to the new expendable trust for all the maintenance of all of the buildings. She notes that there is an additional line 630 in the budget for $1 and does not need to be in the budget at all.

Page: 12: Dept. 41951~Cemeteries:
Ms. Cady states that the selectmen’s recommended amount is $5,800.

Page: 12: Dept. 41961~Insurance:
Ms. Cady states that the selectmen’s recommended amount is $34,000.

Page: 12: Dept. 41974~Strafford Regional Service (SRPC):
Ms. Cady states that this is already listed in the planning board’s budget. It seems to be a separate charge and is dues to town. Ms. Smith states that many years ago it was a separate item and in recent year this has been moved into the planning budget and needs to be removed from this area.

Page: 12: Dept. 42111~Police Commission:
Ms. Cady states that the selectmen’s recommended amount is $7,342.75 and matches the department’s request.

Page: 12-14: Dept. 42112~Police Department:
Ms. Cady states that the selectmen’s recommended amount is $564,054.19.

Ms. Beaulieu asks if it is still the responsibility of the selectmen’s office to calculate the social security and Medicare for all of the department wages. Ms. Cady replies yes. Ms. Beaulieu refers to line 220 and asks why the increase of $20,595 from $3,490. She explains that the police department does not pay social security because of the way they are set up in the retirement system. Ms. Cady realizes the error and will look into this. Ms. Beaulieu adds that the retirement line 230 should be reviewed as wages have gone up and the retirement has decreased. She states that the number does not fit the criteria. She notes that the rates changed July 1.

Page: 14-16: Dept. 42211~Fire Department:
Ms. Cady states that the selectmen’s recommended amount is $292,984.48.
Matt Hotchkiss is present representing the fire department. He states that the figures are incorrect and provides the following information:

112/113 – Salary, SS, and Medi: will be adjusted accordingly. He adds that there was an employee that should have received a step and did not and needs to be updated.
140 - Overtime Salary: $2,715
331 - Communication Management Services: $32,367
610 - Tools, Hoses, Etc.: $12,500
636 - Diesel: $6,500
681 - Gear: $8,000
693 – Hydrants: $2,000

Mr. Hotchkiss notes that these numbers were approved by the BOS at the department meeting.

Page: 16: Dept. 42217~Medical Services:
Ms. Cady states that the selectmen’s recommended amount is $502.

Page: 16-17: Dept. 42401~Building/Code Enforcement:
Ms. Cady states that the selectmen’s recommended amount is $90,786.

Ms. Knox asks about the salary of the secretary, line 113 shown as $17,996. She states that the figure is not accurate as it is the same figure as last year.

Ms. Dole asks what the budgeted amount of $4,000 for contracted services is for, line 330. $4,000. Ms. Cady replies that she is not sure and will check into it.

Page: 17: Dept. 42901~Emergency Management:
Ms. Cady states that the selectmen’s recommended amount is $57.

Page: 17-18: Dept. 43111~Highway Administration:
Ms. Cady states that the selectmen’s recommended amount is $137,430. She states that the salary lines will be fixed.

Page: 18: Dept. 43121~Paving & Reconstruction:
Ms. Knox states that the highway advisory committee presented their figures to the selectmen for new construction for $368,000. She adds that the highway block grant, line 880, is the 2006 figure and will need to be adjusted. She adds that the amounts for each road are as follows:
Bow Street: ditching and overlay - $62,000
Old Turnpike Rd: Rebuild to width of 24’, 2’ shoulders, base coat of paving - $182,000
Old Pittsfield Rd: Ditching and ½ mile of overlay - $51,000
Harmony Rd: Final coat - $73,000

Page: 18-19: Dept. 43122~Highway Cleaning and Maintenance:
Ms. Cady reads the selectmen’s recommended amount at $41,200.

Page: 19: Dept. 43125~Snow and Ice Control:
Ms. Cady reads the selectmen’s recommended amount at $84,001.

Page: 19: Dept. 43163~Street Lighting:
The selectmen’s recommended amount is $1,500.

Page: 19-20: Dept. 43211~Sanitation Administration:
The selectmen’s recommended amount is $90,124.

Page: 20: Dept. 43242~Solid Waste Trans Costs:
The selectmen’s recommended amount is $19,750.

Page: 20-21: Dept. 43243~Solid Waste Disposal:
The selectmen’s recommended amount is $81,145.

Page: 21: Dept. 44111~Health Department:
Ms. Cady states that the selectmen’s recommended amount is $13,222.

Ms. Beaulieu asks about the fuel line 635 and why there is mileage in the budget too, line 830/Travel. Ms. Cady explains that the health officer has been placed under the administration of the building office and has been asked to use the building department pick up truck as much as possible; however, needs mileage for his own vehicle as well.

Page: 21: Dept. 44141~Animal Control:
Ms. Cady states that the animal control officer is no longer shared with the Town of Deerfield so Northwood will be responsible for all of the salary, SS, and Medi. She adds that $2500 has been added to line 660 for the purchase of a second hand vehicle. Total selectmen’s recommended amount is $18,785.
Ms. Beaulieu states that the town was also sharing a vehicle with Deerfield and asks what has happened to that. Ms. Cady replies that the vehicle that was purchased with Deerfield is in pieces at the Deerfield Highway Department and she has asked Deerfield to put the car out to bid. She adds that Northwood paid part of the $900 cost and will get half of whatever the bid for the vehicle is.

Page: 22-23: Dept. 44151~Health Agencies:
Ms. Cady states that the selectmen’s recommended amount is $31,275. She adds that she has all of the audits for the agencies requests.

Ms. Knox states that some of the agencies were paid and others were not. She adds that line 845 for Rockingham Cap appears to have been paid out twice. Ms. Cady replies that it was for two years of payments. Mr. Bryer states that they forgot to bill Rockingham and the monies were encumbered. Ms. Cady adds that some agencies did not request for their payments.

Page: 23: Dept. 44411~Welfare Administration:
Ms. Cady states that the selectmen’s recommended amount is $9905.95.

Page: 23: Dept. 44451~Medical Payments-Welfare:
Ms. Cady states that the selectmen’s recommended amount is $650.

Page: 23-24: Dept. 44452~Welfare Vendors Payments:
Ms. Cady states that the selectmen’s recommended amount is $12,870. She adds that the welfare director has told her that there may need to be an increase in the rental line 440 and the electricity line 410 based on both line items going over. Surveys are being done for average rentals and what the costs should be.

Page: 24-26: Dept. 45201~Parks and Recreation:
Ms. Cady states that the selectmen are recommending a full time director this year. The selectmen’s recommended total is $72,050.92.

Ms. Knox asks if there will be a warrant article at town meeting to make this a full time position. Ms. Cady replies that there is no warrant article request for this position at this time. Ms. Knox states that at the last selectmen’s meeting, Ms. Locke referred to a petition that was put in earlier this year for this position. Ms. Cady replies that she called and asked for a copy of the petition due to the fact that there was not one on file in the office; her petition was to have a special town meeting and another petition was presented to rescind the request for a special town meeting.

Mr. Bryer states that the board is in agreement that this should be a full time position. It was in the operating budget last year as a full time position. He adds that there has been some discussion regarding new positions and the board agrees that any new positions would be a warrant article. At the time, he and Mr. Witham have discussed this position and both support this position at this time for full time. Mr. Bryer notes that there was discussion at town meeting and it has been put in the budget again as a full time position this year. Ms. Knox states that at a selectmen’s meeting in the spring, the selectmen agreed to present this as a warrant article. Mr. Bryer replies that the board has since changed their minds on the presentation of the position.

Ms. Beaulieu states that the notes that the department head has prepared for beach attendants, line 120, it appears that the department is requesting an increase and it has not been input into the budget. She would like to add that this section is prepared well. Ms. Cady replies that the recreation director, Amanda Hodgdon, prepared the parks and recreation budget.

Page: 26: Dept. 45501~Library:
Mr. McNally states that the library has requested to present their own budget. Ms. Bunker presents the budget for the library and notes the following department differences:

110 - Salary Librarian: $35,452.56, a difference of $0.56.
111 - Aides: Ms. Bunker states that this is salary for 4 positions.
210 - Health/Dental: Ms. Bunker states that she calculated this line to be
$22,716.67 and the budget shows $23,649.60. Ms. Cady reviews the figures for the insurance plans. Ms. Beaulieu notes that the figures in the budget do not matching the criteria on the benefit schedule.
670 - Books & Periodicals: Ms. Bunker states that the library would like to reduce this line from $20,351 to $18,976.

Page: 27: Dept. 45831~Patriotic Purposes:
Ms. Cady states that the selectmen’s recommended amount is $4500.

Ms. Knox states that the budget was increased last year for the fire flags to be added to the cemetery lots. It was her understanding the flags would be removed for the winter and then replaced them. Matt Hotchkiss replies that he believes that was the intention. He explains that the holders were left in place and they would be replacing the flags. Further discussion is held regarding the purpose for patriotic events, line 620. Mr. Bailey explains that the VFW buys flags yearly and it is $500. Mr. Bryer states that this was discussed in a meeting and he wants to make sure that there is enough in the line. Ms. Knox requests that this department be reviewed.
Page: 27: Dept. 45890~PD Wage Grant Programs:
Ms. Cady states that the selectmen’s recommended amount is $1000.

Page: 27: Dept. 45899~Historical Society Donations:
Ms. Cady states that the amount noted is incorrect. It should be $1000.

Page: 27-28: Dept. 46111~Conservation:
Ms. Smith states that along with the discrepancies of figures, the notes are not correct in what she had provided for the budget. The notes are not showing up on the print out as submitted.

Ms. Smith provides the department recommended line items for the conservation:
111 - Salary Admin.: $0
320 - Legal: $1000
330 - Contracted Services: same $1
490 - Forest Land: $500.
491 - Forest Land Management: $1000
550 – Printing/Education: $500
560 – Dues: same $400
620 - Supplies: same: $300
621 - Maps: same $500
622 - Special Day: same $40
623 - NCRC: $800
690 - Equipment: $400
820 - Training: same: $1000
Total is $6441

Page: 28: Dept. 46510~Economic Development:
Ms. Cady states that the recommended amount is $453.

Ms. Knox notes that economic development is also listed under the executive office. Mr. Bryer states that this should be a separate department. Ms. Cady states that she will remove this from the executive office.

Page: 28: Dept. 47231~Interest on T.A.N.:
Ms. Cady states that the recommended amount is $15,000.

Warrant Articles:
Mr. Bryer states that the counsel still needs to review the warrant article so the wording may change.

1. Fire/Rescue Capital Reserve Fund.
No discussion is held.

2. Finance Technician-Full Time Position.
Ms. Dole states that there are a few articles for new positions and to change part time positions to full time. She assumes that purposes of the articles are recommendations from the advisory committee so that it is clear of the wishes of the town. If approved by the town’s people than the positions should be filled in that way. She states that perhaps the BOS should reconsider having the full time recreation director just as a line item. She feels that it should be a warrant article so when a new board sits after town meeting, there is no question as to what the town’s people had voted for. Mr. Bryer replies that the board will take this under advisement. He adds that last year the recreation position was in the operating budget and there has been a change in opinions of the BOS. He adds that should the board change again, the point is well taken. He adds that he does not have a problem presenting the positions either way. Mr. Witham states that this was in the operating budget and approved at town meeting. He states that the job description was required for duties and it was left as a part time position. $29,000 was approved and the issue was addressed. He feels that it can now be put it into the budget.

3. Highway Laborer.
Ms. Cady explains that this is a recommendation of the administration study committee. She states that figures will need to be looked at relative to benefits. Ms. Knox states that she has done some figuring and it is different. She adds that the language does not match the way they were submitted in the study committee’s report. Ms. Cady replies that she has reviewed previous articles in previous town report for wording. Ms. Knox states that notes could be added and discussion may occur further at town meeting based on the notes. Ms. Cady states that the wording will be changed.

4. Transfer Station Supervisor-Full Time Position.
No discussion is held.

5. Newsletter.
Ms. Cady explains that this is also a recommendation by the administrative study committee. Ms. Knox states that the recommendation was not for the listed amount of $12,000 but for $9,000. She explains that the newsletter would not go into affect until June and forward. Mr. Bryer replies that after discussion of the BOS, part of the $9,000 was put in there for raising advertising revenue. He wanted to make sure that there was enough money to begin the project properly. He adds that there may also be legal issues that may need to be addressed. Ms. Knox requests that a note be added stating that the study committee recommended $9000 and the BOS is recommending $12,000. Mr. Bryer replies that they will take it under advisement.

6. Facility Committee Expendable Trust Fund.
Ms. Cady explains that this is a recommendation of the administrative study committee. Ms. Knox states that the title should be the General Government Buildings Expendable Trust Fund. The wording should also be noted to have Expendable Trust Fund. Ms. Dole asks for clarification of the purpose of the trust fund. Ms. Knox replies that this will cover everything on the outside of buildings and the operating budget is for the inside of the buildings.

7. Town Hall Improvement Capital Reserve.
No discussion is held.

8. Operating Budget.

9. Highway Department Vehicle Purchase.
No discussion is held.

10. Police Department Vehicle Purchase.
No discussion is held.

11. Transfer Station Compactor.
Ms. Dole states that it is noted that was tabled for further discussion. Mr. Bryer replies that there were some questions regarding the numbers. Ms. Cady adds that figures from one contractor were provided around $27,000. Mr. Bryer adds that the BOS wanted to further discuss the necessity for this year and has not been recommended by the selectmen. Ms. Dole replies that it is not just the monitory amount being questioned but also the need. Mr. Bryer replies that the selectmen would like a better explanation of the need for this year. Ms. Dole states that if the transfer station supervisor has recommended a new compactor, the board would be wise to listen to the department, and strongly urges the selectmen to consider the request.

12. Transfer Station Expendable Trust Fund.
No discussion is held.

13. Benefit Pay Vested Time Expendable Trust Fund.
Ms. Cady states that there is $6000 in the fund at this time. She notes that one selectman suggested raising the amount to $15,000 and the other recommended that the amount remain at $10,000.

14. Cable Expendable Trust Fund.
Ms. Cady states that this will probably change to $23,000. She has spoken to Metrocast and this was there recommendation. Mr. Bryer explains that this is the money from the cable franchise fee; 5%.

15. Lagoon Maintenance and Repair Expendable Trust Fund.
No discussion is held.

16. Cemetery Improvement Expendable Trust Fund.
No discussion is held.

17. Special Duty Coverage.
No discussion is held.

18. NH Climate Change Resolution.
No discussion is held.

19. Northwood Water Rights Ordinance.
No discussion is held.

20. Teen Center Demolition.
Ms. Knox states that she thought that this could be done at no cost as the fire department and highway departments would be involved with the burn and removal of debris. Ms. Cady states that she has spoken to the fire department and due to the fire and cement the building would not burn and there could be hazardous waste released so they did not want to burn it. Mr. Hotchkiss states that regulations have changed regarding the removal of shingles. Ms. Cady adds that she also spoke to Steve Bailey who believes that there will be a cost for the removal of the debris.

21. Teen Center Repairs.
Ms. Knox suggests that the order of 20 and 21 change. Mr. Bryer notes that the articles could be discussed together.

22. New Ambulance.
Ms. Dole requests an explanation of why the town needs a new ambulance, what the justification is and the mileage. Matt Hotchkiss replies that he is not sure as to the exact mileage. He explains that there is wear and tear. Ms. Cady states that two weeks ago Mr. Madison stated 78,000 miles. Ms. Dole states that there must be some other justification for a new ambulance. Mr. Bryer states that they will get the additional info. Mr. Hotchkiss requests that the two fire department articles be placed together. Mr. Bryer replies that they will take this under advisement.

23. Cable Technician Hours.
A discussion is held regarding if it is necessary to present this as a warrant article. Ms. Beaulieu states that the wages for the technician are from the trust fund. She asks if the cable funds have increased. Ms. Cady replies no. Ms. Beaulieu then asks if the wages are no longer funded from the trust fund if they will now be taxed. Ms. Cady explains that the wages will come out of the expendable trust. Mr. Bryer adds that they will review this and make sure the revenues cover the increase of hours.

Ms. Knox notes that the tax impact rates are not noted. Mr. Bryer states that the rates will be analyzed and available for the last public hearing.

Ms. Dole asks for a basis of $1 on the tax rate. Mr. Bryer replies that the assessed value for the town was approximately $521 million without utilities so for every $521,000 spent, is equivalent to $1 on the tax rate.

A discussion is held regarding holding another meeting. Mr. Bryer states that the selectmen can meet regarding the budget and suggests January 23. Ms. Smith comments regarding the deadlines and requirements for the budget committee. She adds that there needs to be some time for staff to create the required documents. Ms. Smith states that it will be extremely difficult for her if the meetings are moved out 2 weeks and expresses concern. She requests assistance from other town hall staff. Ms. Bryer states that he does not have a problem with the other selectmen continuing with the budget; however, the reasoning for another selectman is to resolve any deadlocks that may occur. Mr. McNally states that the selectmen have taken their votes and what the budget committee needs to have is a document showing the actual figures and where they need to be. Mr. Bryer states that the second hearing will not be that significant noting the points made today. Ms. Smith states that she has two deadlines that she will be dealing with in the same week. She asks the selectmen if they are willing to find other staff to assist her with the completion of the two projects should she not have enough hours to complete both. Mr. Bryer states that he does not have a problem with this request and does not believe that the other selectmen will either to approving some over time if Ms. Smith needs more hours or hours from another staff person to assist her in order to complete these jobs. Ms. Cady notes that Ms. Todt will be able to assist with typing figures.
Mr. Bryer states that he would be able to meet Monday night, 1/15, for budget discussions with the other selectmen. Ms. Smith states that the budget committee also needs to have time with two to three meetings for their questions and time for information to be returned and reviewed.

After discussion, Mr. Bailey makes a motion, second by Mr. Jean, to recess the town portion of the public hearing until January 20, 2007, at 9 a.m. Motion passes unanimously.

Mr. McNally opens the public session of the water district.

Mr. Bailey left the meeting at 12:53 p.m.

WATER DISTRICT: PUBLIC HEARING:
Water District Commissioner John Jacobsmeyer is present and provides the water district proposed budget. Mr. Jacobsmeyer explains that the water districts balances their budget based on water revenues so that they do not have to set a tax rate. He states that there was a power outage for several days and since the district has a generator PSNH would not reset the breakers for the water right away so they ran on propane for three days. This was a cost of over $700. Also a pump failed this year.

He reviews the 2004, 2005, and 2006 actual expenditures. This year there were no legal expenses; however, there may be a need to in 2007 as the conservation commission is proceeding to purchase an abutting property and make it available to the public by using the access road that the water district maintains.

The total budget is $29,387.20 and the total revenues are $29,387.20. Mr. Jacobsmeyer states that this does balance; however, in order to balance $4152.08 was used from the fund balance.

Warrant Articles:
Mr. Jacobsmeyer provides an overview of the water district’s warrant articles.
Articles 1, 2, 3, and 7 have no money involved so now action is required from the budget committee.

4. General Operating Expenses.
No discussion is held.

5. Water District Expendable Trust for Repairs.
No discussion is held.

6. Water District Capital Reserve Fund for System Enhancements.
No discussion is held.

With no further discussion, Mr. McNally closes the public hearing for the water district and opens the work session.

WORK SESSION ~ Water District:
Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. McNally, to recommend warrant article 4 for $19,192 for general operating expenses, as written. VOTE: YES: BE, SBryer, KM, CP, NH, JJ, RJ, ME, BT, DM. Motion passes unanimously; 10/0.

Ms. McNally makes a motion, second by Ms. Pingree, to recommend warrant article 5, as written, for $1,000 for the previously established Water District Expendable Trust for Major Repairs. VOTE: YES: BE, SBryer, KM, CP, NH, JJ, RJ, ME, BT, DM. Motion passes unanimously; 10/0.

Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. Ms. McNally, to recommend warrant article 6, as written, for $9195.20 to be added to the previously established Water District Capital Reserve for System Enhancements. VOTE: YES: VOTE: YES: BE, SBryer, KM, CP, NH, JJ, RJ, ME, BT, DM. Motion passes unanimously; 10/0.

At 1:07 p.m. with no other money articles, Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. McNally to recess the meeting until Tuesday, January 16, 2007, at 7 p.m., if necessary. VOTE: YES: VOTE: YES: BE, SBryer, KM, CP, NH, JJ, RJ, ME, BT, DM. Motion passes unanimously; 10/0.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa J. Fellows-Weaver
Board Secretary

[ Back ]

top of page