The Town of Northwood, New Hampshire - Budget Committee Minutes 01/27/07

PRESENT: Vice-Chairman Shelley Bobowski, Water District Representative John Jacobsmeyer, School Board Representative Bill Tappan, Robert Bailey, Kate McNally, Nona Holmes, Colleen Pingree, Mark Edwards, Selectmen Representative Scott Bryer, Board Administrator Linda Smith, and Board Secretary Lisa Fellows-Weaver.

Ben Edwards arrives at 9:30. Chairman Daniel McNally arrives at 10:00.

ABSENT: Herb Johnson excused, Ben Edwards, Cindy Jones Bryer, and Douglas Briggs.

PUBLIC PRESENT: Approximately 15 members of the public are present.

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Principal Esther Asbell, Superintendent Judy McGann, Financial Assistant Betsy Colburn, School Board Vice Chair Bernice Raffaele, and Irene Simoneau.

SCHOOL WORK SESSION:
Mr. Tappan explains that the warrant articles have been completed since the original public session. Discussions are held as follows:

Warrant Articles:
1. Teacher’s Contracts:
Ms. McNally motions to recommend Article 1 as recommended by the school board. Mr. Bailey seconds. Ms. Holmes asks why there is such an increase in 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 and if it is due to the number of students. Mr. Tappan replies that these years are full complete years of pay increases. Vote for Article 1: YES: RB, KM, NH, CP, JJ, ME, BT, SB, SBobowski. Motion passes; 9/0.

3. School Operating Budget:
A discussion is held whether the board can vote on this article without the CBNA adjustments. Ms. Holmes makes a motion, second by Mark Edwards to postpone voting on this warrant article until after review of the school’s budget. Mr. Bryer states that a motion is not necessary as there needs to be a motion to move the budget. Ms. Holmes and Mr. Edwards rescind their motions.

A discussion is held regarding the process of meeting procedures. Ms. Bobowski states that this is a work session for the school and then there will be a public hearing. Ms. Smith states that the information can not be presented at a public hearing until all of the work has been completed. Ms. Bobowski states that the public hearing will be held after the work session.
9:30: Ben Edwards arrives.
Page: 1: Dept. 1100/563-Tuition-Coe Brown:
Mr. Tappan provides updated information relative to Coe Brown tuition rates. He states that the school board proposed total is $3,181,640. This is an increase of less than 5%. Mr. Bailey makes a motion to recommend $3,181,640. Ms. Holmes seconds. Mr. Bryer asks if the technology coordinator and the K-4 school counselor are both in the regular operating budget. Mr. Tappan replies yes. Further discussion is held regarding the technology position as it is a state/federal mandate. Ms. McGann explains that the need is based on the Elementary Secondary Education Act; the mandate is the No Child Left Behind. It states that under the regulation standards the school must have a technology director to oversee all of the technology being used throughout the school and to implement the standards of the technology curriculum.

Ms. Smith asks about the percentage for CBNA and the increase being less than 5%. She asks if the percentage is the difference between the school board and the administration recommended amount. Mr. Tappan replies that the percentage difference is between the current budget for 2006-2007 and the school’s proposed budget of 2007-2008. Mr. Tappan states that the increase for CBNA is determined to be 4.9%, a ½%. Ms. Pingree asks for the amount of students that the increase will cover. Mr. Tappan replies that the total is 280.

Ms. Pingree states that she had emailed a few questions for this meeting related to the technology position. She was asked by a citizen regarding the real problem in the school; is it equipment or the person in charge of the maintenance. Mr. Tappan replies that there is a combination of things. He explains that the school board is hoping to fill the position and they will do a full assessment of the equipment and infrastructure. He adds that another issue is training and proper understanding of using the technology. This has been an issue in the past and they hope that the person will address the issues and then they will be able to avoid the patchwork repairs that they have been doing. He adds that it will then be maintained. Mr. Tappen states that training is a major component of a successful technology program.

Ms. Pingree asks about the foreign language program. She was approached by a citizen regarding the curriculum of the foreign language program and how it will be incorporated into the school day. Ms. Asbell explains that this can be done through the language arts and reading classes and there are many different ways to approach this even through related art skills. She states that there is flexibility with the schedules. Ms. Pingree asks if there will be a loss of class time. Ms. Asbell replies that this cannot be considered as a loss of instruction time. She states that the curriculum would be different to include the program and the languages will be coordinated with the CBNA curriculum.

Mark Edwards asks about anticipated growth of 11–12 students and if these are arbitrary figures. Ms. McGann replies that this is based on past history and between now and next fall the numbers can change, sometimes on a daily basis. Mr. Tappan adds that it is not an arbitrary figure as it is based on past history and historical evidence.

Total increase of the school budget is $666,901.06.

Mr. Bryer states that he does not feel that all of the school’s proposed positions are necessary. He questions the need for a K-4 counselor and also mentions the salary of the technical coordinator being around $60,000 - $65,000. Mr. Bryer motions to reconsider the two positions. Mark Edwards seconds. Ms. Bobowski asks for this motion to be rescinded due to the fact that there is a motion on the floor. Mr. Bryer and Mr. Edwards rescind their motion and second. Ms. Bobowski explains that the committee has already voted on the 1100 department and asks for the original motion to be rescinded. Mr. Bailey and Ms. Holmes rescind their motion for the 1100 line.

Mr. McNally arrives.
Ms. McNally motions to reconsider 1100/Regular Education. Ms. Bobowski seconds. Ms. Bobowski explains that on January 6, the committee voted to recommend 1100/Regular Education for $5,873,400.33. VOTE: YES: RB, BE, KM, NH, JJ, ME, BT, SBryer, DM, SBobowski. NO: CP. 10/1.

Mr. Bryer states that he does not agree with a few of the positions. He feels that it is a lot of money for the technology coordinator and the K-4 counselor. He requests to reduce the budget. Mr. McNally notes that the positions are not in the 1100 section. Ms. McNally makes a motion to recommend the school board amount proposed for 1100/Regular Education department for $5,853,930.75. Ms. Pingree seconds. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, ME, BT, SBryer, DM. 11/0.

Page 2-3: Dept. 1200~Special Education Programs:
Ms. McGann notes that there is an adjustment in special education for CBNA. She states that the new proposed figure is $2,035,829.06. Ms. McNally motions to reconsider the Special Education/1200. Mr. Tappan seconds. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, ME, BT, SBryer, DM. 11/0.

Ms. McNally makes a motion to recommend the school board amount proposed for Special Education/1200 to reflect the changes for CBNA special education for $2,035,829.06. Mr. Bryer seconds. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, ME, BT, SBryer, DM. 11/0.

Page 11: Dept. 2700~Transportation Services:
Mr. McNally makes a motion, second by Mr. Bryer, to reconsider the transportation line, 2700. Mr. Bryer asks if the school checked into purchasing the fuel directly. Mr. Tappan states that this was checked into and was discussed at the meeting. Ms. Pingree states that the school officials were to come to today’s meeting with real comparative figures.

Discussion is held regarding the true figures of the increases. Ms. McGann states that the past contract was for 5 years and it did not include any increases in fuel costs. With the new proposal to stay with the two sets of bus runs, there would still be need for an additional new bus for CBNA. With the new proposal, the difference is $32,704. She adds that based on the new proposal less routes will be done. In the old proposal 13 routes were being done and there was some overlapping in the routes. She adds that the student amount per bus can change; however, you still need to plan on actual numbers of students that may ride the bus.

Ms. Holmes asks how much time will be saved by the staff who is now supervising children. Ms. McGann replies that it is estimated at ½ hour at the end of each day, which reflects to $14,000 in staff time to cover this. Ms. Pingree suggests this information be presented in the narrative, so that the true increase is apparent. Ms. Bobowski states that the realistic cost would be more than what is shown on the line.

Ms. Pingree refers to a previous meeting in which it was stated that these changes are important to the school board and administration and would be done regardless of the vote. She states that in good faith during the presentations of the budget, it is important to see things happen that the people vote on. She hopes that the items that are voted on will be followed through. Mr. Tappan notes the comments.

Mark Edwards states that so far there is no written contract for the transportation. He states that he requested a copy of the contract from the SAU and he did not receive it. Mr. Tappan states that the contract was discussed at the last school board meeting. Mr. Bryer explains that during negotiations the information is not available to the public. Ms. McGann adds that at the last school board meeting the school board did vote to accept the bid from Northwood Transportation and they will be developing a contract.

Ms. McGann notes that the transportation section was previously voted on. Mr. Bryer explains that the vote failed because it was a tie.

Mr. McNally motions to accept the school board proposed amount of $562,300.14 for Dept. 2700/Transportation. Ms. McNally seconds. VOTE: YES: RB, BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, BT, SBryer, DM, SBobowski. NO: ME. 10/1.

Mr. McNally asks if Mark Edwards was obtaining information on his own. Mr. Edwards replies that he was looking for information and was told that he could not get anything. Mr. McNally explains that the policy of the budget committee is as a committee member the member forwards questions to the chair or administrator and then the request is acted upon. Ms. Smith states that anyone can request information as a citizen under the Right to Know law. Ms. Smith states that Ms. Pingree emailed her, per the committee policy, and her email request was forwarded. A read receipt was received. She explains that the policy is that the requested information is then forwarded to all members. She states that she does not believe that that was not done. Mr. Tappan states that the school board meetings are open to the public and all issues are discussed in a meeting.

Page 4-5: Dept. 2120~Guidance Services:
Ms. McNally motions to reconsider section 2210/Guidance Services, for discussion purposes only. Mr. Bryer seconds. VOTE: NO: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CP, BT, DM. YES: JJ, ME, SBryer. 8/3. Motion fails.

Mr. Bryer states that he realizes that the school board and administration put a lot of time and effort into the budget. He adds that this is a $700,000 increase in the school’s budget. He states that he does have a daughter in the school system and cares very much how the school functions. He notes that based on what is being asked for; the average increase of taxes will be $400 - $600 next year.

Mr. Bryer further explains that he is not saying that he is against spending for the school; however, he asks if all of the positions are necessary this year. He states that the school board does not experience when entire families meet with the BOS in a non-public session and beg the selectmen to not take their house. According to the laws, the BOS must take the house. He adds that some people in town are losing their homes and he requests that the spending be reigned in. Ms. Cady adds that 6 families lost their homes this year due to taxes.

Ms. McNally states that she understands the responsibilities on both sides; however, it is in her opinion that the town cannot continue to be funded by property owners. The fight ends up being at the budget committee meetings. Mr. Bryer states that the town needs more commercial development and a difference in the structure. Ms. McNally adds that changes also need to be made at the state and federal levels. Mr. Bailey notes that the population is increasing, which increases the budgets and the town’s need to provide services.

Mr. McNally calls for a break.

Page 5: Dept. 2130~Health Services:
Ms. Pingree makes a motion, second by Ms. Bobowski, to reconsider Health

Services/2130. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, ME, BT, SBryer, DM. 11/0.

Mr. Tappan explains that there is an increase due to step increase, line 110/20. This was recognized by the finance director. The increase is $779. All figures listed in the document received today, draft 3, are accurate. Ms. Bobowski makes a motion, second by Ms. Pingree, to recommend the adjusted figure for 2130/ Health for $74,127.68. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, ME, BT, SBryer, DM. 11/0.

Total Operating Budget:
Ms. McNally makes a motion, second by Ms. Bobowski, to recommend the school’s proposed operating budget for $10,702,187.72. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, BT, DM. NO: ME, SBryer. 9/2.

Warrant Article:
3. School Operating Budget:
Ms. Bobowski makes a motion, second by Ms. McNally, to recommend Article 3 for the amount of $10,702,187.72 as the budget committee’s recommendation for the school’s operating budget. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, ME, BT, DM. NO: SBryer. 10/1.

11:25 Mark Edwards left the meeting.

With no further discussion, Chairman McNally closes the work session and opens the public hearing. He states that the committee will recess the public hearing to February 3, at 9:00 a.m.

Ms. Holmes makes a motion, second by Ms. McNally, to recess the public hearing for the school to February 3, 2007, at 9 a.m. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, BT, SBryer, DM. 10/0.

Mr. McNally states that the committee is back in work session.

Ms. McNally makes a motion, second by Ms. Pingree, to postpone the public hearing for the town following the school portion to February 3, 2007, at 9 a.m. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, BT, SBryer, DM. 10/0.

WATER DISTRICT: PUBLIC HEARING:
Water District Commissioner John Jacobsmeyer is present and states that there have been no changes to the water district’s proposed budget that was reviewed January 13. 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. This has no burden to the tax payers.
With no comments, the public portion is closed and the work session is opened.

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

Mr. McNally distributes copies of the budget that the committee requested to be reviewed and signed off by all departments.

A letter of resignation has been received from Bob Jean and a copy is provided to all members. Ms. Bobowski makes motion, second by Mr. Bailey, to accept Mr. Jean’s resignation with regret. A discussion is held regarding the process of appointing new members. Mr. McNally states that there are names of interested residents on file. Mr. Bryer states that there is so much catching up to do at this point, he suggests to keep the board as is. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, JJ, BT, SBryer, DM. NO: KM, NH, CP. 7/3.

Ms. McNally makes a motion, second by Ms. Pingree, to recess for lunch and review the newest distributed materials from the town. Motion passes unanimously; 10/0.

12:55 Session resumes as a work session for the town budget.

A discussion is held regarding reading Mr. Jean’s resignation into the record as it is a public document. A motion is made by Ms. Pingree, second by Ms. McNally, to read the resignation letter into the record. VOTE: NO: SBobowski, RB, BE, NH, BT, SBryer. YES: KM, CP, JJ, DM. Motion does not prevail; 6/4.

Page: 1: Dept. 41301~Selectmen:
Mr. McNally states that the department total is $10,299.30 and the selectmen recommended amount is $10,250.25. Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. Bobowski, to approve the selectmen’s amount of $10,250.25. Ms. McNally asks why the selectmen previously voted on the department amount. Ms. Cady replies that the changes are due to social security, line 220.

Ms. Bobowski ask why the dues increased, line 560. Ms. Cady replies that dues increased for LGC and the government finance officers increased to $50. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, BT, SBryer, DM. 10/0.

Page: 1: Dept. 41302~Town Administrator:
Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Mr. Jacobsmeyer, to approve the selectmen’s amount of $76,565.37. Mr. Jacobsmeyer asks about the percentage increases for retirement. Ms. Cady explains that retirement was at .681 and increased to .874 effective July 1, 2007. Mr. Jacobsmeyer notes that the rates should be .0681 and .0874. Further discussion is held regarding the town’s contributions for retirement and hours for full time employees. Mr. Bryer states that it is his understanding that the difference with the department and selectmen figures are the corrected figures were only done on the selectmen’s budget. Ms. Cady adds that the figures were not available at the time the selectmen’s budget was created. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, NH, CP, JJ, BT, SBryer, DM. NO: KM. 9/1.

Page: 1: Dept. 41303~Moderator:
Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. Pingree, to approve the selectmen’s amount of $253.55. Mr. Bryer explains that there will only be one election this year. Ms. Pingree notes that the social security and Medicare should be corrected.
Ms. Bobowski makes a motion, second by Mr. Tappan, to amend department 41303 to $215.30.
Amendment: VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, NH, CP, JJ, BT, SBryer, DM. NO: KM. 9/1.
Vote on moving total for $215.30: VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, BT, SBryer, DM. 10/0.

Page: 1-2: Dept. 41309~Executive Office:
Mr. Bryer explains that the selectmen’s office amount is $166,348.12 and the department’s amount is $175,553.40, which is the correct number. Ms. Cady explains that the hours budgeted for the board administrator were incorrect and the corrected amount is 105 hours per month; therefore the salary has been reduced resulting in the difference of the amounts. She states that the correct figure is the selectmen’s line. Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. Bobowski, to approve the selectmen’s amount of $166,348.12. Ms. McNally makes an amendment to the motion, second by Mr. Jacobsmeyer, to reduce the line by $1,000. A discussion is held regarding upgrading the software on the computers from 2003 office. Mr. Bryer states that this is for an upgrade for Adobe and Office 2003. Mr. Bryer states that a newer version has more capabilities when working with the Internet. Mr. Tappan states that he would use the money for more training. Additional discussion is held regarding the possibility of sharing resources between the town and school. Mr. Bryer comments that he would appreciate the committee staying with the selectmen’s recommended amount and the training recommendation is noted. In his opinion, he feels that the Adobe should be purchased as requested and then use the rest of the funds for training purposes.
Amendment: VOTE: NO: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, BT, SBryer, DM. 10/0.
Vote on moving total for $166, 348.12. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, BT, SBryer, DM. 10/0.

Page: 2: Dept. 41402~Voter Registration:
Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. Bobowski, to approve the selectmen’s amount of $1,136.20. With no discussion, VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, BT, SBryer, DM. 10/0.

Page: 3: Dept. 41403~Elections:
Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Mr. Tappan, to approve the selectmen’s amount of $2,807.40. With no discussion, VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, BT, SBryer, DM. 10/0.

Page: 2-3: Dept. 41501~Finance Administration:
Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Mr. Tappan, to approve the selectmen’s amount of $35,623.92. A discussion is held regarding the differences in amounts listed. Mr. Bryer states that it appears that the department is requesting $45,032.05. Ms. Cady explains that the department made the corrections due to too many hours and readjusted the BOS line rather than the department line. Mr. Bryer states that the selectmen can run the department on the amount in the selectmen’s line, $35,623.92. Ms. Cady explains that the penciled amount is what the department amended.

Mr. Tappan asks about the full time finance position. Mr. Bryer replies that after much discussion, the recommendation from the administrative study committee is to have this as a full time position with benefits, which will be presented as a warrant article. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, BT, SBryer, DM. 10/0.

Page: 3: Dept. 41502~Audit Services:
Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. Bobowski, to approve the selectmen’s amount of $9,000. With no discussion, VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, BT, SBryer, DM. 10/0.

Page: 3: Dept. 41503~Assessing Admin:
Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. Bobowski, to approve the selectmen’s amount of $53,428. Mr. Bryer explains that line 330/Contracted Services, is $48,000. He adds that there is no employee for this position. The contract covers all aspects of the job. This was previously paid out of wages and an expendable trust fund. Mr. Bryer states that this is saving the town money as the town position has been eliminated by having the contract. Ms. Cady states that the saving was approximately $30,000. Mr. Bryer notes that the assessor is in town hall one day per week.

A discussion is held regarding the training, line 820. Ms. Cady replies that this is for office staff. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, BT, SBryer, DM. 10/0.
Page: 3-4: Dept. 41504~ Tax Collector/Town Clerk (TX/TC):
Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Mr. Tappan, to approve the selectmen’s amount of $99,463.64. Mr. Jacobsmeyer asks if this total addresses all of the items noted in the memo. Ms. Cady replies yes and notes that the original budget had $15, 288. for the deputy’s salary, line 110. The selectmen voted to increase the line for more hours.

Mr. Bryer states that some towns have this position’s salary as a warrant article and set it at town meeting or it can be within the budget. He states that the TX/TC has asked for a COLA and it is noted in the budgeted amount. Mr. Bryer explains that the preliminary wage study shows that for a town this size the position is making a significant more than others in a town the same size as Northwood. Ms. Bobowski asks what towns Northwood was compared to for the wage study. Ms. Cady lists them and explains that the towns used for comparisons are around the same size based on population and with a major road. Mr. Bryer states that last year the TX/TC met with the BOS and former administrator regarding being paced in the wage study. Mr. Bryer states that the TX/TC has requested another 3.3% COLA increase and states that if the position is already making significantly higher then the position in the other towns, should the town continue to give the 3.3% increases.

Ms. Bobowski asks if there is training time included in the salary total, line 130. Mr. Bryer states that the department requested this amount including the COLA and the selectmen, based on budgetary purposes, used that number since the wage study has not been finalized. Mr. Bryer adds that the position does not receive a step. Ms. Bobowski amends the motion, second by Mr. Tappan, to reduce line 130 to $46,938.27 and recommend as the budget committee amount. Ms. McNally notes that she does not understand why some other salaries, low or high, received COLA if at step 10. Mr. Bryer notes that that was for budgetary purposes. He explains that the TX/TC is an elected official and she agreed to be a part of the wage plan. Ms. McNally asks if the position is bound by the step scale. Ms. Cady explains that the position is not on the wage and step scale and the salary is set by the voters. She adds that the budget committee can make a recommendation for the salary. Mr. Bryer adds that the town has always had the perspective that the salary be placed in the operating budget. Ms. Bobowski rescinds her motion and Mr. Tappan rescinds his second. Mr. Bryer notes that the position now receives benefits.

Ms. Bobowski makes a motion to amend the bottom line figure for department 41504 from $99,463.64 to $97,796.15, which is a difference of $1,667.49. This incorporated the changes in COLA, SS, and Medi. Second by Mr. Tappan.

Ms. Cady adds that the TX/TC has increased the office hours to 40 hours per week. Mr. Tappan asks what the survey for the wage study was based on. Mr. Bryer replies that some towns are part time and some are full time. He adds that the survey is done by LGC. Ms. Bobowski asks for point of comparison if the towns are all equalized so that they can truly be compared. Ms. Cady provides a statement not prejudice one way or the other; TX/TC position from Deerfield is a full time with a salary of $29,000 for both positions. She adds that TX/TC in Deerfield also has a full time office person. Ms. Pingree requests that there be hours noted for the surrounding towns that work the same amount of hours that Northwood’s TX/TC does. Ms. Cady will contact the towns and get that information.

Ms. Smith states that the TX/TC hours are based on a certain amount of work and the office is under certain obligations to do a certain amount of work. She explains that the amount of hours open to the public is changing. In addition, the office hours may increase for office work, bank errands, etc. Mr. Bryer states that there is also a deputy. Ms. Bobowski notes that the TX/TC salary is still paid well above the average.

Mr. Bailey asks if the deputy’s hours are increasing as well. Mr. Bryer adds that the hours increased by 5 and the salary increased as well. Mr. Bryer notes that there may be more hours at the end the month.
Salary: $46,938.27
Line 225-Medi: $924.73 to 902.27
Line 220-SS: $4297.41 to 4201.48
Amendment: VOTE: YES: SBobowski, BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, BT, SBryer, DM. NO: RB. 9/1.
Vote on moving total for $97,796.15. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, BT, SBryer, DM. 10/0.

Page: 4: Dept. 41505~Treasurer:
Ms. Bobowski makes a motion, second by Mr. Bailey, to approve the selectmen’s amount of $7,307.76.
Mr. Bryer explains the responsibilities of the treasurer are to do all of the town’s investing, monthly bank reconciliations, funding to the school; etc. Mr. Knox adds that he also maintains the escrow accounts for the selectmen and planning board. Mr. Tappan states that he is the treasurer of the SAU office and would like to meet with Mr. Knox regarding the school’s reimbursements for federal grants. Mr. Bryer states that if the town does not have enough cash, then the town does a revenue anticipation note (TAN). The town pays interest on the TAN for the bond. That is why the town is very specific regarding giving funds to the school.

Additional discussion is held regarding the salary figures due to new information received from the department. Ms. Cady reviews the figures in the selectmen’s budget relative to salary and notes that they are correct. Ms. Bobowski makes an amendment to the motion due to new information for the salary; $7324.06. Second by Ms. Pingree.
Amendment: VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, BT, SBryer, DM. 10/0.
Ms. Bobowski states that the treasurer is also an elected official.
Vote on amended total for $7324.06. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, BT, SBryer, DM. 10/0.
Mr. Bryer states that the treasurer is not in the wage study.

Page: 4: Dept. 41509~Budget Admin.:
Ms. McNally makes a motion, second by Mr. Bryer, to recommended $1,340. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, BT, SBryer, DM. 10/0.

Page: 4-5: Dept. 41510~TTF Secretary:
Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. Bobowski, to recommended $5,700. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, BT, SBryer, DM. 9/0/1. Mr. Bailey abstains.

Page: 5: Dept. 41531~Legal Operations Services:
Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. Bobowski, to recommended $40,000.
Mr. Jacobsmeyer refers to last year’s amounts and asks why the board is still using the prior year figures. Mr. Bryer replies that there are several pending litigations and there is a potential for more. He adds that he does not believe that the entire line will be spent; however, more will be spent than last year. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, BT, SBryer, DM. 10/0.

Page: 5: Dept. 41533~Claims, Judgements, Settlements:
Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. Bobowski, to recommended $25,000.
VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, BT, SBryer, DM. 10/0.

Page: 5: Dept. 41552~Personnel Administration:
Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. Bobowski, to recommend the selectmen’s amount of $35,151. With no discussion, VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, BT, SBryer, DM. 10/0.

Page: 5: Dept. 41911~Planning & Development:
Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Mr. Tappan, to recommend the selectmen’s amount of $65,046.50. Ms. Bobowski asks why the BOS reduced the legal line, 320, from $25,000 to $15,000 due to the fact that last year they only spent $10,000. A discussion is held regarding the potential for litigation that may occur throughout any given year.

Ms. McNally asks why the salary for the planner, line 112, was reduced by the BOS. Mr. Bryer replies that the position received a step and COLA increase, for budgetary purposes. He adds that $25,000 was based on 15-20 hours per week allowing for some extra hours. Ms. Bobowski asks if the planning board anticipated more hours for the planner. Mr. Bryer replies that the BOS did not meet with the planning board. They accepted the planning board’s budget from the board administrator, Ms. Smith, and the hours were 15-20 per week. Ms. Bobowski asks if additional funds for extra hours for the planner could be found in the budget. Ms. Smith replies that it would not be available in the planning board’s budget.

Ms. Smith asks if the charge for the second half of the year for postage was not added into the postage line, 625. She explains that this is for abutters notices and there is revenue against the line for cases processed by the board. She also notes that the printing and advertising line, 550, is the same way with revenue covering the costs.

Mr. Tappan asks why the selectmen did not take the department’s overall recommendation and asks if the reason was to shave off some monies here and there to save a few bucks. Mr. Bryer refers to the training line, 820, and states that last year the department requested $1500 and only spent $293. He feels that based on that, the amount recommended by the BOS of $1,000. would be sufficient. Mr. Bailey states that there may be new people elected to the board that are interested in some training sessions. Ms. Smith states that she developed the budget with the planning board chair. She explains that several years ago, when Mr. Bryer was on the BOS, there was a statement made by the BOS, that if in a particular year the department did not utilize all of the allocated funds, the BOS would not penalize the department. She states that the board may have three new members on the board that would like to have some training. She adds that she was not able to take some training classes that she typically takes. In addition, there is a planner on staff who also may want to utilize the training line. Ms. Smith states that the supplies, training, and small items are critical to the planning board to have the amount requested.

Mr. Bryer states that prior year adopted total budget amount is $2,760,579 of that $$2,538,000 was spent. He states that since he has been a selectman there has always been some money left over at the end of the year. He notes that all of the road projects proposed were completed. He states that last year he tried to spend according to the best of what the town wanted.

Mr. Bailey states that there was money left over and a spreader was purchased. He asks why surplus money was used for this and asks why the budget committee or highway advisory committee was not notified. Mr. Bryer states that the road agent requested that the spreader be purchased. Ms. Cady notes that there would be an increase for the purchase of the same equipment next year. Further discussion is held regarding holding a meeting to spend town money and surplus. Mr. Bailey states that there is a process. This is why there are committees and departments. Mr. Bailey states that there was no crisis and no need to use surplus for the purchase. Mr. Tappan asks about appropriated monies. Mr. Bryer explains that if there was money left over in a department, they would need to meet with the BOS and request to spend. Mr. Bryer states that he supported the purchase due to the savings of $2,000.

Ms. Bobowski makes an amendment to the motion, second by Ms. McNally, to recommend the department request of $80,929. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CP, BT, DM. NO: SBryer, JJ. 8/2.

Vote on amended total for $80,929. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, JJ, BT, SBryer, DM. 9/0. Ms. Pingree stepped out of the room.

Mr. Bailey makes a motion, second by Ms. McNally to recess the meeting until Tuesday, January 30, 2007, at 7 p.m. Motion passes unanimously; 10/0.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa J. Fellows-Weaver
Board Secretary

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