SELECTMEN’S WORKSHOP  

Minutes of 09/18/06

4:00 p.m.

 

Selectmen:                                                                                          Peter Miller, Chairman

                                                                                          (absent with notice) Frank Michel

                                                                                                                           Peter Brothers 

                                                                                                                             Miller Lovett

                                                                                                                      Colette Worsman

 

Town Manager:                                                                                             Carol Granfield

  

Recording Clerk:                                                                                               Beryl DiBiaso

 

Roll Call at 4:00 p.m.  Workshop opened by Chairman Peter Miller.  Frank Michel is absent with notice. 

 

Chairman Miller said the reason for having this budget workshop was to give Town Manager Carol Granfield and the department heads guidance in the preparation of the town budget and how much of an increase would be acceptable.  Chairman Miller said each board member would have 5 to 10 minutes to outline their thoughts and philosophy for Carol and the department heads.  The discussion would then be opened to the public for their comments.  Carol also has a staff report outlining several significant or new increases that will occur with the 2007 budget that the Board should be aware of. 

 

Miller Lovett began by saying he would like to see the tax bills stay as level as possible except for those who have made significant improvements to their property.    He said there is approximately $200,000 in new money as a result of added value of new building projects that we should use for a 3% increase for items in the budget he feels are controllable.  There are items that we have no control over such as fuel, electricity and insurance as well as salaries and wages. 

 

Peter Brothers feels we should see what the towns needs are then determine the budget.  He would like to see us maintain critical services and not expand any programs.  He feels this will be a difficult budget because of the new Community Center and the debt service on the new police station.  Peter wants to see the capital improvements projects kept in tact.  He also feels we need to conserve where we can in the utility area. 

 

Colette Worsman feels every increase will take away from taxpayer’s monies.  Each department should look at what service they provide to the taxpayer.  She would like to see revenue sharing.  Colette also feels there will be a slowdown in construction over the next few years which will mean less income from building permits.  We need to question if every service we provide is necessary.  Are we only providing a service to a small segment of the population?  The cost of construction of the Community Center was for all taxpayers but the operating cost should be the burden of only those using the Center.

 

Chairman Miller said the taxpayers only pay attention to the bottom line number.  He said department heads should keep what is essential and prioritize discretionary items.  He wants the Board to think whether they want to have a consensus vote or majority rules among the board members.  We will have revenue increases from tipping fees, burial plots, board permits and water rates.  He asked if we can increase revenues for the Community Center usage.

 

Chairman Miller said he would rather build a budget by cutting rather than adding from a low figure.  He also stated that if department heads put in items that the town manager cuts before the budget goes to the Board, they still have an opportunity to have them put back in if the Board members feel it is a justified item. 

 

Resident Comments: Jim Hughes discussed the difference between “Needs &Wants”. David Sticht felt the budget should come in at a bare minimum and then have the Departments prove what they need.

 

Carol Granfield discussed some items that will occur with the 2007 budget such as water hydrant rental increase, inflation, electricity costs, Cattle Landing Docks, Community Center operation for a full year and a solid waste increase in the cost of removing solid waste that could bring a potential increase from $65,000 to the $105,000 range.

 

Chairman Miller wanted to set a ceiling for Carol Granfield but the other selectmen did not agree.  He also said a double digit increase is not likely to fly for the 2007 budget.  Peter Brothers would like to see something in the high single digits but didn’t want to be pinned down to a specific number at this time.  Miller Lovett said he appreciated the dialogue of the budget meeting.

 

The Selectmen entered into non-public session at 6:35PM to discuss personnel matters under the proper NH RSA 91:A by motion of Colette Worsman, seconded by Miller Lovett and unanimous roll call: Peter Miller, Peter Brothers, Colette Worsman, and Peter Miller.

 

No actions were taken.

 

Peter Brothers motioned to exit the non-public and adjourn the workshop at 7:10 pm. The motion was seconded by Miller Lovett.  Unanimous vote.

 

Respectfully submitted:

 

_____________________________                          ___________________________                 

Carol M. Granfield, Town Manager                           Peter N. Miller, Chairman

 

______________________________                        ____________________________

Beryl A. DiBiaso, Recording Clerk                            Peter F. Brothers

                                                                                   

___________________________

                                                                                    Miller C. Lovett

                                                                                    ____________________________

                                                                                    Colette Worsman