Meeting opened at 7:00 p.m.

In attendance: Mike Cutting – Chairman, Chris Perkins, David Karrick, Harold Whittemore, Pete Newman, Jere Henley, and Selectman Wayne Eigabroadt

Recorder of the minutes is Mary Whalen.

Others present:

Selectman Richard A. Cook

Selectman David E. Hartman

Wendy Pinkham – Finance Director

Laura Buono – Town Administrator

Ed Mical

Judith Rogers

David Karrick made the motion to approve meeting minutes dated December 12, 2005. Harold Whittemore seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

Chris Perkins made the motion to approve meeting minutes dated December 15, 2005. David Karrick seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

Chris Perkins made the motion to approve meeting minutes dated December 19, 2005. David Karrick seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

Mike Cutting received e-mail from Conservation Commission Chairman John Dabuliewicz asking if he could speak before the Budget Committee regarding the proposed $50,000.00 warrant article involving the Conservation Commission, Mike Cutting recommended January 16, 2006.

The presented 2006 operating budget includes payroll:

The TA salary cannot be encumbered. A warrant article will need to be presented for the remainder of the 2005 salary; the warrant will not include benefits.

Operating expenses increased by approximately $142,972 from 2005, of that approximately $56,000.00 is for fuel increase; approximately $30,447.00 is for payroll increase, leaving approximately $56,450.00 for increased operating expenses. The Committee asked where did the operating expense increase? Selectman Eigabroadt reviewed the 2006 budget with the Committee

Elections increased by $1,570.00

Town Officers salaries increased by $40, 697.00

Town Officers Expenses increased by $4,800.00

Town Clerk’s Office increased by $179.00

Planning Board increased by $380.00

Zoning Board increased by $532.00

Town Hall increased by $5,576.00, of that $3,970.00 is the fuel increase

Old Grade School decreased by $2,205.00

Cemeteries increased by $2,000.00

Police Department increased by $26,077.00

Fire Department increased by $817.00

Building Inspection decreased by $146.00

Emergency Management increased by $92.00

Highway General Expenses increased by $43,629.00 of that $38,200.00 in fuel costs.

Highway Wages & Benefits increased by $30,738.00

Highway Block Grant is decreased from last year

Transfer Station decreased by $12,839.00; the Committee asked why the wage line decreased from last year.

Welfare Director Assistance increased by $3,000.00

Parks & Recreation increased by $725.00

Library increased by $41,313.00, the TA recommended removing the library from the bottom line, it is an uncontrollable expense.

Memorial Day no change

Conservation Commission no change

Bond principal increased by $1,491.00, Bond interest decreased by $1,491.00

Hopkinton Landfill the increase is yet to be determined.

To clarify, appropriated last year was $2,527,043.00, Selectmen’s request is $2,670,017.00 an increase of $142,000.00 of that $56,000.00 is fuel increases, $30,000.00 is payroll increases, $41,000.00 is the library and $15,000.00 is an increase in operating expenses.

Capital Expenses

The Committee understands that the Denny Hill Project will be canceled and moved to Mill Street depending on the coordination with the Precinct. The Precinct has applied for funding for their portion of the project, approximately $140,000.00. The Selectmen intend on creating a long-term road project plan. The Committee mentioned that the Denny Hill Project was a priority two years ago, and was presented that way at Town Meeting, now it is learned that it is not as critical. Mill Street has moved to the critical stage. Selectman Cook explained that is why road projects need to be addressed within an established committee made up of members from the Budget Committee, Selectmen, and the Planning Board just to name a few. The Budget Committee does not understand the critical nature of Mill Street. Selectman Hartman explained that Mill Street occupies a critical link in the Town road system along with the sewer/water system. There is a significant amount of traffic on Mill St. which provides access to roads farther out. Mr. Newman added that if you shut down Mill Street, Depot Street can be used as the same access; there was a time when trucks were not allowed on Mill Street. Currently there is $250,000.00 in the Road Construction Fund; there is a proposed warrant to add another $100,000.00. The Committee and the Selectmen discussed adding the Mill Street project to the committee that is not yet formed. This may change because the Precinct is seeking funding for Mill Street and may be required to expend the funds within the received year.

Funding for a streetlight to be located down at the exit 9 area will be presented in a warrant article. The State is paying for a portion. The Committee believed that Market Basket and McDonalds funded an escrow account for a street light. It has been since learned that the funding was never established and was never required.

It was discussed to only fund the East Roby Road Reconstruction Fund in the amount of $50,000.00 instead of funding road construction until the committee establishes criteria.

A new truck will be purchased for the Highway Department along with presenting a warrant in the amount of $50,000.00 for highway equipment. The new truck will replace the 82 Mack. The 86 Mack will continue to be refurbished with a new frame, the dump body will be re-plated, funding for this is not clear. The Director of Public Works is in the process of obtaining quotes for a new vehicle.

The Committee will meet again on January 16, 2006.

Motion to adjourn at 9:20 p.m.