Meeting opened at 7:05 p.m.

In attendance: Mike Cutting – Chairman, Marc Violette, Chris Perkins, David Karrick, Peter Newman, Jere Henley, Selectman Wayne Eigabroadt, Selectman David E. Hartman and Selectman Richard A. Cook

Others present:

Martha Mical resident/Assessing Clerk

Marc Violette made the motion to approve meeting minutes dated April 18, 2005. Chris Perkins seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

David Karrick made the motion to approve meeting minutes dated July 18, 2005. Pete Newman seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

The meeting schedule was reviewed by the Committee members.

The Committee met with the Selectmen to discuss some concerns. The budget process includes projects that will be completed during the year. The budget is approved at Town Meeting, the year begins. Then the Budget Committee learns of projects that have been completed that were never discussed. The Committee would like to see continuity maintained.

Last year the Committee did not define any goals before the budget process began. The result was a budget that expanded. This year the Committee recommends establishing goals with the Selectmen before the process begins. The Committees feels that a $3,000,000.00 budget is too high and intends to lessen the burden to the taxpayers.

Payroll and benefits are the largest expense to the Town. The Committee recommends creating a payroll expense line separate from the department’s budget. The Committee recommends determining the payroll increase before the budget process begins. The Selectmen can then determine how to divide the recommendation between all departments.

Selectman Eigabroadt explained that the intention of the Board of Selectmen is to work with the Committee’s recommendations. Also, the total budget of $3,100,000.00 is not the total operating budget; Capital Outlay is included in that number. There will be approximately $240,000.00 returning to revenue.

The operating budget increased by 15% last year. The Selectmen’s intention is to also keep the operating budget as low as possible without effecting services to the Town. The Selectmen have not met as a whole Board to discuss the budget process and set goals.

Selectman Cook asked the Committee to clarify the recommendation for the separate salary line. The separation is to help better understand changes as a whole.

The Committee also recommends setting a cap on benefits i.e. Budgeting for a 2% increase, the balance if any would be either adjusted in co-pays or employee contribution. Last year $217,820.00 was paid in benefits.

The Committee’s function is to present a budget that:

Meets the needs of the Town.

Fiscally responsible.

When the Committee and the Selectmen work in a harmonious effort it is felt through out the Town Meeting process.

The Budget Committee will meet on August 18, 2005 beginning at 5:30 p.m. to establish their goals.

The Selectmen will also meet to establish their goals. A meeting time will later be determined. Then both Budget Committee and Selectmen will meet on August 29, 2005 beginning at 6:00 p.m. to blend both recommendations.

The Committee discussed different ways to increase the payroll, i.e. cost of living, merit increases. The Committee recommends an hourly rate cost of living increase rather than a percentage.

Selectman Eigabroadt commented that the premise for the wage study was to adjust the wage scale so that it was comparable to similar Towns. The disparity resulted because the wage scale was never adjusted. The Committee agrees that adjustments are necessary but only to the wage scale, payroll adjustments should be based on performance only.

Selectman Eigabroadt recommends that the Committee not dictate how the payroll increases are determined. The Committee clarified that they were only making suggestions.

The Committee discussed possible interests for a new member.

Motion to adjourn at 8:27 p.m.