Warner Budget Committee

Meeting Minutes

August 13, 2008

 

Meeting opened at 6:00 p.m.

In attendance:   Marc Violette – Chair

                        Mike Cutting

                        Clyde Carson

                        Brenda O’Brien

                        Harold Whittemore

                        Peter Newman – Warner Village Water District Representative

                        David Karrick Jr. – Selectman’s Representative

Absent:             John Warner – Vice Chair  

Others present:

Laura Buono – Town Administrator

Martha Mical

Jeanne Hand  

1. Objective – Year to Date & Revenue’s

Ms. Buono summarized that the current budget is coming in on-line.  Mileage reimbursement rate experienced an increase (.58.5 cents) by the Federal Government due to the escalating fuel costs.  Averaging out the entire budget there is 37.5% remaining.   

The Highway Department is working on FEMA funded projects instead of regular budgeted maintenance.  

Transfer Station demo tipping fees are over because of the removal of shingles.  Mike Cutting asked why the office & shop supplies over spent.  Ms. Buono explained the line was used to purchase items in regards to the clean-up; she will also look into the detail of the expenditures.  Mr. Cutting asked why the vehicle fuel line is running high; there is 10% left for the year.   

A committee member asked if projects not completed by the Highway Department this year will be added to next year’s budget.  Ms. Buono explained that a lot has to do with timing; Connors Mill will not be completed this year because of the delay by the State.  Currently, Melvin Road and Newmarket Road is being worked on which is funded by encumbered and FEMA monies.  To save money, road side mowing will not be done this year as well as line striping.  Ms. Buono will inquire about any large projects that may be delayed until next year.  

Jeanne Hand asked where the funding is for Connors Mill Bridge .  Ms. Buono explained any money received from FEMA for Connor’s Mill is in the reserve fund.  Ms. Hand confirmed that other projects are not being funded with the money for Connor’s Mill Bridge .  

Mr. Cutting asked if the Town can go back to FEMA and adjust the cost for pending projects.  Ms. Buono does not believe there is a method in place by FEMA to reimburse the Town because the cost of construction has gone up, if more material is needed for a project that request can be submitted.  Mr. Cutting is concerned that the FEMA work that is finishing up on Newmarket will come in higher than originally estimated.  Ms. Buono explained that the work was contracted last year and the contract will be honored.  Ms. Buono will still look into Mike’s concern.   

A member asked if the Town locks in on fuel prices.  Ms. Buono explained that the fuel bid process was recently completed for propane, oil and kerosene; the costs are doubled from last year.   

Mike Cutting asked why Parks & Recreation over spent sanitation, improvements and maintenance supplies. Ms. Buono will contact the Parks & Rec Chairman regarding sanitation, also FEMA repairs were completed this year which will be offset by the FEMA funds.  Marc Violette informed the Committee that the baseball park has not been used for the last two years, both years the field was not ready to be played on.  Marc feels the fields could be in better shape, his opinion is based on other fields that he has been involved with.  The lack of use has been attributed to flood damage and the lack of volunteer help.   

Jeanne Hand asked if FEMA money could be spent on other items within the budget.  Ms. Buono explained that FEMA money must be spent on what it was issued for.   

Mike Cutting asked if the River Walk project at Riverside Park is complete.  The project has been completed but Marc Violette noted that there is no river walk path.   

Under capital expenses it was noted that the police cruiser has been purchased and the Old Grade School roof repair will begin in a week.  Mike Cutting touched upon how the original concept for the Old Grade School was that it was going to be self sufficient where there would be little cost to the Town.  Mike would like to see the Town strive toward the original concept.  Currently the Kearsarge Children Center and the Co-op Preschool do not pay for their use of the building.  Ms. Buono explained that the Board of Selectmen will be meeting with the Kearsarge Children Center , Preschool and CAP representatives to discuss operating costs.  Ms. Buono explained that CAP has stopped the once a week senior meal, the revenue received for provided services will change in 2009.     

The Committee and audience members discussed the proposed New London Community Center that would be located in the Middle School building in New London .  There were concerns about the possibility of New London asking for funding from the district Towns, this thought was not favored upon.  

Returning to the operating costs for the Old Graded School discussion the Committee questions if the Town can continue to afford such an expense.  

A member recommended receiving current expenses through email a couple of days in advance of a meeting.  Ms. Buono also recommended to the Committee to forward her any questions they want answered ahead of time.  

In response to the increase in sanitation for Parks & Rec. Ms. Buono read a memo from Parks & Rec. explaining that due to the increase usage of the soccer field and to minimize any risk of damage to the snack shack bathroom facility at Riverside Park additional porta potties were ordered.  

Jean Hand asked if some costs could be reduced in the budget.  Marc Violette explained the budget process on how the BC compares each department’s bottom line with last years.  At that point the BC may question particular costs.  During the public hearing the public will have their opportunity to voice their concerns.   

The Committee asked Ms. Buono what the Town is proposing for 2009.  Ms. Buono approached the Department Heads asking them to present to her a budget that reflects what is needed for 2009; she did not place a cap.  All departments are fully aware of the escalating fuel costs.  Ms. Buono has so far worked with the Police Department; their budget does not reflect any substantial increase.  The Transfer Station budget may include the cost to remove the gypsum and ash, costs are being obtained.  The Committee asked what may be proposed for wage adjustments.  Ms. Buono explained that she is not recommending any substantial wage adjustments to the Selectmen, but it will depend upon the Board of Selectmen, there are still unknown costs that can affect the budget such as fuel and insurance costs, and there is no guarantee that the Selectmen will approve wage increases year after year.  Marc Violette asked if there has been discussion regarding employee contribution to health benefits.  Ms. Buono said she is gathering information on the option of increasing the co-pay.  Realistically, more and more towns are moving toward employee contribution.  

2. Revenues

Transfer Station revenues to date are at $37K, there was discussion on how the revenues received for demolition disposal does not cover the actual disposal costs.  September 1st is the due date for any adjustments to estimated revenues.   

The next scheduled meeting is September 22 for Capital Improvements Plan and October 16 will be for the Selectmen’s budget.  Mike Cutting would like to see 0% increase to the budget for 2009.  Ms. Buono said knowing the heating and gasoline prices, having a 0% increase means cutting back on services.  Mr. Cutting would like to know what services would be cut with a 0% increase.  Ms. Hand recommended to the Committee to meet with the county and school representatives presenting the same objective, 0% increase, Marc Violette agreed, a meeting will be arranged. 

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.