Meeting opened at 7:00 p.m.

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

Recorder of the minutes is Mary Whalen

Others present:

Selectman David E. Hartman Selectman Richard A. Cook

Martha Mical – resident/Assessing Clerk Wendy Pinkham – Finance Director

The Selectmen presented their goals and objectives for the 2006 budget. The Selectmen propose holding a 3% to the operating budget only excluding Capital expenditures, fuel costs and labor and benefits.

The Budget Committee reiterated that the main goal is to keep the tax rate down ($6.50 goal for the Town). All agreed.

The Committee members and the Selectmen suggested offsetting the fuel costs by applying more from surplus.

The Committee and Selectmen determined that if $1,760,287.00 is raised by taxation then the tax rate would be $6.52 for next year. The continued increase of fuel costs is still a concern.

The Committee revised the meeting schedule; new dates will be created and properly posted. The total budget will be presented in October meeting the goal objective (resulting in a tax rate of $6.50), and if the budget presented does not meet the goal then the areas that caused the escalation would be looked at and resolved.

Employee contribution toward health benefits was discussed toward maintaining the tax rate goal.

The Selectmen are looking at a decrease in operating expenses in view of expanding costs in fuel, benefits and labor.

Martha Mical commented that the Budget Committee must realize with the cost of fuel and the escalating costs of everyday life your going to see your tax rate increase in 2006. The Committee is aware of the cost increases, maybe the Town needs to look closer and determine if certain road projects are necessary. Mrs. Mical then commented that you are now beginning to reduce services to the residents. The voters determine the bottom line. The Budget Committee will present a budget to the voters that meet the goals and necessary services that are expected from the Town. The Selectmen will present to the Budget Committee the same.

Meeting schedule was developed:

October 17 - Capital Improvements January 16 Review 2005 Expenses

November 10 - Complete budget presentation Finalize 2006 Budget

November 14 - Highway Department January 19 Snow Date

November 21 - Transfer Station January 23 Review Petitions

December 1 - Police Department Public Hearing 2006 Budget

December 5 - Fire Department, Budget Review Public Hearing 2006 Water

December 12 - General Government January 30 Snow Date

December 15 - Warner Village Water District February 2 Final Vote

December 19 - Work Session February 6 Snow Date

January 5 - Work Session February 9 Final Public Hearing

Motion to adjourn 7:29 p.m.