Warner Budget Committee

Meeting Minutes

Monday, September 21, 2009

 

Meeting opened at 6:07 p.m.

In attendance:   Marc Violette - Chairman

                        Mike Cutting

                        Kimberley Edelmann

                        Alfred Hanson

                        Martha Bodnarik

                        Peter Newman – Warner Village Water District Representative

                        Clyde Carson – Selectman’s Representative

                        Laura Buono – Town Administrator

Absent:             John Warner                   

Others present: Selectman David Karrick, Jr., Jeanne Hand, Marianne Howlett, Martha Mical  

1. Meeting Minutes

Motion was made and seconded to approve meeting minutes dated May 4, 2009 .  All were in favor; the motion passed.  

Motion was made and seconded to approve meeting minutes dated January 15, 2009 .  All were in favor; the motion passed.  

2. Meeting Schedule

The Committee members reviewed the draft meeting schedule.  The Committee discussed changing the start time from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.   Mike Cutting moved to change the meeting start time to 7:00 p.m.   The motion was seconded; all were in favor, the motion passed.  

Martha Bodnarik spoke about the Budget Committee’s charge as allowed in RSA 32:16; the Budget Committee will create a budget.  She also feels in order for the committee to create a budget it would be beneficial to meet with the department heads, other members agreed. The members decided upon an open invitation for the department heads to attend the October 15, November 12 and December 10 Budget Committee meetings.  

3. Budget Review

Mike Cutting asked why the computer expense in the offices is high.  The Town Administrator explained that it is a one time expense for software support, there should be no further billing for the rest of the year.  He also questioned office supplies, that too is running high, about 70% spent.   The Town Administrator said that supplies are purchased as needed; the office does not hold much inventory.  She feels the line will not be overspent, but because supplies are ordered on an as needed basis, if the line is overspent then most likely the line item will need to be increased.   

Cruiser expense is at 93.7% spent because the oldest cruiser had substantial repairs.  The cruiser is scheduled to be replaced in 2010.  

Kimberley Edelmann recommends adding an additional column to the budget sheet that indicates the status of an expense, if it is expected or red flagged as an unexpected expense.  Alfred Hanson asked the Town Administrator if she has any concerns about the budget.  The Town Administrator said she was concerned about the heating line.  The cost for heating fuel for the end of the year has been cut in half per gallon.  She said every department is aware of where their heating lines are.   

The Town Administrator explained the Town is not receiving revenue sharing from the State this year.  The Selectmen reviewed and identified with the departments certain areas within their budgets that will make up the difference.  The intent is to prevent a tax impact to the residents.  For example the paving line has been cut back by $36K.  The paving line was level funded from 2008; the $36K that was cut is not enough to complete another paving project.    Selectman Carson feels the concerns are primarily on the revenue side.  The expected revenues from the State as well as other areas are down.  Selectman Carson said another high expense is the removal of the ash pile at the Transfer Station.  When the ash was tested the results indicated hazardous waste material.  The Town Administrator explained that the disposal of the ash was budgeted for 2009; the actual cost is $26K. 

Marc Violette asked if it is known what the school budget will look like.   The Town Administrator said that the Superintendant met with the Selectmen and projected a 3-4% increase.  County at this time is unknown.  

Town Hall water and sewer is at 105%.  The Town Administrator said the rates increased.  The line was funded based on estimates supplied by the water district.  She said she will check to see if the Old Graded School was included within the Town Hall.   

Alfred Hanson asked if the Town will still receive the meals & rooms tax from the State ($131K).  The Town Administrator said yes, it will be received at the end of this year.  The Committee asked what is made up in the miscellaneous revenues.  The Town Administrator said rental of Town property, for example Town Hall rentals and the Community Action Program.  

Alfred Hanson asked the Selectmen what the goals are for the department heads for their budgets, will they be cutting back by any percentage.  Selectman Carson said the department heads instructions were to level fund.   

The Committee members feel that if there is pay increases scheduled for 2010 that the budget should include the adjustments still keeping the budget level funded.  Alfred Hanson feels the department budgets could be cut by 2% with still being able to provide what is needed.  

Chairman Violette called for questions.  

Jeanne Hand asked why building permits is estimated as high as it is.  The estimated revenue for the year is $6,000. Currently, the Town has accepted $5,629 in building permit fees.  The estimate is accurate.  The Town Administrator added that the revenue estimates from the beginning of the year have already been adjusted.  

Marianne Howlett asked about the ambulance billing, she said it was discussed at a Selectman’s meeting the significant cost for ambulance.  The Town Administrator explained the ambulance billing that was discussed was for 2008, the 2009 billing will be received in October.  The Town of Hopkinton has changed the way they calculate the billing.  The Selectmen met with the Hopkinton Selectmen, after, a letter was sent to Hopkinton pointing out the areas in the billing that the Warner Board of Selectmen disagreed with.  The letter also said that if the Town does not here back from Hopkinton that these areas are expected to be removed from the billing.  The Town has not heard back from Hopkinton.   

Jeanne Hand asked why within the Police budget zero money has been spent for training.  The Town Administrator explained the Police Department does a lot of their training at Police Standards & Training at no cost.  Ms. Hand asked if the Town sets certain standards for training.  The Town Administrator said Police Standards & Training sets the standards.   

4. Adjournment

Motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 6:59 p.m.        

 

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Whalen

Recording Secretary