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Warner Budget Committee Meeting Minutes The meeting opened at In attendance: Marc Violette, Mike
Cutting, Alfred Hanson, Martha Bodnarik, Kimberley Edelmann, Paul
DiGeronimo, Peter Savlen – Warner Village Water Precinct
Representative and Selectman Clyde Carson Others present: Laura Buono – Town
Administrator, Selectman David Karrick, Jr., Selectman David E. Hartman,
Martha Mical, Ed Mical, Jeanne Hand 1. Meeting Minutes A motion was made and seconded to approve
meeting minutes dated 2. 2011 Draft Budget Highlights Selectmen’s Office o
Secretarial position is eligible for a step increase. o
Computer expense includes $1,000 for a new computer. Elections o
Marc Violette asked why the Town Clerk’s office is
closed on election days. The
Town Administrator does not have the answer to that question, it has
been suggested to the Town Clerk to remain open but ultimately it is the
Town Clerk’s decision. It
has been heard from residents that it would be convenient for the Town
Clerk’s office to be open during elections.
Mike Cutting feels the Town Clerk should use her position as a
manager and let the Deputy Town Clerk run the office and the volunteers
run the election; the Town Clerk could manage the two instead of being
involved checking off names. Mr.
Cutting feels it makes more sense for the Town Clerk to manage the
operation. o
Mike Cutting said because of one election, the ballot
could be created in-house instead of spending money on having them
printed. Finance o
Weekly hours have been adjusted from 30 to 32 hours. o
Audit amount increased due to GASB requirements. Tax Collector o
Tax Collector is eligible for a step increase. Town Clerk o
Town Clerk and the Deputy Town Clerk are eligible for step
increases. Assessing o
Wages have decreased because the extra 100 hours for the
State Review process has been removed. o
The Town Forester has been utilized more; the line item
has been adjusted. o
Outside Services is budgeted for 250 parcels @ $37/parcel. o
Computer expense has been increased to allow for
additional software. The
software will bridge the Assessing software to the Tax Collector.
This will eliminate keying information in twice. Benefits o
Insurance rates decreased by 1.9%.
The Selectmen have yet to decide if there will be any further
employee contribution; currently employees contribute 3%.
Other insurance quotes have been sought and the current carrier, o
Retirement costs have increased due to the State lowering
their contribution. Land Use o
Legal line was reduced by $2,000. o
Professional Services includes the printing of the Master
Plan. o
Tax Maps increased due to actual usage; fees will be
charged to applicants to cover expenses.
General Government Buildings – o
Custodian wages have been reduced significantly; the
cleaning will be the responsibility of the agencies in the building.
o
Mike Cutting asked if the building is zoned for heating.
Ed Mical said there are individual controls which are turned down
in the spaces that are not being used. o
Sprinkler/Fire Alarm has been increased to begin
replacement. Cemeteries o
Level funded for 2011.
The maintenance for Property Liability Insurance o
Increased by 6%. Mr.
Hanson asked if an audit is required every year.
The Town Administrator said no.
Mr. Hanson feels the Town could save money by not letting the
insurance company complete the depreciation, he said use an accountant
instead. o
Kimberley Edelmann asked how much is applied to the Workers Compensation & Unemployment o
Workers Compensation reflects a 9% increase.
Police o
Wage increases for eligible employees are included. o
Retirement reflects a change. o
Contracted Services includes two Verizon calling cards for
the cruiser laptops. o
Slight increase in IMC Maintenance (computer). o
Fuel has been brought back to a full patrol level. Fire o
Ambulance contract has been negotiated with Hopkinton. o
$45K in the 2010 budget will become surplus. o
The Town Administrator explained that initially the Fire
Department, Highway Department and Emergency Management budgeted for
radios in their operating budget. Those
expenses will be included in the capital budget. Highway o
Wage increases for eligible employees are included. o
Department Head Salary is funded at the mid-range of the
steps. The current Director
of Public Works is retiring as of o
An additional family insurance plan is being budgeted for
in anticipation of a new hire. Transfer Station o
Wage increases for eligible employees are included. o
Disposal Cost increase is based on an improved economy. o
Concord Regional reduction is because the hauler is
hauling to a different incinerator. 3. Other Business The Fire and Police Departments are
scheduled to meet with the Budget Committee on November 16th.
Mike Cutting recommends an up to date activities report from both
departments. Alfred Hanson asked how long the Police
Department went without another full time officer, he said since the
Town did without another full time officer for over 12 months what is
the reasoning for hiring. The
Town Administrator explained the officer is needed for coverage, there
were shifts going uncovered. Mike Cutting asked if it would be feasible
to change the phone system to voice over internet.
Marc Violette recommends waiting until the technology is a little
more refined for municipality use. The
advantages are one cost and no long distance cost. Jeanne Hand asked if it could be
considered for new employees or those who were not on the health
insurance and now choose to take benefit to pay a higher percentage.
The Committee did not feel such an idea would be fair.
Mike Cutting asked if the Town acquired
land for a new Fire Department. The
Town Administrator said yes, the Town purchased Map 29 Lot 001 for $75K.
The grant that was submitted for a new fire station was denied.
Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday,
November 16 at Alfred Hanson asked for a spread sheet
with Capital Reserve Funds from 2008 to present added to the budget
sheet showing what has been spent. Mike Cutting recommends discussing with
the Departments Heads their capital budgets along with their operating
budget. 4. Adjournment At Respectfully submitted, Mary Whalen Recording Secretary
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