Meeting opened at 7:00 p.m.

In attendance: Mike Cutting, Marc Violette, Barbara Bartlett, David Karrick, Harold Whittemore, and Selectmen Richard A. Cook

Others present:

Laura Buono – Town Administrator Judith Rogers

Selectman David E. Hartman, Martha Mical, Selectman Wayne Eigabroadt, Ken Klinedinst, Marianne Howlett, Rob Johnson

Marc Violette made the motion to approve meeting minutes dated September 14, 2006. Richard Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

Marc Violette made the motion to approve meeting minutes dated October 16, 2006. David Karrick seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

The Selectmen presented a total operating budget that includes $28,000 for wage increases, the changes in health and retirement at a 2.39% increase from last year. Selectman Cook explained the budget packet that the Committee received, included is a detailed long sheet, a sheet on wages & benefits, estimated revenues for 2007, and explanations for specific lines in specific departments. Selectman Cook thanked the supporting staff for a smooth budget process.

The Budget Committee asked if the vacancy within the Fire Department (On-Call EMT) will or will not be filled. Laura explained that the position is still reflected in the Fire Departments budget, it is not known if the position will be filled or not. The Selectmen recommend that they should be part of the decision on whether to keep the position or not.

The stipend employees are not included in the wage amount (Selectmen, Treasurer etc.).

The Committee discussed the addition of $5,000 to the Transfer Station budget for part-time labor. The Committee would like to see the $5,000 used as proposed, not as an avenue to increase hours. The Selectmen have the same concern. Laura recommended putting the $5,000 in a separate line for monitoring purposes, the Committee agreed. Before the Selectmen is a proposal for an additional part-time person at the Transfer Station.

The Selectmen have not determined how wages will be increased. Laura has reviewed the wage scale and adjusted some of the starting wages and added more levels.

Election budget was reviewed. Selectman Eigabroadt recommended increasing the stipend for the volunteers that work the election. The Committee will review the rest of the budget and address departmental questions during their scheduled meeting.

Legal was reviewed in the Selectmen’s budget, Planning and Zoning.

The Committee asked about the status of creating a position that would entail grounds maintenance of the buildings and the fields. Laura explained that the position is still being carried under Parks & Recreation and the money is in the bottom line, it would not be an added cost to the budget.

The Selectmen have not yet determined a capital budget.

The Budget Committee will email questions to Laura before the next meeting. Marianne Howlett and Martha Mical commented that those questions are public information. Laura added that the questions are for clarification, no decisions will be made.

Motion to adjourn 8:21 p.m.