FINAL MINUTES OF PUBLIC MEETING

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Meeting held on the 17th of January 2004

Board members present: B. Kantner, S. Fiske, Ted Petro-Board of Selectmen

S. Andersen, C. Nolte, R. Barnhisel, C. Eddy, P. Quinn-Budget Advisory Committee.

Call to Order by B. Kantner at 1:15 p.m.

One Department Head and 16 members of the public were present.

Budget Hearing

1. Subject:  Kantner welcomed the public to the budget hearing.                     The Board of Selectmen and the Budget Advisory Committee were introduced to the public.  Fiske began reading the budget.  W. Edwards stated that he is against a 3% raise.  There was discussion of wage increases and the process of determining increases.  It was explained that the current process would need to stay in effect until a new process has been determined and set by the Board of Selectmen.

Fiske read through the rest of the budget.  Questions were raised concerning the health insurance.  Questions were raised regarding the line item for the independent audit.  Questions were raised regarding the “Refund and Abatement” line item.  An explanation of the settlement agreement with The Lukas Foundation was given.  There was discussion about the legal portion of the budget.  Questions were asked about the town hall and other property.  Questions were asked about the Town Forester position.  Fiske explained that this position would be compensated on an “as needed hourly basis”.  Questions were raised regarding the Police budget.  Andersen and Chief McTague gave explanations about the Police budget.  Andersen explained to the public that the proposed budget maintains current town services.  The two known warrant articles for the Highway Department were mentioned.

Andersen commented on the 2003 budget and actual expenditures.  Andersen also explained that most of the increases in the budget are items that are not controlled by the Town.  Andersen informed the public that the BAC and BOS had worked together on the proposed 2004 budget.  Kantner informed the public that another budget hearing will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2004 at 1:00 p.m.

Hearing adjourned at 3:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Debra Harling, Administrative Assistant.