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Minutes of January 9, 2007

January 16th, 2007

Carroll Budget Committee
Minutes of January 9, 2007

Members present: Linda Dowling, Tom Gately, Karen Moran, Carmine Fabrizio, Bonnie Moroney.
Excused members: Pam Walsh, Ken Mills.

As noticed to the Public, tonight’s meeting was the OPEN PUBLIC HEARING. Members of the public who attended the Hearing were provided with the Selectmen’s Budget Worksheet and the Warrant Articles received as of January 9, 2007. Members of the public present were: Bill Dowling, Ann Fabrizio, Al Strasser, Bill Wright, Donna Matz, Mike Matz, Leo Lavalle, Sully Lane, Claire Gritzer, Billy Rines, Jeff Duncan, Ben Jellison, Bill Smalley.

At 7:35 the chair called the session to order and outlined the rules for the public hearing.
Chair proceeded through the expense segments and asked for comment.
• Financial Administration would include $1,000 for Comstar billing expense.
• Chief Duncan asked if the Budget Committee figures would include the 5% raise as was discussed and was told that is what would be recommended. 5% consistent raise for town employees.
• Karen indicated she would double check the amortization schedule for both long term debt figures.
• Chair asked for any other comments. Bill Dowling wondered if he should present his budget again- chair thanked him for the offer, said the committee had his requested budget.
• Jeff Duncan wondered about the county and school taxes
• Claire Gritzer asked about the Assessing estimate of $80,000. Karen said she had called the assessing firm and obtained the breakdown of fees. $80,000 is reasonable based on that discussion. Bonnie noted that the prior assessing form had not provided the town with the ability to update the software.
• Chair noted that the Recycling budget appeared to have been cut, per the Selectmen’s recommendation. Karen asked if Bill had been notified of the change and he said no. Al Strasser indicated Bill had been asked to the selectmen’s meeting twice and did not appear. Bill then read a memo outlining the budget process.
• Karen again asked about the Recycling revenue and was told actual for the year was $18,603.71, and could be higher in 2007 if the Mt Washington Resort recycling is part of the town recycling.
• Claire G indicated that she would like to see what the department head’s requested if there is a difference between the recommended budget and what was requested.
• Billy Rines expressed concern that the Propane line in the Water department budget was reduced to $1,500, as the usual bill is approximately $2,300. Tom Gately noted he had notes from Billy’s presentation.

Chair read each warrant article and asked for comments.
• Claire G suggested it is important for people to be involved with the town, in relation to the article to increase the select board to five people.
• Regarding the change of name and purpose of the FD Special Revenue Fund article, Jeff indicated it was not written as submitted. 2/3 vs simple majority. Had been written requiring 2/3 vote, DRA and town attorney said simple majority.
• Regarding the 2nd firefighter, Al Strasser said in a 2-1 vote at the 1/8/07 selectmen’s meeting it was voted not to recommend. Leo L. wondered if we had a FT firefighter and was told yes. Discussion ensued regarding a warrant article that was not included for the benefits of the 2nd firefighter. Karen noted the LGC had recommended putting benefits in the benefits section of the budget, at ½ year cost as timing would not allow for a full year. Ben J. reiterated that the salary would NOT be tax money. Leo wondered why a 2nd person was needed. Jeff noted it would ensure 7-day coverage 10 hours per day. Jeff then asked about the Default Budget and if the warrant passed, would the default include the benefits? Linda said yes per RSA 40:13IIa, then indicated the Default Budget should be completed by the “governing body”. Karen cautioned her regarding the interpretation of governing body for budget purposes.
• No discussion regarding the FD pickup truck.
• Ann F. wondered what an “in-car-surveillance-system” was and was told like a video, for protection of one-man operation of the police vehicles.
• Karen wondered how much money was in the PD CRF and was told $24,028
• Al S. noted that the water tests at the old landfill are close to the limits, so the CRF for the landfill closure is important.
• Leo wondered why the town safety complex money was not long term, questioned why we put any money into fire station. Jeff noted that patches done to station were “bandaids only”, police and fire have outgrown and need to comply with safety issues. Linda noted that by contributing to a CRF, the costs will be spread out rather than borne at one time. Claire wondered about the title of the CRF.
• No discussion regarding the bridge
• Same discussion took place regarding the costs for the engineering plans for the safety complex as took place for the safety CRF
• No discussion about list of CRF
• Leo wondered how the $60,000 was determined for the administrator. Al noted $35 for salary, $25 for benefits.
• Regarding the part-time planner, Al noted that the new owners of the Mt. Washington Hotel suggested that the Twin end of town requires some “updating to be more attractive”
• Regarding the tipping fees, Karen again asked to what revenue account in the general ledger the activity posts, Bill not sure.
• No discussion regarding adjust to put all monies into the Recycling SRF
• Regarding the highway dump truck article, recommended by selectmen, Al said he had different information from Lancaster. Discussion ensued about timing and information. Billy Rines noted that with three trucks the small crew can be more efficient. Carmine wondered about the radios and was told there is a large safety concern with the current inability to communicate with Police and Fire
• There was no discussion regarding the various requests for public service monies.
• Discussion took place regarding the “donor towns” and at the state level, there is no such town.
• The Taylor Blain house is the former Lindsey House in Lancaster.
Claire requested reports of how the various health care and other service groups spend the money they request. Many such financial reports are included in the Carroll Town Report each year.

At 9:15, the Public Session was closed and the Budget Committee voting session was opened at 9:25.

The voting began with the Money Warrant Articles- (notation first number supports the article, second number does not support the article)
#1 and #2 no money involved so no vote taken
#3 regarding the 2nd full-time firefighter- Four in favor, Linda against. 4-1 to recommend
#4 pickup truck-all in favor 5-0 to recommend
#5 in car surveillance systems, possible grant reimbursement all in favor 5-0 to recommend
#6 police cruiser – all in favor- 5-0 to recommend
#7 Landfill Closure CRF-all in favor 5-0 to recommend
#8 Safety Complex CRF – all in favor- 5-0 to recommend
#9 Bridge design and CRF – all in favor 5-0 to recommend
#10 Money for engineering plan for safety complex. Discussion ensued about the cost, George Brodeur had contact an engineer who agreed to provide an accurate square foot price for the town, etc. all in favor-5-0 to recommend
#11 list of CRF items – all in favor 5-0 to recommend
#12 regarding the Administrator position-Karen and Bonnie supported the article, Carmine, Linda and Tom do not support the article. Vote taken 2-3 to recommend
#13 part-time planner-discussion regarding Stan Borkowski’s understanding of the possible changes to state law etc- None on the committee supported the article, so vote 0-5 to recommend.
#14 regarding the specific use of the Recycling SRF-all in favor 5-0 to recommend.
#15 no money, so no vote taken
#16 regarding highway truck, all in favor 5-0 to recommend.
#17 regarding the snow plow – all in favor 5-0 to recommend
#18 no money, so no vote taken
#19 $500 bereavement after lengthy discussion, Karen and Linda voted no, Carmine, Tom and Bonnie voted yes. 3-2 to recommend.
#20 no money, so no vote taken
#21 no money, so no vote taken
#22 no money, so no vote taken
#23 Hazardous Waste – all in favor- 5-0 to recommend
#24 Northern Human Services – all in favor – 5-0 to recommend
#25 Ammonoosuc Community Health – all in favor – 5-0 to recommend
#26 Twin / Bretton Woods Chamber – all in favor – 5-0
#27 Coalition of Communities – NONE in favor – 0-5 to recommend
#28 White Mtn Regional Airport – NONE in favor – 0-5 to recommend
#29 Homeless shelter in Lancaster – all in favor – 5-0 to recommend
#30 $1,100 LRH – all in favor – 5-0 to recommend
#31 Caleb – all in favor – 5-0 to recommend
#32 No Country Home Health – Linda wondered why there are so many health providers serving the town, and Bonnie noted that hospice and home care are dependent on which hospital the patient attends-vote then taken- all in favor- 5-0 to recommend
#33 CASA – all in favor- 5-0 to recommend
#34 Tri-county CAP – all in favor – 5-0 to recommend
#35 Weeks Home Health – all in favor – 5-0 to recommend
#36 American Red Cross – all in favor – 5-0 to recommend
#37 no money so no vote taken.

Discussion then turned to the Expense portion of the Budget.
• Town Officers selectmen budget of $55,851 Treasurer salary only as requested adjusted to $3,960 as mileage is part of account01-4150.10-800. Trustee seminars adjusted from $300 to $500 to cover rooms/meals/cost of sessions. Budget Committee recommendation for section $55,811.
• Elections and Registrations discussed in depth. No general election in 2007. Selectmen recommend $1,602, Budget Committee recommend $1,452 after increasing account 01-4140.10-136 to $150, reducing 01-4140.10-135 to $1, increasing moderator to $150, reducing 01-4140-10-200 to $100, 01-4140.10-201 to $250.
• Financial Administration-office salaries based on 5% raise calculation. 01-4150.10-111 reflects 5% based on what the actual salary was, not last year’s budget. Regarding the Office Equipment expenses to date, 2 new computers and the server were purchased. Software support line item is principally BMSI and F. Caruso. Telephone was dropped to $3,000 vs selectmen $3,625 based on actuals to date. 01-4150.10-800 reflects mileage and was dropped to $1,000. Karen reminded the group that there is a TOWN CAR that should be used for town business. If people choose to drive their own car when the town car is available, mileage should not be paid. Linda is worried the car is ok to drive, but otherwise all agreed with the concept. Bank service charges were dropped to $1,000 as Bonnie noted that the many copying charges in 2006 would not be needed in 2007. Advertisements were dropped to $1,000. in 2006, expensive ads were placed for the many open positions within the town which should not be needed in 2007. Training was increased to $2500 as an estimate of $1400 for the tax collector office alone was provided. Budget Committee recommendation for this section $120,259.
• Property Assessing estimate of $80,000 by selectmen is reasonable based on the fees to assess in excess of 1,250 properties, each at $250, plus other specific fees.
• Legal is reasonable based on the construction possibilities within town, as well as the issues such as the cell tower. For DRA MS-7 reporting, the legal expenses for the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment are included on the same Legal expense line. The selectmen recommended $1,000 each for those in addition to the $27,500 general legal expense, for a total of $29,500. The Budget Committee agrees in total, but splits it $25,000 general, $2,000 planning board, and $2,500 BoA.
• Personnel Administration reflects employment benefits. It is a function of salaries and benefits selected. Selectmen recommend $208,861. After input from the LGC and DRA regarding a possible 2nd firefighter position at ½ year benefits, the Budget Committee recommends Retirement $44,753, FICA $19,000, Medicare $7,945, Insurance $143,794, Unemployment $306 for a total of $215,798.
• Planning Board as recommended by the Selectmen $19,851 including the $1,000 legal line item. Salaries adjusted to reflect 5 members $10 per 12 meetings = $600. Legal expenses (see also legal discussion above) recommended $2,000. No Country council dues invoice for 2007 already received $1800, Training and Travel reduced to $1,000 as the town car should be used as discussed earlier. If 2 people going to 2 different places, obviously only one can use the town vehicle, other must use personal vehicle and receive mileage reimbursement. Good and Welfare dropped to -0-. Budget Committee recommendation including legal = $19,351.
• Board of Adjustment recommended by Selectmen $2,800 including legal. Budget Committee increased legal from $1,000 to $2,500 as requested. Total recommended $4,300.
• General Government and Buildings-total recommended by Selectmen = 94,600. Janitor is new, $175 per week for 52 weeks = $9,100. Town Buildings labor should show same 5% increase = $2,625. No other recommended changes. Budget Committee total $96,825

Karen called for a motion to recess and at 11:05, the meeting was recessed until 7:00 on Thursday January 11, 2007.

Meeting was reconvened on 7:10 on January 11, 2007 with Linda, Tom, Carmine, Karen, Bonnie present. Pam and Ken were excused.

• Cemeteries as recommended by the Selectmen $6,200. After much discussion of who and what the trustees will do, walk the town cemeteries to literally plot out the sites already used, how many available, etc, it was determined to leave the budget as recommended.
• Other General Government total recommended by the Selectmen = $73,300. Contingency was dropped from $5,000 to $1,000. Expenses paid out of this line item during 2006 were for MRI which should not be needed in 2007. Hydrant Expense fees were moved in a smaller form to the Water department, which when meters are read, should be self sustaining. Line item dropped to -0-. Dog costs not changed. Total Other General Government as recommended by the Budget Commmittee = $1,300
• Police as recommended by the Selectmen = $196,615. Lengthy discussion took place regarding the salaries of officers, costs to train, the costs to the town over the years, encompassing almost $300,000 for officers who have left for higher paying departments. Adjustments as recommended: Corporal $46,956, Patrolman $42,484, Special $4,500, Overtime $5,000, Patrolman $38,012. Other adjustment was to telephone to $3,000 for inclusion of phone lines and cell phones in cruisers. Budget Committee recommendation $211,952
• Fire Department as recommended by the Selectmen $125,700 reflects 3% salary change, rather than 5% as recommended for all other departments. Budget Committee in an effort to ensure equal treatment adjusted the following to reflect the 5%: Chief $3,675, FD Officers $4,200, FT Firefighter $35,700, EMT Salaries $10,500. No other recommended changes. Budget Committee recommendation $128,175
• Property Inspections as recommended by the Selectmen = $8,300. Budget Committee noted that the new line item for the Property Inspection Assistant has not been voted as other new positions are, thus recommends -0-. Budget Committee recommendation for section $7,300.
• Emergency Management recommended by Selectmen = $1,001. Because John G. noted that training sessions are normally at no cost, and the town car should be used for travel, the Training budget was reduced from $700 to $500 with same for salary and radio. Budget Committee recommendation $801 total.
• Highway Department budget as recommended by the Selectmen = $174,771. Budget Committee discussed at length with Billy when he presented the budget, what it would cost to pave one mile of roadway properly and he informed us that $50,000 is a reasonable estimate. As a result, the line for Resurfacing was increased from $10,000 to $50,000. Roadside mowing was reduced to $3,700 based on actuals, and clothing was increase to $2,000 to ensure accurate and compliant clothing and protection. Total Highway recommendation $215,971
• Street Lighting estimate of $15,000 is the same for Selectmen and Budget Committee.
• Solid Waste Disposal-Linda D abstained from discussion-The Recycle Attendant Salary estimate is for TWO people who combined work 17 hours per week. To reflect the 5%, the Budget Committee recommends $11,411. Bill D had requested $10,000 for a third helper assuming the Mt. Washington resort begins shipping recycling to the center. After lengthy discussion regarding the possible hours etc, an estimate of $8,500 was determined. Training was dropped to $500 as the Town Car should be used as available and the No Country Council dues are expensed from the Planning Board budget. Telephone was increased from $825 to $1,000. Tires line item of -0- was increased to $700 for container rental. Tipping fees of $27,000 were reflected as “worst case”, so the average of prior estimate and “worst” resulted in BC recommending $21,000. Equipment purchases as outlined represent many minor items which were moved to the supply expense line, and the remaining crusher, scale, sweeper, etc amount to $15,009. The container lease expense line of $1 should be $2,160 which is 3*$60*12. The supplies line item as adjusted = $2,420. Miscellaneous adjusted to $1,252 based on property tax assessed for disposal at NCES in Bethlehem. Total Solid Waste recommended by Budget Committee = $108,922
• Septic Disposal unchanged at $1,500
• Public Assistance increased by new Health Officer information: Travel $150, Budget $300 for supplies such as gloves and face mask, Supplies $50 for things like paper and envelope. Welfare not changed at $15,000. Total Public Assistance $15,500
• Parks and Recreation unchanged at $20,692
• Library salary was adjusted to reflect the same 5% salary change. Total selectmen budget $13,112, total Budget Committee budget $13,190
• Patriotic purposes recommended by Selectmen $700, interim chief Smalley requested $500.
• Conservation Commission total budget of $500 recommended by Selectmen and Budget Committee
• Landfill long term note $30,000 and related interest $24,125 are legal obligations. $1 TAN immaterial to maintain the account as agreed.
• The Water Department budget of $85,002 as recommended by the selectmen was recommended for adjustment in the following accounts: Clerical $1,000 as Becki Pederson is performing this function. Propane as requested increased to $2,300, Water Expansion recommended by Selectmen as -0-, increased to $5,000 to cover cost of hydrants. Water Department as recommended = $91,801.
• Water long term note $20,802.97 and related interest $25,007.03 are legal obligations
• Comstar billing fees in account 02-4150.10-808 represent 80% estimate of the collector fee. 20% shown in the Financial Administration 01-4150.10-808 account.


At 9:10, Carmine motioned to adjourn, Tom seconded, all in favor. The Committee will meet on Thursday 1/18/2007 to sign the Department of Revenue forms as required for posting.

Respectfully submitted,
Karen Moran, Secretary