Online Services

Pay Online
Online Vehicle Registration Renewal Online Property Tax, Water & Sewer payments Online Dog License Renewals Vital Record Request E-Reg Estimates
GIS & Property Database

View of Carroll from Sugarloaf

Minutes of Town Board Meetings

Search Minutes of Town Board Meetings

2007 Budget Committee Archives

Older Archives

Back to 2024 Records

Minutes of May 24, 2007

May 29th, 2007

Carroll Budget Committee
Minutes of May 24, 2007

Members present: Tom Gately, Lori Hogan, Carmine Fabrizio, Ben Jellison, Ken Mills,
Karen Moran, Bonnie Moroney.

Members of the public present: Claire Gritzer

Tom called the meeting to order 7:00 pm.

Motion was made by Karen to accept the minutes of April 18, Ben seconded, all in favor.

Discussion regarding the by-laws ensued. It was determined that the Public Hearing publication should stay in the Coos County Democrat, along with postings in the town hall, Fire Station bulletin board, and online. After Bonnie motioned and Carmine seconded, all were in favor or changing the word “annually” to “monthly” on page 2, paragraph 1 under the heading Schedule of Meetings. A revision will be provided to all members and the town hall.

The schedule of meetings for the remainder of the year was provided. Motion to accept the dates with a possible inclusion of the Chamber on 11/28 was made by Bonnie, seconded by Karen, all in favor.

The Committee reviewed a draft letter to be sent to all department heads, along with the general ledger accounts reviewed at the April meeting. Ken inquired if the paragraph regarding submission of budgets to the Select Board was appropriate, Bonnie indicated that it was. Ken motioned to accept the draft, Bonnie seconded. Letters will be addressed to all department heads by Secretary who will provide them to Chair for review prior to delivering.

Discussion then took place regarding responsibility for accounts, with Budget Committee being responsible for Committee related expenses. $97 posting to 01-4150.10-807 was a mis-post to be adjusted with a journal entry. Tom instructed/approved the purchase of paper which will post to the same account $30.99.

Karen asked about capital purchases such as the used truck for the highway department, which was not a budgeted item. The amount posted to equipment, 01-4312.10-250. Based on a review of the budget worksheet from the April meeting, there appear to be accounts which have gone ove rbudget. It was again reinforced that the department heads need to make sure that items are accurately posted.

Bill Dowling will be purchasing trailers and will post to his equipment budget line item, per Bonnie.

Bonnie then noted that Karen Carew will be in the town hall on 5/25 and two days during the week of 5/28.

Discussion ensued about transparency of the mileage reimbursements, and overall travel reimbursements. Ben asked where they currently post, Karen noted that the Financial Administration section has Officer Expenses, Training, and Miscellaneous, because at the time of the budget preparation, the use of the town car was recommended. The town car has since been determined to be unreliable. After further discussion, it was determined that Karen would ask Sue Kraabel what she proposed as the most efficient and transparent manner of documenting the travel reimbursement costs, such as having a budget item in each department for same. Consistent reflection of the costs was recommended.

Bonnie noted that the bond insurance proceeds relative to the court decision of the former town clerk had been received. The Committee would not determine where the insurance money posted, and will ask Sue. The question of where the insurance proceeds posted for the police station mold issues will also be asked of Sue.

Lori asked about the special revenue funds and discussion ensued about the nature and restrictions of the funds.

Claire (from the public) then interjected that the water bills are changing. Karen noted that the town is looking into establishing rates based on a “flat base rate and a consumption or usage rate”, Bonnie noted that there has been no conclusion and the discussion continues so that the rates will be understood by all and reasonable.

Discussion ensued about the funding for the temporary police station. Bonnie noted that the money in the benefits section which had been budgeted for the potential second firefighter (warrant article which did not pass) would be moved from the insurance benefits accounts to the Rentals and leases line item to ensure accurate posting and monitoring. Tom noted that the insurance proceeds should be used to rehabilitate the former police station, as the use for any other purpose had not been budgeted.
Bonnie stated that she had spoken with the Local Government Center who noted that the Select Board has the authority to give the former police space to the fire department. She said that at the Building Committee meeting which took place 5/23, Ed Daniels stated that with the use of the space of the former police station, the fire department could stay in the current location for 10-15 years. Bonnie noted that the police location is a temporary lease, and they will require a new building.

Discussion took place regarding a possible water line extension on Route 115 and Lennon Road. Department of Environmental Services would like to be kept informed. Bonnie is to contact Hoyle and Tanner for engineering information relative to any possible expansion. Karen asked what funding may be needed for 2008 purposes, and Bonnie suggested the engineering costs only. Any infrastructure improvement will require a bond issuance.

Tom wondered if the Select Board will have enough information regarding a new police building to have a warrant article for the town meeting in 2008. Bonnie suggested there would be enough information, and noted that Rick Brown would be contacting Mr. Hebert (designer).

At 8:00 Tom motioned to close the meeting, Karen seconded and all were in favor.

The next meeting will be June 20, 2007 at 7:00 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Karen Moran, Secretary