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Minutes of July 18, 2007
July 20th, 2007
Carroll Budget Committee
Minutes of July 18, 2007
Members present: Tom Gately, Lori Hogan, Ben Jellison, Ken Mills, Karen Moran, Bonnie Moroney. Member excused: Carmine Fabrizio
Members of the public present: There were no members of the public present.
Tom called the meeting to order at 7:06.
Karen motioned to accept the minutes of 6/20/2007 as written, Ken seconded, all in favor.
The expense review in general indicates that 47% of the budget for the year had been expended as of July 13, 2007.
The Water Department is close to the total for the year as a result of the extensive work done on Fieldstone Lane and Harmony Hill. Paving for Fieldstone and Harmony will be expensed in the Highway Department Paving line item. Lori indicated that the Water department had spent an additional 2 weeks working on the Fieldstone Lane project as a result of underground obstacles encountered. Paving is still to be done to complete the project.
Bonnie noted that paving at the town hall will have to be done to patch the holes near the stairs. Tom indicated that there is a line item of $50,000 for paving which should be sufficient for both jobs.
Ben inquired about the water salaries, and the appearance that the salary line is being properly split between Water vs. Highway jobs.
Karen indicated that the Select Board minutes contained reference to a water department deficit. Figures and information from where the deficit calculation was made were not available, so further discussion tabled.
Bonnie indicated that the Board continues to need the detail information from Karen Carew, who has not provided a final audit report. Rates will be reviewed once Ms Carew provides more information. A consumption test at ten “representative” homes was conducted. Discussion ensued about the man who had prepared an estimate of possible water rates, the split between base rate and consumption rate, etc. The Board anticipates issuing water bills bi-annually. Selectman Strasser indicated June and December, and Selectman Moroney reminded of the tax bill burden so thought timing should be different.
Review turned to the Balance Sheet and again the Water Cash account which was zeroed out from $88,000 + in order to repay the general fund for past support of expenses. The water fees in general and the on/off fees should all go into the Water Fund.
Discussion turned to the Water Bond which is an obligation of the Town of Carroll. The rate setting process can include the bond payment or not depending on the perspective of the final rate setting panel.
Lori indicated that with no change, the estimated revenue and estimated expenses for the 2007 budget year are basically break even. All agreed. Karen reminded Bonnie that at the time the rates may be changed to reflect consumption, the expenses should be reviewed over a period of time, not just one year, as one year may not be representative of the “average” expenses. Lori reminded Bonnie that certain expenses will be more fixed than others, and that too must be taken into account.
Lori wondered who “Emergency Management” was, and was told John Goodney. Bonnie noted that he had applied for FEMA grant of $6,000 to reimburse the town for time spent by the Highway crew and Police/Fire during the flood.
Lori noted in general that the overall expense indicates good control. Karen noted that the department heads are frugal and use the funds requested for the highest good.
Bonnie inquired the account in which the Transfer Station had put the $10,500 that was to be contributed toward the highway truck warrant article (which was defeated). After review of the support provided during the 2007 budget process, it appears that the Scale which was purchased for $2,000 was budgeted for $5,500; the sweeper for the Bobcat was estimated at $4,000 but may have been purchased at the end of 2006; the recycling salary for the 3rd station attendant $8,500 was also available.
Karen provided copies of the Department of Revenue MS-2 form which was the official tally of the approved town expenses for 2007. She also provided an email to and from Don Borror asking over which specific amount permission to expend money must be requested of DRA. Mr. Borror responded that any anticipated spending in excess of the total appropriation on the MS-2 requires DRA approval. Further discussion took place regarding the building emergency related to the former police station, and the unanticipated expenses associated with the relocation and dismantling of the moldy building. Bonnie noted that the Select Board is reviewing every possible account to determine if there are expense line items that may be available to cover the expenses. The actual cash (revenue) has already been provided through the insurance from the mold issue (approximately $17,000) and the bond proceeds received due to the former town clerk (approximately $116,000). Bonnie noted that the Fire Department has issued requests for bids to replace the former police station. Bids are due in mid-August. After receipt of bids, a public information session will be held. Bonnie noted that the town has been in constant contact with the State DRA to ensure all expense activity is proper.
Tom noted that it is important to keep members of the public informed at all stages, and suggested perhaps another “special edition” of the newsletter.
The only outgoing correspondence was the email from Karen Moran to Don Borror.
Other Business: Karen asked about the Chamber’s request to become a line item in the budget. Bonnie said they had been granted that. Karen then reviewed the anticipated budget schedule and suggested November 28, 2007 for the Chamber to discuss its proposed budget to the Budget Committee. All agreed the 11/28 date would be appropriate. Karen will send them the form letter sent to the other department heads.
With no other business, Karen motioned to adjourn, Ken seconded. All were in favor. Tom closed the meeting at 8:15pm.
The next meeting will be August 15, 2007 at 7:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Moran, Secretary