D R A F T (until approved by Selectmen)

Minutes for Budget Hearing (Fuller Town Hall)      9 February 2010 @ 6:00 p.m.

Board: F Ruch, L Ladd, T Brooks. Other: Wilson McMann, Elizabeth Macdonald, Clay Macdonald, Vicki DeLalla, Charles Stinson, Chester Smart, Carlton Harris, William Hurley, Jake Marin (News & Sentinel), Charles Goulet, William Zanes, Charlotte Sheltry (Colebrook Chronicle)

Ruch called the hearing to order at 6:00 and read the town warrant introduction and articles 1 and 2. She then turned to the MS-6 and read the town budget line items. She concluded by stating the total budget was $617,038, reduced $45,581 from last year’s budget request Ruch then read the remaining articles.

Article 3 – having receiving no request from CASA, $100 was removed. McMann asked why only $100 for Old Home Day for fruit baskets. Brooks explained that the selectmen reduced donations to worthy causes because the best judgment of the board is that the town cannot afford them. If the townspeople feel otherwise, the amounts can be revised at town meeting.

Article 4 – last year’s Woods road article was by petition; no progress was made on bringing the road up to required standards; for housekeeping purposes, the selectmen want to rescind the authority granted last year. There is a new petition this year as well.

Article 5, 6 – No comments.

Article 7 – Brooks stated the town was asked to donate the land for a house; since then, two other houses have been built elsewhere. The intent of the board is to eventually sell this lot.

Article 8 – no comment.

Article 9 – Shelty asked how much was in the revolving fund – about $4,000; this money was received after the fact by payments; the town has considerably more in expenses incurred by the ambulance that have not been reimbursed.

Article 10, 11 – No comments.

Article 12 – McMann asked if the town could get by without putting money into the roads reserve for a year; Brooks explained that the town drew down about $60,000 from it last year for the Old Mill Road project and town road projects; the budget line item was not increased this year because we intend to further draw down to work on road projects.

Article 13 – Hurley said putting money in for future fire truck replacement was too much to spend this year. McMann asked if the money was for vehicle replacement—yes.

Article 14, 15, 16 – No comments.

Ruch then read the anticipated revenues. E Macdonald asked about the $5,808 was received in late January; the board explained it was unclear which year the money was designated for (listed as FY 2010); because it is in hand this year, it will be added to anticipate income for the current year. Goulet asked why the anticipated interest was so low; the board stated that interest rates are low.

Ruch stated that the estimated revenue is $$317,259 (with the added railroad funds). McMann stated that he hope the working townspeople took into consideration that people on fixed incomes were feeling the recession. The board stated that cuts had been made across every budget line item; anticipated revenues reflect a loss of $60,000 from the state, reduced registrations, and other reduced income. All departments with additional sources of funding (including reserve accounts—sewer and water, expendable trust funds—fire, revolving funds—recycle, and insurance investment from insurance reimbursement for damages—library) were asked or advised to reduce budget line items by using these accounts; all the departments understood the need and agreed to go to these funds.

DeLalla asked about cutting street lights. Brooks stated that the cuts are not in line for this year because of the cost to the town to shut them off (greater than the savings). Ladd explained that the town has gone to Glacial Energy as an electricity provider and anticipates savings this year on electricity. McMann asked about the new electric line coming from Canada. Brooks said we are not sure what that impact will be, if any. On a personal note, he hopes the line is not opposed when it comes through town; he stated the income is like to go to the state, not to towns.

Marden asked if there was further cell town information. Ladd stated that a representative from the company will be at town meeting to discuss the lease proposal.

The hearing ended at 6:40.

Recorded by PSummers