The meeting was called to order at 8:15 PM, following the FRES budget presentation.

Members present: Chairman Cary Hughes, Don Davidson, Joyce Fisk, Stuart Draper, Bill Keefe and Kyra Brennan.

 Cary Hughes gave an overview of the budget.  In consideration of the economy and the tax revaluation, the goal of the budget committee was to keep the taxes level or lower than last year.  It was not an easy challenge.  With the requests we received, cuts were necessary to accomplish our goal.

 Jerry Greene addressed the issue of the benefit package, which was cut $10,000 by the committee.  The town currently contributes 100% for a single employee, if the employee has a spouse or family, they pay the difference.  The schools are paying 90% of the cost of insurance for whatever plan the employee chooses.  He suggested we pay 100% of a single, 65% for a 2 person and 58% for a family.  Jerry would like to see the $10,000 returned to the budget, there was support from the public on this issue.

 Spencer Brookes spoke in support of the Red Cross request.  He explained if the money was given, it would stay in the local chapter.  There was lengthy discussion on supporting the Red Cross, which is a National Organization.   He asked the committee to support the request.

 Tom Schultz questioned the health officer line and why we had cut it.  He suggested we take the dollars requested by the Red Cross and apply them to the health department.  He also questioned what the suggested raise amount for the year was.  3% is what we asked department heads to use.  He pointed out that the budget for the ambulance director showed a raise of 5%.

 Spencer also addressed the issue of the location on the Budget Worksheet of certain line items.  It was noted and they will be moved if necessary.

 Bridges were discussed.  We have $1,000,000 in the budget for the bridges.  This will be offset by $800,000 in grants from the state.  We will start the Russell Hill Bridge and begin the engineering phase of the Burton Highway Bridge.

 There was discussion on the Police Station and what was necessary to complete the project.  Questions were raised about the paving of the parking lot.  Buffer zones, drainage and landscaping were considered in the plans.

 Conservation and trail easements on Four Corners farm were discussed.  The grants, which have been applied for, are in the final stages.  The asking price of the easements is $500,000.  The Conservation Commission has asked for $80,000 from the town over 2 years, plus $8000 for the trail easements.  The owners are willing to wait until next year for the purchase of the conservation and trail easements.  If the easements are not purchased, the lots will likely be developed.  Lengthy discussion followed regarding the cost of development to the Town verses the cost of easements.

 Leslie Wharton spoke on behalf of Main Street Association and requested we support them.  She explained that the Main Street Association and the ownership of the building by the Main Street Association were entirely separate.  Funds and budgets operate independent of one another. The Main Street Association contributions were down and they were asking for the support of the Town.  They are concerned for the survival of the program.

  Ron Caswell spoke on behalf of the fire department.  He wanted to know why we had only recommended $50,000 for the expansion of the fire station when they had come to us at the beginning of the budget process with a $1,000,000 plan, which they had hoped to start on next year.    Cary explained the budget committee had a hard time excepting a renovation plan for over one million dollars after spending over $500,000 on a new building for the police station.  The Emergency Services Committee had presented us with several plans later in the budget process, which ranged from just below $500,000 to nearly $1,000,000.  We would like them to agree on a more conservative plan and come back to us next year.

 Sources of Revenue were discussed.  We are using $200,000 in surplus to offset the cost of Bridge replacement.  That leaves nearly $900,000 in surplus.  This is in line with what the Department of Revenue requires we have available.

The public hearing was adjourned and a break was taken.  The budget committee reconvened to make final decisions on the proposed budget.

The issue of insurance was discussed.  Although there was some support, the addition of $10,000 was denied.

The ambulance budget was discussed.   A motion was made to decrease the budget by $480, allowing for a 3% raise for the director, rather than a 5% raise.  This was passed.  The ambulance budget is now $17,160.

A motion was made to add the Red Cross request of $750 to the budget.  After much discussion, a vote was taken and it was approved.

The Main Street Association was discussed.  A motion was made and approved to raise $10,000.

 The grand total on the budget is $4,452,692.  It was moved and approved.  Offset by the sources of revenue, this brings the total taxes to be raised to $1,447,997, slightly less than last year.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 PM.

Kyra L Brennan