TOWN OF WILTON 2006-2007 BUDGET COMMITTEE

Wilton Town Hall

January 9, 2007

MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Cary A. Hughes, Donald R. McGettigan, Sr., Mark H. Whitehill, Joyce A. Fisk, David Tierney, Jr., Donna Pucciarello, Betsy Castro and Selectmen Representative Daniel Donovan

MEMBERS ABSENT: Donald C. Davidson

OTHERS PRESENT: Carla Walter, Dick Rockwood, Bill Carnduff, Brent Hautanen, members of the Temple and Lyndeborough Budget Committees, member of the Ambulance Board of Directors, residents of Lyndeborough and Temple and others.

The AGENDA was amended as follows:

1.) Ambulance Service

2.) Recycling Center

3.) Goss Park

4.) Adjournment

Chairman Hughes called the meeting to order at 7:36 p.m.

1.) Ambulance – New organization and Operating Budget

Dick Rockwood appeared before the Board to give another update on the plans for Wilton to take over the Wilton/Lyndeborough/Temple Ambulance service, effective January 1, 2007. He noted the workman’s compensation insurance company, Primex, and the State, is pushing for the department to become a town entity. This is for a 12-month trial period.

Bill Carnduff distributed the actual 12 month results for 2006 and the preceding two years; the 2006 budget and proposed 2007 budget, a variance analysis showing actual 2006 results versus the budget, the ambulance service balance sheet (with both year end 2006 and 2005 data), and a set of materials distributed at the December 19, 2006 budget meeting.

He further explained the service contract with Lyndeborough and Temple has a provision in the budget for $20,000 to be funded at the year end 2007, if and only if, the prior Wilton-Lyndeborough-Temple Ambulance is asked, and agrees, to resume operation of the service, as has been the case for many years. During 2006, insufficient revenues for reasons beyond the services control (lack of calls, runs), had exhausted its former financial reserve, operating at a $32,000 deficit. He also noted this reserve was necessary to keep payroll and other financial obligations current until March town meetings approved the annual budget, and town subsidies could legally be paid. He concluded if Wilton continues to operate the service as a town department beyond 2007, the $20,000 will not be drawn down although it must be covered in 2007 town budgets as a contingency.

The Board asked if the Board of Directors would be working closely with the Selectmen who will be overseeing all receivables. Bill agreed.

The Board asked how many paramedics and EMT’s are currently working. Ambulance Director Carole McEntee stated there are currently nine (9) paramedics and 16 EMT’s. She also noted a normal run, which takes about 5-10 minutes to arrive, has two people at the scene.

The Board explained to the audience Primex and their role in providing coverage for the Ambulance. They determined the department needed to become a town entity after a claim was filed in 2006 and they discovered the town was not paying the correct amount for their premium. Working together, the Town and Primex agreed to pay $7,937 retroactive for three (3) years. They also stated they had looked into private sectors but found Primex to be the most reasonable financially.

The Board also discussed fixed assets and the fact that the town cannot hold the mortgage for the Ambulance building. Therefore, the town will be paying the mortgage company directly for the Ambulance Association as rent to that Association.

Bill asked the Board if they are aware they will need a new ambulance in 2008. The two owned by Wilton, Lyndeborough and Temple are a 1997 and 2001. They would like to request $17,000 be set aside for Capital Reserve in 2007, as it has been done in the previous years.

They also requested approximately $8,000 for protection gear. Bill explained some of the Directors would like to take the funding from the Florence-Wheeler fund. Dick Rockwood explained this is an account for Wilton only, and the Lyndeborough and Temple should be contributing as well. He suggested a separate warrant article. Carol McEntee explained to the Board the one set (pants & coat) is $800.00. Some of the EMT and paramedics come from Fire Departments and already have these items. However, they would like to have three (3) sets in each ambulance and the remainder to the Director and a senior paramedic. The expected life of these suits is ten (10) years. The Board asked Carol to get the information to the Budget Committee members. She agreed.

Bill thanked the Board for their time. There was no further discussion on the matter.

2.) Recycling Center

Maurice Guay appeared before the Board again to discuss his proposed budget of $594,246. Maurice stated $2,600 had been added as the amount estimated to be needed for removing televisions as now required. The Board members noted the following increases: Dumpster Hauling, Supplies, Toxic Material and Heat, but reminded Board members they were minimal. Total increase to the budget is 5.5%.

Maurice reminded the Board and the attendees that he would like to purchase a new bailer for $51,000 this year from Capital Reserve. He noted with only one (1) if it brakes down, which it had for the first time this year, they cannot continue services.

A resident from Lyndeborough asked when the Quarterly Recycling Meetings would resume again.

Maurice also stated rates were increased in 2006 and will not be increasing in 2007.

There was no further discussion the matter. Maurice thanked the Board for their time.

3.) Goss Park

The Board reviewed Lisa Davidson’s request for $12,799 for Goss Park, which is a 3% increase from the 2006 appropriations.

She specifically noted 140 families enjoyed the Youth Center plus many daily guests. The park had three (3) Red Cross certified swim instructors who taught 267 lessons. 24 children joined the swim team. They were also able to purchase a new rescue board and pads this year. Donated diving blocks were installed on the pier walls for the swim team and swim meets. The Board noted the amount of work that is done with a limited budget.

There was no further discussion on the matter.

5.) Adjournment

A MOTION was made and SECONDED to adjourn the meeting.

Voting: 7 ayes; motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:52 p.m.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Carla J. Walter