TOWN OF WILTON 2006-2007 BUDGET COMMITTEE

FINAL PUBLIC HEARING

February 13, 2007

 

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

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

OTHERS PRESENT: Carla Walter, Police Chief Brent Hautanen, Fire Chief Ray Dick, Road Agent Steve Elliot, Dawn Tuomala, Charles McGettigan, Richard Rockwood, Lynne Draper, Stanley Schultz, Tom Schultz and others.

 

The AGENDA was as follows:

 

1.        Operating Budget and Revenue

2.        Capital Outlay and Reserves

3.        Minutes of February 8, 2007

4.      Adjournment

 

Chairman Hughes called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m.

 

1.)                Operating Budget and Revenues

 

Chairman Hughes presented an overview of the operating budget and forecasted revenue after introductions were made for the public.  Chairman Hughes noted the actual expenditures are estimated, as the books for the town will be officially closed on 2/17/07.

 

He explained town officer’s salary has moved the Welfare Director to the town office salaries.  He also noted that although the budget for the town hall has increased, with the State registrations now being handled through the Clerk’s office, revenue would offset this expense. 

 

The Police Department is requesting a substantial increase in their officer salaries in order to keep the employees the town put through the Academy, which costs $20,000 per officer.  It appears the officers leave when their training is complete, to towns that offer a more competitive salary. 

 

Chairman Hughes explained to the public why the Ambulance is now administratively being handled through the town office personnel.

 

The Resurfacing Budget has increased due the price of Petroleum.    Chairman Hughes concluded with the Health Department and Animal control informing the public these are carry over expenses.

 

Chairman Hughes stated revenue is up 15% from the previous year.  This is partly due to the Ambulance coming into the budget, the Fire Department grant and only $51,000 coming out Capital Reserves.

 

The Committee discussed the Cemetery budget and if the Catholic Cemetery is paying the town to maintain their cemetery.

 

There was no further discussion on the operating budget or revenues for the Town of Wilton.

 

2.)                Capital Outlay and Capital Reserves

 

Chairman Hughes noted the following capital outlay:

-                     $12,000 Capital Outlay for the Highway Department plow equipment

-                     $204,724 Capital Outlay for the Fire Department

-                     $21,000 Capital Outlay for the Police Department generator

-                     $25,000 Capital Outlay for the Police Department 2007 cruiser

-                     $45,000 Capital Outlay for the Town Hall Chimney Repairs

-                     $448,000 Capital Outlay for the T1/Sidewalk Grant

-                     $4,400 Capital Outlay for the Ambulance Department protective gear

-                     $23,546 Capital Outlay or the Conservation Commission dam repairs

-                     $15,000 Capital Outlay for the Wellhead Protection Study

-                     $51,000 Capital Outlay for a Recycling Center Bailer

-                     $10,000 Capital Reserves for the purpose of a new ambulance

-                     $24,000 Capital Reserves for Bridge maintenance

-                     $10,000 Capital Reserves for Highway Equipment

-                     $10,000 Capital Reserves for Town Hall Renovations

 

Chairman Hughes noted the Fire Department Grant, the T1/Sidewalk Grant have revenue to offset these capital items.

 

Mickey Pieterse approached the Committee to pursue the request to put $1.00 into the budget for the purpose of starting the process of trying to locate the utility poles on Main Street underground, as previously discussed at the February 8, 2007 work session.

 

The Committee stated they discussed the matter in detail and felt it was too preliminary to solicit the residents at the town meeting.

 

A MOTION was made and SECONDED to restore $1.00 to the budget for Main Street pole removal.

Discussion took place to have the Selectmen write up a special warrant article that would include $1.00 in the budget, and that gifts and donation for this purpose could be collected, but not expended.

Voting:  3 ayes; 5 nays; MOTION DENIED

 

Conservation Commission Chairperson Lynne Draper approached the Committee with a solid figure for her warrant article for the dam repairs, as voted on at the February 6, 2007 meeting.  She explained the engineer had submitted a quote $3,546 higher than originally anticipated.

 

A MOTION was made and SECONDED to appropriate $23,546 for the Dam repairs.

Voting:  7 ayes; motion carried.

 

There was no further discussion on the Capital Outlay and Reserves.

 

A MOTION was made and SECONDED to appropriate $4,853,645 to the Town of Wilton 2007 Budget.

Voting:  6 ayes; 1 nay; motion carried.

 

3.)                Minutes

 

A MOTION was made and SECONDED to approve the February 8, 2007 minutes as written.

Voting:  7 ayes; motion carried.

 

Donald Davidson asked that Carla Walter be recognized for her work during the 2007 budget process.  The Committee agreed.

 

4.)                            Adjournment

 

A MOTION was made and SECONDED to adjourn the meeting.

Voting: 7 ayes; motion carried.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 9:47 p.m.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Carla J. Walter

 

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