Wilton 2006 Budget
Committee
Members Present: Chairman Cary A. Hughes, William J. Keefe, Donald R.
McGettigan, Sr., Mark H. Whitehill, David B. Tierney, Jr. Joyce A. Fisk, Donna
Pucciarello, Donald C. Davidson, Jr., Daniel Levesque and Jerry Greene,
Selectmen Representative
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Carla
Walter, David Glines, Maurice Guay, Charles McGettigan, Paul Buffum, Bill
Carnduft, Paul Jordan, Carol McEntee and
The AGENDA was amended as follows:
1.)
Recycling
2.)
Ambulance
3.)
Preliminary Review of
Highway Budgets
4.)
5.)
Minutes
6.)
Review of agenda for
December 13th Meeting
7.)
Adjournment
Chairman Hughes called the meeting
to order at
1.)
Recycling
Mr.
Jerry Greene appeared before the Committee to explain the Recycling Budget and
the 6% increase from 2005, noting Dumpster hauling, fuel and health insurance
as the major factors of the increase. He further noted that not only has health
insurance increased by 8%, but also employee status has changed for some from
single to double, and family. The Committee inquired about tires and tire
removals. Maurice Guay explained that municipalities are not charged for
bringing tires into the recycling center, which is referred to as tire removal.
A separate line item of tires is for the purchase of tires for the recycling
center equipment. Mr. Greene also explained that while there is a 4.73%
increase in salaries, it is only to bring the current hourly wage up to a more
competitive level. Mr. Guay noted the importance of keeping the wages to the
proper amount to ensure employees do not seek employment elsewhere. Mr. Guay
concluded that he would have five full time employees.
In
response to the Committee’s interest in the two capital items, Mr. Greene
explained they are seeking $25,000 for a
metal galvanized roof over the main building to help keep rubbish dry as it is
difficult to burn when wet and; $25,000 for decking at the recycling bins. He
concluded the current decking is over 20 years old and the new decking will be
guaranteed for 20 years.
The
Committee reminded the audience that Lyndeborough and
The
Committee thanked Mr. Greene and Mr. Guay for their time. There was no further
discussion on the matter.
2.)
Ambulance
Mr. Bill
Carnduft introduced himself as the newest member of the Ambulance organization
and gave a brief overview of his background.
The
Committee asked for specifics concerning Personnel and Support. Mr. Carnduft
explained a $2400 addition for bookkeeping services, noting they use Quickbooks
now as their accounting software. Director Carole McEntee explained she is the
only employee that receives health benefits and works approximately 60 hours a
week, as does the daytime EMT. She also explained there are seven per diem
paramedics. The Committee asked about work hours and days. Carol noted weekends
are dedicated to volunteers who are paid only when they go out on a call. The pay increase is to keep the jobs
competitive with the surrounding towns. She concluded that the mortgage is less
as they refinanced in 2005.
The
Committee also inquired about training. Ms. McEntee explained that EMT’s need
to renew their certification by attending 48 hours every two years of training
which is done in-house. She further noted the volunteers receive a 50% discount
on the fee and if they stay a full year after their certification, they cover
the cost 100%. The $3,000 proposed increase would allow one employee to attend
school.
Mr.
Carnduft concluded that while they are keeping the Ambulance for another year
it will mean additional depreciation of approximately $5,000. The price of a
new ambulance will undoubtedly increase also prior to 2007. Current estimates
have been $125,000 to $135,000. Current trade-in value of the 1995 ambulance is
$10,000.
The
Committee thanked the members for their presentation. They noted
3.)
Preliminary Review of Highway Budget, etc.
Chairman
Hughes noted that although the Committee met with Steve Elliot previously, the
Resurfacing budget was not part of the package. The Committee had concern that
the 1.4% increase for the Highway and if would be adequate. Chairman Hughes
reminded the Committee the Highway, Cemetery, Resurfacing and Parks &
Recreation budgets will be presented next Tuesday,
4.)
Mr.
Greene presented budgets for the Town Hall Building, Officers, and the Town
Office. He noted a slight increase in labor to cover additional hours if a town
hall employee is out for an extended period. He further noted the Town Hall
roof continues to need repairs.
A MOTION was made and SECONDED to approve the
Voting:
9 ayes; motion carried.
A MOTION was made and SECONDED to approve the
Town Hall Officers budget in the amount of $8,100.00.
Voting:
9 ayes; motion carried.
There
was no further discussion on the matter.
5.) Minutes of
A MOTION was made and SECONDED to approve the minutes as
written.
Voting: 9 ayes; motion carried.
There was no further discussion on
the matter.
6.) Other
Business
Mr. Greene informed the Committee
that it appears the ratio used for equalization will be 76.2% of market value
to property in
The agenda for
7.) Adjournment
A MOTION was made and SECONDED to adjourn the meeting.
Voting: 9 ayes; motion
carried.
The meeting was adjourned at
________________________________________
Minutes respectfully submitted by
Carla J. Walter