TOWN OF FITZWILLIAM
2009-2010 Budget Committee Meeting
Thursday, December 3, 2009
- Present: S. Hagstrom, W. Wright, T. Parker, B. Thomas,
F. Bateman, B. Doerpholz, M. Nolan, C. Yon
Meeting opened at 7:04pm by S. Hagstom.
B. Doerpholz made a motion to accept 11/19/2009 minutes as written; W. Wright 2nd. Motion passed in the affirmative.
Library
S. Massin, B. Green, C. Talbert, J. Kesses
S. Massin began by reminding committee that the Fitzwilliam town library was voted NH Library of the Year. She stated that she believes this happened because of the high level of community support and the financial support given by the town. She wanted to thank all for their continued support of the library.
S. Massin reviewed the proposed library budget with the committee. She stated that she did make cuts, but with the large insurance increase it was difficult to have a zero increase. T. Parker asked if she had been informed of the opt-out for the insurance plan. She indicated that she was aware of the program. T. Parker said that perhaps she and her husband should discuss the matter, it may benefit them. S. Massin stated that her concern was if that line were removed from the library budget and a new director came in there would be no money for insurance for the new director. S. Massin stated she would like to see insurance for all departments in the General budget. C. Yon explained why the Selectmen have the insurance lines in each department; easier to track. S. Massin
indicated that approx. 80% of her budget was outside of her control. C. Yon told her that all understood that.
341 Telephone S. Massin stated that this line may be able to be reduced depending on WiValley and if they receive a grant. If WiValley receives a grant they have indicated that they will not charge the town for internet service for a set number of months/years. This could reduce this line by $1200.00. T. Parker explained the Pine Tree cable issue the town was having and stated that all department internet connections are now through WiValley.
T. Parker asked how many library cards/patrons the library has. S. Massin stated that currently there are 1800 cards issued, but some information may be obsolete (people moved away). T. Parker asked if non-residents were able to use the library. S. Massin said there is a charge of $35.00 per year for non-residents. She also stated that employees of the town or children who attend Emerson Elementary were able to get a library card at no charge. T. Parker asked if the library would consider re-issuing cards when the new computer system was installed, similar to what is currently being done with the transfer station stickers. He went on to say that the select board is not against helping other towns (through recreation programs or library use) but we need to charge non-residents what the
expense per capita is.
S. Hagstrom asked if there were any questions regarding the library budget. T. Parker asked if S. Massin anticipated any major repairs to the building. She stated that the only thing that came to mind was the need to add access to the second floor. She stated that the cost 5 years ago was about $32,000. The stairs need to be enclosed and the expense today may exceed the old estimate.
There were no additional questions regarding the library budget.
Planning, Zoning, Historic Commission
T. Silverman, S. Gillis
T. Silverman reviewed the requested budget with the committee. He stated that S. Gillis had presented him a budget with a 1% increase for his review, but he added certain things he felt necessary. He gave an example of line 318 Labor Contract. Svc., that S. Gillis zeroed out but he added $150.00 in case the computers need repair. All lines decreased except salary (and related lines), insurance, equip. maint., and books/periodicals (Code book). Total increase is $787.00 over 2009 budget, and this includes the significant change to the health insurance.
Salary does include a step increase for Ms. Gillis. This was discussed at some length. W. Wright stated that he thought the Select Board said there would be no merit increases in 2010. He also stated that he felt a $1300 increase for one year seemed high. T. Silverman said that S. Gillis did not receive an increase (besides COLA) in 2009 so this figure reflects 2 years worth of merit. He went on to explain that he had given his performance review for S. Gillis to the Select Board as was required if an employee warranted a merit increase. T. Silverman stated that S. Gillis’ job performance was impeccable and he believes she should be rewarded for that. Merit increases and town policy regarding such were discussed.
M. Nolan asked if there would be a lot of articles on the ballot in 2010. T. Silverman stated that because of a law issue all articles voted on in 2009 would be on the ballot again in 2010 plus a few others. How articles get on ballot and why ordinances come to be was discussed briefly.
Totals, under Capital Outlay, should read request $62,759.00 with a difference amount of $787.00.
There were no further questions regarding this requested budget.
T. Parker reviewed an issue of over billing by MRSD. He explained what was happening and how the Select Board was attempting to resolve it. He stated that the town would no longer be sending in payments to MRSD until issue was resolved. He said the town of Fitzwilliam has been paying at a higher rate for July, August, September and October. He said he just wanted the committee to be aware of the issue. He said he believes this is important financial information.
T. Parker said that the Select Board had met with the Firewards on December 2 and discussed the ambulance. The Firewards presented them with a list of items that would need to be repaired if the current ambulance was refurbished. The estimated cost would be $45,000-$46,000.00. The projected life of the refurbished ambulance would be about 2-3 years. T. Parker said that maybe we should consider buying new now that we have more concrete information about refurbishing. A new ambulance would cost approximately $140,000-$180,000.00. B. Thomas stated that he believes this would be a hard sell this year. Budgets are being held to a 1% increase or less, but we want to buy a new ambulance. B. Doerpholz said that we could add a new motor to the refurbished ambulance and it would still
cost about half, and would be practically new. T. Parker said he just wanted the committee to be aware that they had met with the Firewards. The Firewards have not indicated which way they are going to request, refurbish or new.
T. Parker told the committee that the Select Board was just made aware that the Fire Department has been paying members on-call time for Friday and Saturday nights; 3 members each night from 10pm-8am. The cost is approximately $11,000 per year for on call time for the Fire Department. T. Parker wondered about fairness of on-call policy between the FD and PD.
Motion was made to adjourn. Motion 2nd.
Meeting adjourned 8:30pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Heidi L. Wood
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