BUDGET COMMITTEE

           Draft Minutes: February 10, 2010

Present: John Balla, Craig Oshkello, Jim Jennison, Jim K. Brown, Tom Esslinger (Selectmen Rep)
Absent: Sue Metsack, Linda Brenneman

Public: Gretchen Abendschein (Selectman), John Tuthill (Selectman), Kathi Bradt, Tara Lynn Balla, Stella Herpel, Dave Lacasse, Linda Lacasse, Frank Emig

Meeting began: 7:00 PM

Minutes:
Motion TE/JB to approve minutes from Feb 8, 2010, corrections noted, passed.
Motion TE/CO to approve minutes from Jan 28, 2010, corrections noted, passed.

Discussion
1. Line 4909 – Improvements other than Buildings: JB suggested there are options whereby the budget committee would not have to recommend the article and still allow for an effective town vote; board consented to leave as is.
2. Line 4312 – Highway Maintenance: JJ commented that much public concern was expressed over increased wages and health insurance; JJ motion to remove 20k, JB breaks tie, motion passed; GA expresses concern over two voting members of the committee not present, current meeting not being publicly noticed and potential conflict of interest in JJ as town employee; TE adds that budget committee is going beyond its scope by trying to manage line items in the budget; JJ defends his right to motion and vote pointing out other members potential conflicts of interests (selectmen, planning board members, library board members etc…)
3. Motion JKB to adjourn, no second.
4. TE suggests putting the 20k just cut back into the budget as 4909 Paving, 4319 Roof, 4915 Reval Cap Reserve or 4915 Hwy Equip Cap Reserve; motion TE/CO to increase 4319 – Highway General Expenses by 10k; this was the amount previously cut by budget committee; JB breaks tie, motion fails.
5. Motion TE/CO to add 10k into 4915 – Revaluation Capital Reserve: JB breaks tie, motion passed.
6. Motion JJ/CO to approve $634,264 as estimated taxes to be raised; passed.

Meeting adjourned JB: 8:20 PM

Respectfully, Craig Oshkello