Town of Atkinson

Budget Committee Meeting Minutes

November 24, 2009

Jim called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM. He stated that the agenda for the evening would be to review the November 17, 2009 minutes, set the Public Hearing Date and have general discussion. The Board agreed that the meeting would end at 8:00 PM.

The Board reviewed the 2010 important dates for local officials to determine the date of the public hearing and other important dates which are relevant to the Board.

The Board had general discussions related to the IT committee. Jim informed the Board that the committee is working on the RFP for the service contract to include prices for hardware. This would create one stop shopping for IT services and should ensure good pricing. Jim informed the Board that the committee has approximately 10 or 12 certified vendors lined up to bid.

Bill asked about the possibilities of moving forward a warrant article for a joint Cable/server room using the cable capital reserve. The Board determined that it would be feasible but direct Bill to have the IT Committee chairman discuss the topic directly with DRA.

The Board briefly discussed the reaming process for establishing the budget. Fred stated that we may all not agree on a certain item, but if the majority of the Board wants to go a certain way, that all members of the Board will support the decision when the budget is presented at the public hearing or at deliberative session.

Jim expressed his issues concerning having the minutes posted on the Town’s website. Steve mentioned that his wife may be able to volunteer to help with the website and will get back to Bill.

Dave discussed the possibility of establishing a list of criteria to use when finalizing the budgets. As an example, he stated that any new services would not be funded. The Board discussed the possibility but a final decision was not reached before the 8:00 PM pre-established end time.

Respectively submitted,

kjb